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GMAT Study Plan

Ultimate GMAT Study Plan: Build Your Schedule & Ace the Exam

Are you dreaming of pursuing a business degree? Looking to create a structured GMAT study plan? If you are, then you're likely familiar with the importance of the GMAT exam (Graduate Management Admission Test), in your application process.

The GMAT isn't just any test; it's a standardized assessment designed to evaluate your analytical, verbal, and quantitative skills. Achieving a high score on the GMAT can significantly enhance your chances of gaining admission to your preferred business school. But here's the catch – reaching that high score requires a well-structured and effective GMAT study plan.

Creating a personalized study plan for GMAT is the key to turning your aspirations into reality. While the official GMAT study guide is a great starting point, it might not be sufficient on its own. Every student possesses unique strengths and weaknesses, making a one-size-fits-all approach ineffective. To maximize your potential, you must craft a study plan tailored to your needs and objectives.

Ready to take the first step toward your business school dreams? Start by considering these factors when crafting your personalized GMAT study plan. Dive into our comprehensive guide on creating a study plan that works best for you.

GMAT Study Plan

study plan for gmat

You will likely need to take the GMAT regardless of whether you want to pursue an MBA or a MiM in management. Creating a planned, comprehensive study schedule for the GMAT is among the most crucial aspects of preparation.

The GMAT is a challenging exam to ace, and the fact that the scores are more or less scaled and represent a percentile rather than a straightforward pass/fail test makes it even more challenging to prepare effectively for.

But with a thorough and extensive study plan, candidates can manage other aspects of their lives, such as applications, jobs, and other duties, in addition to the exam and get amazing results. You might stay organized, successfully cover all the concepts, and monitor your progress with the aid of a GMAT study plan. In this blog, we will give you a GMAT preparation guide.

Preparation

GMAT preparation requires a well-structured study plan that covers all topics tested in the exam. The exam consists of four sections: Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA), Integrated Reasoning (IR), Quantitative Reasoning (QR), and Verbal Reasoning (VR). Each section tests different skills and knowledge areas.

To create an effective study plan for GMAT prep, start by assessing your current level of knowledge and skills in each section using practice tests or diagnostic exams. Identify areas where you need improvement and prioritize them accordingly in your study plan.

Components

A good GMAT study plan should include practice tests and review sessions. Practice tests will help you familiarize yourself with the exam format, timing, and question types. Review sessions allow you to revise concepts that require more attention.

Allocate specific time slots for each section based on their weightage in the exam. For instance, devote more time to Quantitative Reasoning if math is not one of your strong suits.

How to use

Once you have created a personalized GMAT study plan, it's essential to stick to it. Consistency is key when it comes to GMAT preparation. Allocate a fixed amount of time each day or week for studying and practice tests.

Track your progress by taking periodic mock exams and assess your performance against your target score. Make adjustments to your study plan based on the results of these exams.

How to Develop a GMAT Study Plan

Finding the time to thoroughly prepare a study plan for GMAT is a challenging and intimidating task. Whether it is studying for the GMAT while working, preparing online, or taking mock tests, students can easily make one of the mistakes listed below;

  • At work, a project is assigned to you that takes up more time than you had planned to devote to studying.
  • You take on too many significant social obligations, such as three months of weddings or lengthy travel.
  • You believe you can work 70 or more hours per week at an investment bank or consultancy firm while still balancing your studies.
  • You don't give other aspects of your daily life the time they need: moving, dating a new partner, and preparing for a marathon.

It is just not possible to prepare consistently and intently for a higher-order thinking test like the GMAT under any of these situations. You must set aside a brief but focused study period and stick to it—no exceptions or justifications—if you want to avoid these frequent errors.

How to Build a Study Plan for GMAT

gmat study schedule

The GMAT is a crucial component of the business school application process. It is essential to have a well-structured GMAT study plan for the exam (even GMAT preparation online is a good option), which requires a considerable amount of time and effort. To create an effective study schedule, it is important to determine when you want to take the GMAT and work backward from there.

1. Allocate time-based on strengths/weaknesses

Once you have determined your test date, allocate enough time for each section of the exam based on your strengths and weaknesses. The GMAT consists of four sections: Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA), Integrated Reasoning (IR), Quantitative Reasoning, and Verbal Reasoning. Depending on your abilities, you may need more or less time for each section to prepare a solid study plan for GMAT.

2. Consider your daily routine

When building your study schedule, consider your daily routine and commitments. Do you have a full-time job? Are you taking classes? Do you have family obligations? These factors will impact how much time you can commit to studying each day/week. Be realistic about how much time you can devote to studying while still maintaining balance in other areas of your life.

3. Start preparing early

It is recommended that individuals start preparing for the GMAT at least 3-6 months before their desired test date. This allows ample time for studying, practice tests, and review sessions.

4. Create a study schedule

To create a GMAT study plan schedule that works best for you, follow these steps:

  • Determine when you want to take the GMAT.
  • Allocate enough time for each section based on your strengths and weaknesses.
  • Consider your daily routine and commitments.
  • Determine how much time per day/week you can commit to studying.
  • Create a weekly/monthly calendar with specific study goals.
  • Include practice tests in your schedule.
  • Review your progress regularly and adjust as necessary.
  • Creating a 3-Month GMAT Study Schedule
  • Setting up a 3-Month GMAT Study Schedule

Creating a plan is crucial. A 3-month GMAT study plan schedule is a popular choice among test-takers as it allows for ample time to cover all GMAT topics without feeling too overwhelmed. In this section, we will discuss the key factors you need to consider when setting up your 3-month study plan.

5. Allocating time

The first step in creating a successful study plan for GMAT is allocating enough time for studying each week. It's important to set aside a certain number of hours per week for studying and stick to that schedule consistently. For example, if you decide to dedicate 15 hours per week towards studying, you can split those hours into five sessions of three hours each or six sessions of two and a half hours each.

6. Breaking down plan into goals

Once you've decided on how many hours you'll be dedicating towards studying each week, it's important to break down your plan into weekly goals. This can help keep you on track and ensure that you're making progress toward achieving your overall goal of scoring well on the GMAT exam.

For instance, if your goal is to complete all math concepts within the first month, then break down the math section into smaller sub-topics such as algebra, geometry, or probability and assign specific days or weeks for covering each topic. Similarly, divide verbal concepts such as sentence correction or critical reasoning into smaller sections and assign them accordingly.

7. Flexibility is key

It's essential to be flexible with your GMAT study plan over the 3-month period. If there are any unexpected events that come up during this period such as illness or personal emergencies, it may impact your ability to follow through with your original timeline. In these cases, adjust your schedule accordingly so that you don't feel overwhelmed by trying to catch up on missed work.

Creating a 3-month study plan for GMAT is an excellent way to ensure that you're adequately prepared for the exam. By allocating enough time for studying each week, breaking down your plan into weekly goals, and being flexible with your schedule, you'll be well on your way toward achieving your desired score.

Golden Rules for Your GMAT Study Plan

golden rules for gmat study plan

There is no one-size-fits-all study strategy that is effective for this exam because every student has a different set of skills and weaknesses. While some students merely need assistance applying their knowledge to this particular exam, others need more time to review and grasp certain arithmetic or language skills.

If you want to score 700+ in GMAT exam, you need some golden rules. The tips are as follows. No matter what, everyone should be sure to abide by these crucial rules to develop a GMAT study plan:

Rule 1: start early

Complete your test preparation if you are a college student preparing to graduate, especially if you intend to work in a profession that requires a lot of your time (investment banking, management consulting, etc.) As a college student, you are used to putting in long hours of concentrated study time, you typically have a superior grasp of the fundamental GMAT material, and you have time to concentrate solely on the exam.

If you are already employed full-time, go by the advice provided below, but begin your study plan for GMAT far in advance of the application date. Keep in mind that GMAT scores are valid for 5 years, so there is no reason to start preparing at the last minute.

Rule 2: choose the best period

If you have a full-time job, you must carefully schedule your preparation window—2 months before the application date is NEVER a good idea. Set aside an additional month to prepare for the GMAT if you are changing jobs or taking a long vacation. You may finish 10 weeks' worth of "full-time employment" learning in 3–4 weeks with intensive preparation.

Given the complexity of the GMAT, you will be better able to spot trends and make progress when you are fully immersed in the examination.

Similar to this, schedule your GMAT study plan preparation during a slack period of the year at your company or you can ask to put off difficult assignments for a few months. You should also seriously consider taking a week off before the exam. It can be very beneficial to your score if you have 10 days to devote solely to practice exams and timed sets without any interruptions.

Rule 3: clear your schedule

The majority of you will need to study for the exam while juggling your regular employment obligations during a 10-week timeframe. You must clear your social calendar during that time and try your hardest to refuse any additional work-related commitments. There will inevitably be some confrontations throughout those several months, but they must be kept to a minimum.

The major issue I have with kids is that they do not set aside a dedicated 10-week period, which results in the exam ruining their lives for the entire year. With this exam, it's very typical to start and stop your preparation over a period of 6 to 12 months (or more). Don't let that happen to you!

Rule 4: consult an expert

Although many people choose to self-study, it is typically a bad choice. Why? Compared to previous standardized examinations and the topic assessments you are used to from high school and college, this exam takes a different kind of preparation. People squander so much time on ineffective studying, and after six agonizing months of independent study, the majority of self-study students enroll in a course or seek private tutoring.

If you enroll in a credible GMAT prep course or engage a qualified GMAT tutor, you can gain a lot from a specialist who is aware of what makes the test difficult and how to get through this kind of difficulty.

Rule #1 Start early
Rule #2 Choose the best period
Rule #3 Clear your schedule
Rule #4 Consult an expert

Pitfalls to Avoid

The first problem is that the official materials' "solutions" are insufficient. They do, however, not always depict the quickest or shortest route to arriving at the correct answer. Slow problem-solving will lower your grade. Students can find such things on mba.com (the official body conducting the GMAT exam).

Even worse, learning these subpar answers can cause you to develop undesirable habits that you'll have to subsequently undo. Have you had time to do that? Or the time to do an in-depth study on online forums to analyze several remedies to each issue so you can decide which is the quickest and form a good GMAT study plan?

Since every hour you don't spend studying for the GMAT may be used to advance your profession, improve your extracurricular activities, or simply just unwind, you should value your time.

10-Week GMAT Study Plan

gmat study plan for working professionals

With a full-time job, you should budget 2-3 hours each day for the exam, with a longer study session of 4 hours on one weekend day and a shorter session of 2 hours on the other. Over the course of the 10 weeks, you should ideally put in at least 12 hours per week for a study plan for GMAT.

Avoid brief study periods that don't allow you to go deeply into a subject and practice attention and pattern recognition. You can reduce the length of this GMAT study plan to five to six weeks if you don't work a full-time job. Students can follow a GMAT preparation course to get results:

Week 1

Arithmetic & critical reasoning (CR)

Refresh your understanding of all key arithmetic concepts (calculations, percents, ratios, factors, and multiples) and use it to solve particular groups of official problems that test those concepts. For mastering all the many nuances and tactics related to that type, completing huge quantities of tasks within one content area is crucial.

Apply key methods for answering questions requiring critical thought to a selection of official issues. Success in critical thinking depends on having particular, organized tactics, but most self-study students fail to establish a methodical approach.

Week 2

Algebra & reading comprehension (RC)

Refresh your knowledge of all fundamental algebra concepts (calculations, inequalities, exponents/roots, quadratics, typical algebraic equations), then use it to solve particular groups of official problems that test those concepts. Make sure you have a thorough command of algebra because the GMAT has a high standard for this subject.

Apply key reading comprehension techniques to a selection of official excerpts and quiz questions. Your reading strategy and your capacity for seeing patterns and tips relating to particular types of questions are both essential for success in GMAT study plan.

Week 3

Word problems & sentence correction (SC)

Discover approaches and best practices for developing word problems on your study plan for GAMT. You must become proficient with these word puzzles because they appear on practically all tests: Venn diagrams, weighted averages, conversions, mixtures of work and distance rates, etc.

Problems with sentence correction call for both a solid technique and an understanding of the fundamental grammar. It is ideal to acquire grammar by solving issues rather than in a vacuum after a comprehensive initial grammar review. The majority of the time, sentence correction questions assess your ability to make decisions

Week 4

Geometry/statistics & SC

Use this week to concentrate on the "secondary" but more challenging quantitative topic areas of statistics and geometry. Make sure you have a firm grasp on all crucial geometry relationships and formulas and learn effective methods for handling challenging geometry issues. Make sure you are proficient in basic probability and combinatorics, as well as the descriptive statistics mean, median, mode, range, and standard deviation.


Work on sentence correction exercises for one more week, paying attention to both grammar and approach. Keep a well-organized error log of sentence correction problems and revisit them to make sure you understand both your GMAT study plan errors and your content knowledge issues.

Week 5

Data sufficiency & CR/RC review

Learn how to use the best strategies for this challenging question type by completing a large number of data-sufficiency problems. It is crucial that you master the best methods for this basic quant question type because the majority of students do not effectively utilize the various suggestions offered in DS questions. 

Concentrate on a sizable number of tougher CR and RC questions. You will more clearly understand how comparable the tactics and skill sets needed for these two question categories are as you complete sets this week and go over basic concepts. It should be a part of your study plan for GMAT.

Week 6-10

Timed question sets + quant diagnostic + practice test

Using the official resources offered by GMAC (official practice questions 1 + 2 and the supplement guides) do 3 to 4 timed sets of medium and hard questions: 31-question sets for quant ( ½ problem solving and ½ data sufficiency) and 36-question verbal sets (roughly 1/3rd of each type).

Do the first of the three 24-question quant diagnostic tests in the official quantitative practice bundle.

GMAT Study Plan for Students

This is a standard 3-month GMAT study plan that students can follow for GMAT preparation along with managing their other commitments. You can also check out to get more insights on GMAT.

Week #01: lay the groundwork

Learn about the GMAT's underlying principles. Find out more about the exam and how it is graded, and get an idea of the types of questions it contains. You can take an in the typical exam setting if you want to find out more about your current exam aptitude. This will enable you to evaluate your present level of knowledge, and timing and develop an effective GMAT study plan.

Time- 6 hours

Week #02: quantitative focus

Read up on the GMAT Quant part in numerous guides and test preparation materials to become familiar with it. Review math tactics, formulae, facts, and definitions. Develop your understanding of algebraic, geometrical, and word problem ideas. Utilize flashcards to increase your conceptual fluency and get a good study plan for GMAT.

Time- 15 hours

Week #03: verbal focus

Learn the GMAT Verbal portion inside and out. Develop your understanding of grammar, sentence patterns, and GMAT reading. Using flashcards, practice your grammar fluency.

Time- 15 hours

Week #04: evaluate your development

To evaluate your comprehension and advancement in the verbal and quantitative sections, take a practice exam. Examine the outcomes of the practice tests to identify the concepts you had the greatest trouble understanding. Later while preparing a GMAT study plan, you can build even more on those ideas.

Time- (8 hours)

Week #05: quantitative review

After taking the concept review exam, concentrate on improving your understanding of the number of properties, sets, questions, and ideas you had trouble with previously. Test your problem-solving and data-sufficiency skills. Utilize flashcards to increase your fluency and time management abilities.

Time- 15 hours

Week #06: verbal review

Develop your understanding of reading comprehension and critical thinking questions. Work on the issues that you had with the initial review test. Work on your GMAT verbal skills. As every student should already know, Verbal is a very crucial part of your study plan for GMAT.

Time- 15 hours

Week #07: build the IR & AWA foundation

Review and put into practice AWA prompts and tactics. Review and master the hints and techniques for IR questions before answering them.

Time- 10 hours

Week #08: re-review of quantitative & verbal

Review the verbal and quantitative topics as necessary. Always use the active recollection technique when reviewing concepts; it will help you remember the material and refer to it when needed. With reviewing, you can create a strong study plan for GMAT.

Time- 10 hours

Week #09: review ideas as necessary

Review and rewrite the ideas you particularly struggled with during the entirety of your preparation, taking into account the exam results of the most recent review test. A GMAT study plan must need new ideas as there are constant developments. Increase your active knowledge retrieval and response time by practicing as many questions as you can.

Time- 6 hours

Week #10: light review

It's crucial to be well-rested as you prepare to take the exam. If you are concerned about your performance, go over some of the tests again and make some minor revisions. It is advised to get as much rest as you can.

Time- 4 hours

Week #01
(6 hours)
lay the groundwork
Week #02
(15 hours)
quantitative focus
Week #03
(15 hours)
verbal focus
Week #04
(8 hours)
evaluate your development
Week #05
(15 hours)
quantitative review
Week #06
(15 hours)
verbal review
Week #07
(10 hours)
build the IR & AWA foundation
Week #08
(10 hours)
re-review of quantitative & verbal
Week #09
(6 hours)
review ideas as necessary
Week #10
(4 hours)
light review

Things to Consider

Each person has a different perception of how long the GMAT exam preparation process takes. Since the GMAT is an aptitude and capacity test, there is no set amount of time needed to understand all the concepts and become ready for the test. But with a good GMAT prep book, it usually takes at least three months of study to get ready for the test.

If you are already skilled in the aptitudes being assessed, it might only take a little bit longer. There is no predetermined amount of time for GMAT study plan because each student's abilities and aptitudes vary. But each study plan for GMAT begins with these actions:

  1. Determine your target score: Having a target score will help you concentrate more during the exam and will give you a target to work for. You'll be able to concentrate better on the stuff that you find particularly challenging.
  2. Identify your advantages and disadvantages: Finding your strong and weak parts can help you understand what areas need more attention and what areas you can manage without much difficulty.
  3. Gather resources and study materials: It's critical to compile all the materials and resources you'll need before creating a study schedule. There are many resources available.
  4. Determine your time constraints: Knowing how much time you have to devote to preparation is a crucial aspect. Setting realistic time goals is crucial when there are so many tasks and details to complete.

 

Conclusion

You are mistaken if you think that the most prestigious MBA programs exclusively accept GMAT online exam scores. The GMAT is also offered for degrees leading to an early career, check resources at MiM-Essay to know more. There are numerous degrees offered like MBA, MSBA, MEM, etc., so having a GMAT study plan can assure you readiness all the time.

What is a GMAT study plan, and why is it important for Indian students who wish to study abroad?

A GMAT study plan is a structured schedule that outlines the topics to be covered, study materials to be used, and the timeframe for preparation. It is important for Indian students as it helps them organize their study time effectively, stay focused, and achieve their desired GMAT score for admission to study abroad.

How can I create an effective GMAT study plan?

To create an effective GMAT study plan, start by assessing your current knowledge and identifying your strengths and weaknesses. Set clear goals, break down the syllabus into manageable sections, allocate time for study and practice, and incorporate regular review sessions. Adapt the plan based on your progress and make adjustments as needed.

How much time should I dedicate to each section of the GMAT in my study plan?

The allocation of time for each GMAT section depends on your individual strengths and weaknesses. Analyze your performance through practice tests and focus more on the sections where you need improvement. However, it's generally recommended to allocate an equal amount of time to each section initially and adjust as needed.

Is it possible to adjust my study plan if I feel overwhelmed or need more time?

Yes, it is absolutely possible and often necessary to adjust your study plan if you feel overwhelmed or require more time. Be flexible and willing to adapt the plan based on your progress and personal circumstances. Remember that quality preparation is more important than strictly adhering to a rigid schedule.

Should I practice with official GMAT practice tests during my study plan?

Yes, practicing with official GMAT practice tests is highly recommended. Official practice tests closely simulate the actual exam and provide an accurate assessment of your progress. They help familiarize you with the format, timing, and question types, allowing you to refine your test-taking strategies.

Know Your Author
Photo of Abhyank
Abhyank Srinet
Study Abroad Expert
Abhyank Srinet, the founder of MiM-Essay.com, is a globally recognized expert in study abroad and admission consulting.His passion lies in helping students navigate the complex world of admissions and achieve their academic dreams. Having earned a Master's degree in Management from ESCP Europe, Abhyank's expertise in data-driven marketing strategies has driven growth for some of the most competitive industries. As the founder of MiM-Essay.com, he has helped thousands of students get into top business schools with a strong emphasis on research, shortlisting, and applying to schools from a single platform. His dedication to education has also led him to create MentR-Me, a free-to-use social platform that simplifies the study abroad process for students, while providing universities with a powerful recruitment tool. As a leader in the field of admission consulting, he is constantly researching and implementing the latest strategies to ensure that his clients receive the best possible guidance. He leads the Business Development and Digital Marketing side of both companies, and has grown both ventures to 7 figure revenue.His unique insights, experience, and dedication to his clients make him a valuable resource for anyone seeking to advance their education or career.
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