How to Prepare for GMAT in 3 Months: The Ultimate Guide to Ace GMAT

GMAT cut-offs are soaring across leading business schools, with increasing competition. To ensure a higher score on the GMAT, you must create a study plan that can lead you to the desired results. Creating a GMAT study plan that matches your timings and aptitude while covering the full syllabus can be your getaway to an excellent GMAT score.

Wondering how long it takes to prepare for the GMAT? Well, it depends on how many hours you can devote and your grasping power. In fact, a 3-month GMAT study plan, though may look unfeasible, is an effective way to ace your GMAT preparation. 

This article dives deeper into the topic of how to prepare for the GMAT in three months. Read on to know what preparation tips you should follow along with a sample 3-month GMAT study plan.

Usually, a 3-month GMAT study plan is sufficient for the examination. According to some unofficial reports, GMAT top scorers usually devote more than 120 hours studying for the GMAT. While the duration of each study session will depend on your circumstances, you may divide 120 hours by 12 weeks of study. 

It works out to a rather feasible 10 hours each week. Even if you’re working or studying, you can always allot; 2–3 hours for daily preparation while maximizing your weekend time. Now that you’re up for the challenge, here’s a look at some preparation strategies you can use.

How to Prepare for GMAT in 3 Months 

If you are facing a time crunch and wondering how you can prepare for the GMAT in just three months, here we unfold a few strategies that will help you immensely to master the different sections of the examination.

Let us look at four detailed ways to help you prepare for the GMAT in three months.

Time Management for Attempting Questions

• If you want an education abroad from top universities, then effective time management is crucial for success on the GMAT. Start by familiarizing yourself with the test format and knowing exactly how much time is allocated for each section. Develop a pacing strategy, breaking down the number of questions you must complete within each time block. 
• During practice sessions, use a timer to simulate test conditions, helping you gauge how long you spend on each question. Prioritize questions: first tackle easier ones to secure quick points, then return to more challenging questions. If a question stumps you, make an educated guess and move on to avoid wasting precious minutes.
• Stay mindful of the clock, but avoid constant clock-watching, which can increase anxiety. Instead, periodically check the time at natural breaks, like when completing a group of questions. Use time management techniques like the two-pass system—the first pass to answer straightforward questions and the second to revisit tougher ones.
• Remember, the GMAT's adaptive scoring system evaluates the difficulty of questions you answer correctly rather than the number of correct answers. Time management is key; focus on answering easier questions accurately to avoid costly mistakes. Regular practice, coupled with these strategies, will enhance your ability to manage time effectively, improving your overall GMAT performance.

Set GMAT Target Score

Top business schools require different competitive GMAT scores for admission. You must set a target score for yourself according to the higher education institution you wish to attend. This will help you know your target and you can set on a path toward achieving a defined goal.

Here's a table highlighting the average accepted GMAT scores at the prestigious MBA programs worldwide.

Source: official university websites

Use GMAT Official Preparation Books

• For GMAT preparation, MBA.com offers several high-quality resources. The GMAT Official Guide 2024-2025 is a comprehensive tool, including an eBook and an online question bank, which helps you practice with real GMAT questions. 
• Additionally, the GMAT Official Practice Questions provide access to hundreds of extra questions to drill down on your studying, complete with checkpoints to track your progress.
• GMAT Official Practice Exams are available for those seeking a simulation of the actual test-taking experience. These full-length exams match the real test format and scoring algorithm, allowing you to monitor your pace and evaluate your strengths and weaknesses.
• MBA.com also offers several free resources, including a 6-week study planner, free practice exams, and a starter kit that includes two full-length practice tests and a selection of practice questions. These tools help you adapt to the GMAT format and build your confidence.

Use GMAT Preparation Applications 

• Preparing for the GMAT requires the effective use of preparation applications. Apps like Magoosh and GMAT Club offer comprehensive study plans, practice questions, and video lessons. They provide adaptive learning algorithms that tailor practice sessions to individual strengths and weaknesses.
• For time management, apps like Manhattan Prep's GMAT Timer are invaluable, ensuring realistic exam simulations. Furthermore, mobile access enables studying anytime, anywhere. Additionally, GMAT Official Prep by GMAC offers official practice tests, giving a precise gauge of readiness.
• These apps enhance preparation by offering structured content, real-time feedback, and community support, making them indispensable tools for achieving a competitive GMAT score.

GMAT 3-Month Strategic Study Plan for Your Rescue

While getting your preparation strategies in order is vital, so is creating a successful GMAT study plan for three months. Here is a sample to help you get the idea:

4 Tips to Follow GMAT 3-Month Study Plan 

Now that you have a 3-month GMAT exam preparation blueprint in place, how do you stick to it? Here are some tips you can use to follow the GMAT study plan.

1. Time Utilization: Smart time management is the key to successfully implementing a study plan. Schedule everything in your life efficiently to avoid missing study or practice days. Begin with 8–10 hour study schedules each week and scale them up afterward. Do not overtax yourself at the beginning. 
2. Diagnostic Practice Test: Note the word diagnostic. While it may seem unnecessary to sit for a practice test before you even start studying, this has multiple benefits in store for you. You will know where you stand in terms of your knowledge of major subjects, what you should practice, and how much to prepare. Hence, an initial diagnosis is highly recommended. 
3. Suitable Preparation Materials: Gathering the right resources is of paramount importance. Get the GMAT Official Guide along with preparatory materials like the Manhattan Prep All the GMAT Bundle, 8th Edition, or the Kaplan GMAT Prep Plus. There are several books for every GMAT section too, along with online e-books and resources. 
4. Study Calendar: Create a calendar for your GMAT study plan, allocating time for important concepts in each section, practice tests, reviews, and more. You can use this as a ready reckoner to track your progress throughout your study period. 

With these comprehensive tips, you won't be wondering how to start preparing for the GMAT. 

To conclude, remember that motivation and sincerity are prerequisites for success on the GMAT. Most of all, enjoy what you learn. You may perceive it as a personal academic and growth journey without always focusing on the end result. It will automatically help you get into the zone. Get your books and resources in order, build your study plan, and get started as soon as possible. Nothing is impossible if you work hard and stay committed to your goals.