GMAT cut-offs are soaring across leading business schools, with increasing competition. While many institutions may have cut-offs between 650 and 730, that does not guarantee admission. There are even instances where candidates sat again for the GMAT after scoring more than 700 to land a place in the 99th percentile, considered a safer bet. Moreover, 760 and upwards (99th percentile) is a great score, making it easier to find a place at the world’s top business schools. Do you want to achieve this score or higher? To ensure the same, a good GMAT study plan is necessary.
Three months are usually sufficient to study for the examination. A comforting fact helps put this into perspective. 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 looking at some preparation strategies you can use.
How to Prepare for GMAT in 3 Months?
If you are facing a time crunch and thinking how do you prepare for GMAT in just three months? We unfold a few strategies that will help you immensely to master the different sections of the examination.
GMAT 3-Month Strategic Plan for Your Rescue
GMAT Section | Preparation Strategies |
Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) |
|
Integrated Reasoning |
|
Verbal Reasoning |
|
Quantitative Reasoning |
|
While getting your preparation strategies in order is vital, so is creating a good GMAT study plan for three months. Here is a sample to help you get the idea:
Week | General Tasks | Quantitative Reasoning | Verbal Reasoning | Integrated Reasoning | Analytical Writing Assessment | Hours |
1 | Understanding GMAT scoring pattern, structure, and sections + Diagnostic Practice Test | List the major concepts, topics, and question types for preparation, along with weaknesses | List out the major concepts, topics, and question types for preparation, along with weaknesses | List out the major concepts, topics, and question types for preparation, along with weaknesses | List out the major concepts, topics, and question types for preparation, along with weaknesses | 8–10 |
2 | Mathematical formulas, concepts like ratios, percentages, exponents, etc.
Also, going through problem-solving and data-sufficiency questions | 10–12 | ||||
3 | Sentence Correction & Critical Reasoning Questions with Solutions + Reading Comprehension Questions + Grammar Rules + Vocabulary and Reading | 10–12 | ||||
4 | Practice Test + Result Review + Finding Weaknesses and Working on Them | Practice Test Result Review + Finding Weaknesses and Working on Them | 8-10 | |||
5 | Advanced Data Sufficiency & Problem Solving Questions + Solving Problematic Questions from Practice Test | 8-10 | ||||
6 | Practicing Advanced Sentence Correction, Reading Comprehension and Critical Reasoning questions + solving problematic questions from practice test + reading on section strategies and approaches to various questions | 10-12 | ||||
7 | Starting with Core Concepts, Question Types, Graph Reading and Sample Questions | 10-12 | ||||
8 | Practice Test & Result Analysis | Practice Test & Result Analysis | Practice Test & Result Analysis | 8-10 | ||
9 | Advanced Questions + Practicing Difficult Questions from Practice Test | 8-10 | ||||
10 | Familiarity with Section + Sample Prompts and Essays + Finding Templates + Daily 2-3 Essays for Practice | 12 | ||||
11 | Organizing all Revision Material Across Sections | Practice Test + Result Review + Noting Tough Problems and How to Solve Them | Practice Test + Result Review + Noting Tough Problems and How to Solve Them | Practice Test + Result Review + Noting Tough Problems and How to Solve Them | Practice Test + Result Review + Noting Tough Problems and How to Solve Them | |
12 | Noting Examination Rules and Planning for the Test Center | Light Revision of Core Concepts | Brief Look Through Question Types | Brief Look Through Question Types | Brief Glance into Sample Essay Prompts | 7-8 |
4 Tips to Follow the GMAT 3-Month Study Plan
Now that you have a 3-month GMAT exam preparation blueprint in place, how do you stick to the same? Here are some tips you can use.
- 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 it up thereafter. Do not overtax yourself at the beginning.
- 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.
- 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, 7th Edition, or the Kaplan GMAT Prep Plus 2022-2023, along with the GMAT Official Advanced Questions. There are several books for every GMAT section and online e-books and resources.
- 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 GMAT.
Remember that motivation and sincerity are prerequisites for success in 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 at the earliest. Nothing is impossible if you work hard and stay committed to your goals.
FAQs
Are 3 months enough for GMAT preparation?
A span of three months is usually considered sufficient for GMAT preparation. It ensures sizable time to cover basic concepts, go through almost all question types, and take a few practice tests.
Is GMAT 600 easy?
Getting 600 or more on the GMAT is not easy by any means. It necessitates attention to detail, smart preparation, and extensive study, not to mention critical thinking and logical reasoning aptitude.
Exams to Study Abroad
IELTS ExamGRE ExamGMAT ExamTOEFL ExamSAT ExamACT ExamTop Study Abroad Destinations
USAGermanyUKCanadaAustraliaImportant Resources to Read
Cost of Studying in USACost of Studying in CanadaCanada vs AustraliaCheapest Countries to Study for Indian StudentsFree Education in GermanyHigher Studies after MBA in AbroadReasons for Rejection of Canada Student VisaDegree or Diploma in CanadaGermany vs CanadaWhat to do after F1 Visa RejectionGermany Post Study Work VisaInterested in studying abroad?
Refer Your Friend & Earn upto ₹15000
Help your friend upgrade to a Global Career and earn rewards together.