GMAT Study Plan: When to Prepare & How to Build a Schedule

Gearing up for the GMAT and wondering how to excel in it? You’re not alone. More than 2,000,000 students appear for the exam every year, and each one of them has one common need: A structured GMAT study plan. 

In this article, we’re going to give you exactly that — a detailed guide on creating a section-wise GMAT study plan that works best for you. Let’s dive in!

Section-Wise Study Plan for GMAT Preparation

The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) consists of four main sections: Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA), Integrated Reasoning (IR), Quantitative Reasoning (Quant), and Verbal Reasoning. 

When preparing for the GMAT, you need to focus on each of these sections individually. That’s why it is crucial to create a section-wise GMAT study plan and stick to it. Here’s how you can do it:

Analytical Writing Assessment

The AWA section tests a candidate’s ability to analyze an argument and communicate their thoughts. Here’s how you can prepare for it:

• Start by familiarizing yourself with the types of arguments presented in this section. Practice identifying logical flaws and assumptions.
• Write at least two essays per week. Focus on identifying the argument’s assumptions and critiquing its structure.
• Develop a template for your essay structure. Add a clear introduction, well-organized body paragraphs, and a concise conclusion.
• Time yourself regularly. With only 30 minutes to plan and write, efficiency is key.
• Review sample essays to understand what graders are looking for in top-scoring responses.
• If possible, have your essays reviewed by a tutor or use online platforms that offer feedback on GMAT essays.

Integrated Reasoning 

This section evaluates a candidate’s ability to analyze data from multiple sources. Your study plan should include:

• Practicing with various data formats including graphs, tables, and text passages.
• Developing quick data interpretation skills. Time is of the essence in this 30-minute section.
• Focus on the four types of quant questions: multi-source reasoning, table analysis, graphics interpretation, and two-part analysis.

Incorporate 15-20 minutes of IR practice into your daily study routine. Use GMAT preparation books and online resources for practice questions.

Quantitative Reasoning

The quant section often causes the most anxiety among students. Here’s how to approach it:

• Begin with a thorough review of fundamental math concepts. Algebra, geometry, and arithmetic form the core of GMAT math.
• Master data sufficiency questions. These unique question types require a different approach than traditional problem-solving.
• Practice mental math and estimation. The on-screen calculator can be a time sink if overused.
• Work on translating word problems into mathematical equations. This skill is crucial for many GMAT quant questions.

Remember, the Quant section covers two types of questions – Problem Solving and Data Sufficiency. Allocate time to practice both types of Quant questions. Start with easier questions and gradually move to more difficult ones.

Dedicate at least an hour each day to Quant practice. Keep track of the types of questions you find challenging and spend extra time reinforcing those areas.

Verbal Reasoning

Don’t underestimate the verbal section. Even native English speakers need to prepare thoroughly:

• For reading comprehension, practice active reading techniques. Focus on the main ideas, supporting details, and the author’s tone.
• In critical reasoning questions, learn to identify conclusions, evidence, and assumptions quickly.
• Sentence correction questions require a solid grasp of English grammar and idioms. Regular practice is key to improvement.

Allocate at least an hour each day to Verbal practice. Rotate between the different question types to ensure balanced preparation.

How Can You Create Your GMAT Study Plan?

With a basic understanding of what you need to focus on in each section, now it’s time to create your own GMAT study plan. Here are some tips to do so:

1. Assess your starting point with a diagnostic test. Use the score you gain in this test as a baseline for building your preparation strategy. 
2. Allocate more time to your weaker areas, but don’t neglect your strengths.
3. Use official GMAT materials for the most accurate practice.
4. Take full-length practice tests regularly to build familiarity and track progress.
5. Review your mistakes thoroughly. Understanding why you got a question wrong is crucial for improvement.

Remember, GMAT preparation is a marathon, not a sprint. Consistency in your studies, coupled with targeted practice in each section, will set you on the path to success. Adjust your plan as you go, focusing on areas where you see the most room for improvement.

With dedication and the right approach, you can master each section of the GMAT and achieve the score you’re aiming for. 

Conclusion

Creating a section-wise GMAT study plan is crucial for achieving your target score in the exam. By understanding the unique demands of each section and tailoring your preparation accordingly, you can maximize your performance on test day. 

Remember that consistency, targeted practice, and regular self-assessment are key to GMAT success. As you progress through your study plan, be flexible and willing to adjust your approach based on your evolving strengths and weaknesses. 

With dedication and the right strategy, you can conquer the GMAT and take a significant step toward your business school aspirations.