Mastering the GMAT: Strategies for Success and Optimal Study Time
The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a critical exam for those aiming to pursue advanced studies in business. Success on this test is not solely about the time invested but also about the quality of preparation. In this article, we will explore general strategies and insights on effective GMAT preparation, backed by proven techniques from experienced educators.
General Information about the GMAT
On average, students spend around 100-200 hours preparing for the GMAT, though this can vary significantly depending on your background and target score. The GMAT assesses your analytical writing, quantitative, verbal, and integrated reasoning skills, making it a challenging but rewarding test.
KEY TO SUCCESS: COMPREHENSIVE PREPARATION
FREE Preparation Resources: Begin your GMAT preparation by utilizing free resources available online. A simple Google search for 'GMAT free study materials' can provide links to numerous resources, ranging from practice questions to webinars and forums where you can engage with other test-takers.
Strategies for Effective GMAT Preparation
The GMAT is not a matter of magic or shortcuts, but dedication and systematic preparation. Here are some concrete strategies to help you achieve your desired score:
1. Math – Quantitative Section
The quantitative section requires a solid understanding of mathematical concepts and practice with difficult problems. Our recommended study path is:
Foundation: Start with a basic math review through books like GMAT NOVA or official GMAT Guides. These resources provide a strong foundation in math concepts. Challenge: Once comfortable, move to tackling tough questions from various sources available online. This will help you become familiar with the types of questions that can appear on the test.Remember, the official guides alone are not sufficient. Supplement your studies with a variety of sources to ensure comprehensive coverage of the topics.
2. Verbal – Reading Comprehension and Sentence Correction
The verbal section consists of reading comprehension, sentence correction, and critical reasoning questions. Here's a step-by-step approach:
Reading Comprehension: Read diverse sources such as blogs, news articles, and academic texts. Emphasize key inflection points and avoid getting bogged down in details. Aim to complete the first four questions of any passage within 7-8 minutes. Sentence Correction: Keep an error log and focus on the fundamental categories of errors. After understanding the theory behind sentence correction, dive into practice questions. Dedicate significant time to both solving and analyzing these questions.Achieving a stable score of 750 on practice tests is essential to securing a final score of 700 on the actual GMAT.
Challenges During Preparation
Students often face several challenges during their preparation:
Comfort Zone: Many focus on their strengths and avoid areas that are challenging, which can hamper overall performance. Fear and Anxiety: Ignoring areas that scare you based on fear can lead to poor performance in those sections and a drop in confidence. Time Management: Students often spend less time on difficult areas, which is counterproductive. Instead, consistent practice and review of both correct and incorrect questions will yield better results.Effective Study Plan
To address these challenges and improve your GMAT score, here's a study plan to follow:
Create a Study Plan: Develop a monthly study plan with weekly checkpoints to assess your performance. Optimized Time Distribution: Allocate optimum hours to each section. Aim for 20-25 hours of study time per week, distributed across all five key areas of the GMAT. Analysis: Spend half of your study time practicing questions and the other half analyzing both correct and incorrect answers to gain deeper insights. Adapt and Persist: Continue practicing and improving even in areas where you perform well. Avoid ignoring your strengths as they can be as critical as areas you find difficult. Scheduled Sittings: Schedule study sessions of 3-4 hours, covering two different sections, such as RC (Reading Comprehension), CR (Critical Reasoning), SC (Sentence Correction), DS (Data Sufficiency), and PS (Problem Solving).By following these strategies, you can enhance your GMAT preparation and ensure you are well-prepared for the actual test day. Remember, consistency and quality over quantity are key to success on the GMAT.