The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a critical step for anyone aiming to get into a top-tier business school. A good GMAT score can significantly strengthen your application and increase your chances of admission. However, the GMAT is not just a test of knowledge; it requires strategy, time management, and consistent effort. Creating an effective study plan is the foundation for acing the GMAT.
A well-structured GMAT study plan is tailored to your unique strengths, weaknesses, and goals. It allows you to focus on areas that need improvement, track progress, and build confidence. In this post, we’ll walk you through the steps to create a GMAT study plan that works, ensuring you’re prepared to perform at your best on test day.
GMAT Study Plan 2025
Understand the New GMAT Structure and Scoring
Section
Weightage (%)
Number of Questions
Time (Minutes)
Key Topics
Quantitative Reasoning (Quant)
~33%
21 questions
45
Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Data Interpretation
– Revise basics of arithmetic, algebra, and geometry.- Focus on number properties, equations, and data interpretation.- Use books like GMAT Official Guide and Manhattan GMAT Quant.
2-3 weeks
2. Practice Core Topics
– Solve topic-wise questions: percentages, ratios, probability, and coordinate geometry.- Focus on weak areas.
2 weeks
3. Timed Problem Sets
– Practice mixed problem sets with a timer.- Use GMATPrep software or online mock tests.
1 week
4. Data Sufficiency Mastery
– Focus on data sufficiency questions as they make up a significant portion of Quant.- Practice identifying if information is sufficient without solving fully.
Ongoing
5. Full-Length Section Tests
– Take Quant section-specific mocks under timed conditions.- Review mistakes and understand patterns.
1 week
2. Verbal Reasoning (23 Questions, 45 Minutes)
Study Plan:
Steps
Action Items
Recommended Time
1. Reading Comprehension (RC)
– Practice identifying the main idea, tone, and inferences.- Start with shorter passages and progress to complex ones.- Read editorials for comprehension practice.
2 weeks
2. Critical Reasoning (CR)
– Focus on assumptions, argument evaluation, and flaw identification.- Learn to diagram arguments for clarity.- Practice from Powerscore CR Bible.
2 weeks
3. Sentence Correction (SC)
– Revise grammar rules: subject-verb agreement, modifiers, idioms.- Practice recognizing common traps like parallelism and misplaced modifiers.
2 weeks
4. Sectional Drills
– Combine RC, CR, and SC questions in timed sets to improve endurance and pacing.- Use GMATPrep or Verbal-specific resources.
1 week
5. Review & Error Analysis
– Review wrong answers and understand why the correct answer works.- Maintain an error log for improvement.
– Practice assumption and flaw-based questions (10 daily).
1.5 hours/day
Data Insights: Table Analysis
– Solve multi-source reasoning and table analysis questions (5-7 daily).
1 hour/day
Day 5-6
Timed Practice Sets
– Solve 10 questions from each section under timed conditions.- Review performance.
4 hours/day
Day 7
Sectional Test
– Take a sectional test for Quant or Verbal.- Focus on improving weak areas.
3 hours (test) + 2 hours review
Week 3-4: Master Advanced Topics
Day
Focus Area
Tasks
Time Allocation
Day 1-3
Quant: Geometry & Probability
– Focus on circles, triangles, probability, and sets.- Solve 15 questions daily.
2.5 hours/day
Verbal: Sentence Correction
– Practice parallelism and idioms.- Solve 15 SC questions daily.
1.5 hours/day
Data Insights: Logical Reasoning
– Work on pattern recognition and reasoning puzzles.- Solve 5-7 questions daily.
1 hour/day
Day 4-6
Mixed Practice Sets
– Combine 10 questions each from Quant, Verbal, and Data Insights in timed sets.
4-5 hours/day
Day 7
Mock Test
– Take another full-length mock test.- Update error log and identify weak topics.
3 hours (test) + 2 hours review
Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay
Week 5: Focus on Weak Areas
Day
Focus Area
Tasks
Time Allocation
Day 1-4
Personalized Practice
– Focus on your weakest section.- Use your error log to revisit concepts and strategies.
4-5 hours/day
Time Management
– Practice pacing with timed questions for each section.
Ongoing
Day 5-6
Integrated Practice
– Solve mixed questions from all sections in 45-minute sets.
4-5 hours/day
Day 7
Mock Test
– Take a full-length test.- Compare your performance with previous mocks.
3 hours (test) + 2 hours review
Week 6: Final Revision & Strategy
Day
Focus Area
Tasks
Time Allocation
Day 1-3
Quick Review of Key Topics
– Revise important Quant formulas, grammar rules, and Data Insights strategies.
4 hours/day
Sectional Practice
– Solve 10-15 questions from each section daily.
1 hour/section
Day 4-5
Final Timed Drills
– Attempt 45-minute sets for each section.- Focus on accuracy and time management.
4-5 hours/day
Day 6
Light Practice
– Solve easy questions and review strategies.- Avoid overloading before test day.
2-3 hours
Day 7
Test Day Prep
– Sleep well and relax.- Prepare ID and test essentials.
N/A
Additional Tips:
Daily Routine:
Morning: Study your weakest topics.
Afternoon: Practice timed sets.
Evening: Review mistakes and revise.
Mock Tests: Take at least 4 full-length mocks (1 every weekend).
Breaks: Take short breaks (5-10 minutes) after every hour of study to stay fresh.
Image from Gholdenphish
By understanding the test format, setting clear goals, and breaking down your preparation into manageable phases, you can approach the GMAT with confidence. Remember, the key to success is consistency and perseverance. Start planning today, trust the process, and give it your best effort. With a solid study plan, you’ll be well on your way to achieving your target GMAT score and taking a significant step toward your MBA dreams.
Should I focus more on Quantitative or Verbal Reasoning?
Both sections are important, but if you’re stronger in one area, you might prioritize the weaker one. It’s essential to maintain a balance to maximize your overall score.
How many practice tests should I take?
Taking 3-5 full-length practice tests is recommended to simulate test-day conditions, track your progress, and identify areas for improvement.
Can I improve my GMAT score with just 1 month of preparation?
While one month can be enough for a significant score improvement, it depends on your current GMAT skills. More preparation time is generally recommended for a higher score.
Should I use official GMAT study materials?
Yes, official GMAT prep materials from the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) are highly recommended as they offer the most accurate representation of the actual test.
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