How to Create an Effective 2024 GMAT Study Plan for Top Scores

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01 August 2024

10 mins

Key Takeaways:

• Assess your current GMAT knowledge and set realistic score goals
• Allocate 2-3 months for thorough GMAT preparation
• Focus on all GMAT sections: Quantitative, Verbal, Integrated Reasoning, and Analytical Writing
• Use high-quality study materials and practice tests from official sources
• Create a consistent study schedule with dedicated time for each section

Preparing for the GMAT can be a challenging yet rewarding journey for aspiring business school students. A well-structured GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) study plan is essential for achieving your target score and gaining admission to top MBA programs.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through creating an effective GMAT study plan tailored to your needs, time constraints, and learning style. Whether you're starting from scratch or looking to refine your existing strategy, our expert tips and insights will help you maximize your preparation and approach the test with confidence.

Let's study the GMAT Study Plan

A GMAT study plan is a structured approach to preparing for the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT), which is a standardized exam used by many business schools worldwide as part of the admissions process. If you're wondering how to prepare for GMAT, a well-crafted GMAT study plan can help you maximize your score potential.

The GMAT is a challenging exam to ace, and the scores are more or less scaled and represent a percentile rather than a straightforward pass/fail test, making it even more challenging to prepare effectively for.

But with a thorough GMAT practice and study plan, candidates can manage other aspects of their lives, such as applications, jobs, and other duties, in addition to the exam and get amazing results. You might stay organized, successfully cover all the concepts, and monitor your progress with a GMAT study plan.

Understanding the GMAT Structure

Ace Your GMAT: Mastering a Section-Wise Study Plan

Preparing for the GMAT is a pivotal step in your journey towards business school. Given the exam’s complexity and its significance in the application process, a well-thought-out study plan is crucial.

You can also check out the GMAT Previous editions on the official website. Here’s how you can build a tailored study schedule that fits your needs and maximizes your performance on the exam.

GMAT Study Plan: Preparing for AWA

The Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) section of the GMAT evaluates your ability to analyze arguments and communicate your ideas effectively. It consists of one essay prompt, and you have 30 minutes to construct a coherent response.

Here's a comprehensive guide to help you excel in this section:

1. Understanding the Structure: 

The AWA essay follows a structured format:

• Introduction: Restate the argument and identify any flaws.
• Body Paragraphs: Present your analysis in three paragraphs, each addressing a specific aspect of the argument.
• Conclusion: Summarize your evaluation and suggest ways to strengthen the argument.

2. Utilizing Structural Words

Incorporate structural words throughout your essay to enhance clarity and coherence. These words can help you transition between ideas and strengthen your argument. Examples include "for example," "furthermore," "however," and "consequently."

3. Applying Templates

Templates provide a framework for structuring your essay efficiently. Use the following template as a guide:

• Introduction: Restate the argument, point out flaws, and state your intention to discuss them.
• Body Paragraphs: Address each flaw in the argument systematically, providing supporting examples and contrasting viewpoints.
• Conclusion: Summarize your analysis and suggest ways to strengthen the argument.

4. Crafting Full-Fledged Essays

Practice transitioning from templates to full-fledged essays by tackling sample prompts. Here's an example essay question and a corresponding response structure:

• Essay Question:
  "The rating system for electronic games is similar to the movie rating system in that it provides consumers with a quick reference so that they can determine if the subject matter and contents are appropriate. This electronic game rating system is not working because it is self-regulated and the fines for violating the rating system are nominal. As a result, an independent body should oversee the game industry and companies that knowingly violate the rating system should be prohibited from releasing a game for two years."
• Response Structure:
  
  Discuss how well-reasoned you find this argument. Point out flaws in the argument's logic and analyze the argument's underlying assumptions. In addition, evaluate how supporting evidence is used and what evidence might counter the argument's conclusion. You may also discuss what additional evidence could be used to strengthen the argument or what changes would make the argument more logically sound.

5. Final Tips

• Familiarize yourself with the keyboard during the tutorial to avoid unnecessary stress.
• Write at least 500 words per essay to demonstrate your analytical abilities.
• Keep the e-rater (automated scoring system) in mind while writing, focusing on structure and clarity.
• Proofread your essay for spelling errors and aim to finish a few minutes before the time limit.

By following these tips and strategies, you can approach the AWA section with confidence and effectively convey your analytical insights. Remember to practice regularly and stay focused during the exam to maximize your potential.

GMAT Study Plan: Preparing for Quantitative Reasoning (QR) 

The Quantitative Reasoning (QR) section of the GMAT Study Plan evaluates your ability to reason quantitatively and solve problems efficiently. While it covers basic math concepts, the focus is on your logical thinking and problem-solving skills. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you excel in this section:

1. Understanding the Structure

The QR section consists of 21 Problem-Solving questions, and you have 45 minutes to complete them. This averages out to about 2 minutes per problem. You'll need to solve various types of problems without the aid of a calculator, so practicing mental math is essential.

2. What Math Skills are Tested?

The QR section tests a range of math skills, including:

• Arithmetic: Number properties, percents, fractions, and ratios
• Algebra: Exponents, linear equations, quadratics, and functions
• Statistics: Mean, median, standard deviation, and probability
• Story Problems: Translating real-world scenarios into mathematical concepts

The GMAT emphasizes practical application over precise calculations. You'll need to employ estimation, testing out real numbers, and other test-taking strategies to save time and arrive at efficient solutions.

3. How Problem Solving Works

In the Problem Solving (PS) questions, you'll be presented with a scenario and asked to solve a math problem. Unlike Data Sufficiency (DS) questions, you'll need to calculate the answer yourself. However, efficient problem-solving strategies can help you navigate these questions more effectively.

4. Example Problem Solving Question

Consider the following practice question:

"At a particular school, 65% of the students have taken language classes. Of those students, 40% have studied more than one language. If there are 300 students at the school, how many have studied more than one language?"

To tackle this question efficiently:

• Estimate the number of students who have taken language classes (about 200).
• Recognize that 40% of these students have studied more than one language.
• Use estimation to determine that 40% of 200 is less than 100.
• Select the answer choice that aligns with your estimate.

GMAT Study Plan: Preparing for Verbal

Preparing for the verbal section of the GMAT requires a focused and methodical approach. This comprehensive GMAT study plan is designed for individuals aiming for a Verbal score of V35 or higher, with a commitment level slightly above average.

By following this plan diligently throughout 1.5 to 2 months, spending 2-3 hours per day for 5 days a week, you can significantly improve your verbal skills and achieve your target score.

Part 1: Sentence Correction (SC)

The Sentence Correction (SC) section focuses on English grammar rules and sentence structure. To excel in this section, follow these steps:

• Select a reputable SC book such as MGMAT SC, PowerScore SC, or VeritasPrep SC to study and master the necessary strategies and content.
• If English is not your native language or you need to brush up on grammar rules, consider using resources like GMAT Club's Grammar Book or MGMAT Verbal Foundations.
• Enhance your ear for the English language by reading 1,000-2,000 pages of quality fiction books. This will improve your ability to recognize correct sentence structures and grammatical errors.
• Maintain a detailed error log to track questions you got wrong and identify common traps. Develop a checklist to review key concepts and rules while solving SC questions.

Part 2: Critical Reasoning (CR)

Critical Reasoning (CR) involves analyzing arguments and making logical deductions. To tackle this section effectively, follow these guidelines:

• Utilize recommended CR books such as PowerScore CR, MGMAT CR, or Veritas Prep CR to learn strategies for dissecting arguments and identifying assumptions.
• Treat CR questions as a game and practice identifying assumptions in everyday scenarios. Familiarize yourself with different question types and strategies for approaching each type.
• Adhere to the strategies outlined in your chosen CR book, including reading the question stem first and paraphrasing the argument in your own words before analyzing answer choices.
• Practice answering CR questions without looking at answer choices to strengthen your analytical skills and ability to identify key components of arguments.

Part 3: Reading Comprehension (RC)

Reading Comprehension (RC) evaluates your ability to understand and analyze complex passages. To improve your performance in this section, follow these steps:

• Choose RC books such as Manhattan GMAT RC or Veritas Prep RC to learn effective reading strategies and techniques for extracting key information from passages.
• Develop a systematic approach to tackling RC passages, including reading the entire passage carefully, making notes, and analyzing the author's tone and purpose.
• Read a variety of fiction books to enhance your reading speed and comprehension skills. Focus on understanding the underlying themes and purposes of the passages rather than getting bogged down in details.
• Learn to read passages from the author's perspective, focusing on the main ideas and arguments rather than getting distracted by irrelevant details.

GMAT Study Plan: Preparing for Integrated Reasoning 

The Integrated Reasoning (IR) section of the GMAT is designed to assess your ability to handle complex, multi-layered problems, similar to those you will face in professional settings. Here are some strategies and tips to help you prepare effectively for the IR section.

What Makes Integrated Reasoning Different?

The Integrated Reasoning (IR) section of the GMAT stands out from other sections due to its unique focus on evaluating and synthesizing data from various sources. Here are the key aspects that make IR different:

• Multi-Source Data Evaluation: Unlike the Quantitative and Verbal sections, IR requires you to analyze information presented in multiple formats such as text, tables, graphs, and multi-source documents. This tests your ability to integrate data from different sources to draw conclusions and make decisions.
• Complex Problem Solving: IR questions often involve complex scenarios that demand higher-order thinking skills. You'll need to evaluate data critically, identify trends, and solve problems using a combination of quantitative and verbal reasoning skills.

Four Question Types: The IR section includes four distinct types of questions:

1. Multi-Source Reasoning: Requires you to toggle between different tabs of information to answer questions.
2. Table Analysis: Involves interpreting and analyzing data presented in a table format.
3. Graphics Interpretation: Requires you to interpret information from graphs and charts.
4. Two-Part Analysis: Involves solving problems with two interrelated components, testing your ability to coordinate multiple pieces of information.

Time Management and Efficiency: With 12 questions to be completed in 30 minutes, IR tests your ability to manage time effectively. You'll need to quickly process and synthesize large amounts of information while maintaining accuracy.

Real-World Relevance: IR mirrors real-world scenarios more closely than other sections. Business professionals often need to analyze diverse data sets and make informed decisions based on incomplete or complex information. IR assesses your readiness for such tasks, making it highly relevant to business school and professional environments.

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Conclusion

Preparing for the GMAT requires a holistic approach that addresses each section's unique demands. By dedicating time to practice, developing effective strategies, and honing your critical thinking skills, you can maximize your performance on test day.