If you are a working professional who wants to pursue an MBA degree, you might be wondering how to prepare for the GMAT exam without compromising your work or personal life. The GMAT is a challenging test that requires a lot of practice and strategy, it is possible to ace it with a smart and realistic study plan. Here are some tips on how to create and follow a GMAT study plan for working professionals.
1. Assess your current level and set a target score. Before you start studying, you need to know where you stand and what your goal is. Take a diagnostic test to get an idea of your strengths and weaknesses, and compare your score with the average scores of the schools you are interested in. This will help you determine how much improvement you need and how long you should study for.
2. Check out the MBA programs you want to apply to and the average scores of these business schools. This will give you a good sense of the kind of scores you would need. Aim for the median score, if you have an excellent profile, don’t need scholarships, and are taking the GMAT to ensure your chances of an admit. On the other hand, aim for a GMAT score 20-30 points above the average score if you need scholarships or a full fellowship and need the GMAT to improve your candidacy.
3. Make a realistic and flexible study schedule. As a working professional, you might have limited time and energy to study for the GMAT. Therefore, you need to make a study schedule that fits your lifestyle and commitments. You should allocate at least two to three months of consistent study time, and aim for 10 to 15 hours of study per week. You should also plan your study sessions according to your peak productivity hours, whether it is early morning, late night, or during lunch breaks.
4. Focus on quality over quantity. When studying for the GMAT, it is not enough to just memorize formulas and rules. You also need to understand the concepts behind them and apply them to different scenarios. You should focus on mastering the fundamentals and developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills. You should also review your mistakes and learn from them, rather than just repeating the same questions over and over.
5. Practice under realistic conditions. One of the best ways to prepare for the GMAT is to take full-length practice tests under timed conditions. This will help you get familiar with the format, structure, and difficulty level of the actual exam, as well as test your stamina and endurance. You should take at least four to six practice tests before your test day, and analyze your performance after each one. You should also simulate the test environment as much as possible by avoiding distractions, using scratch paper, and following the same rules as the real exam.
6. Balance your study with rest and relaxation. Studying for the GMAT can be stressful and exhausting, especially if you have other responsibilities to juggle. Therefore, you need to take care of yourself physically and mentally by getting enough sleep, eating well, exercising regularly, and taking breaks. You should also reward yourself for your progress and achievements by doing something fun or relaxing after a long study session.
By following these tips, you can create and execute a GMAT study plan that works for you as a working professional. Remember that the GMAT is not an unbeatable hurdle, but a challenge that can be overcome with dedication and discipline. Good luck with your preparation!
