The GMAT test is a standardized exam that measures your analytical, verbal, quantitative and integrated reasoning skills. It is used by many business schools as part of their admission process. If you are planning to take the GMAT test, you may wonder how much you should study for it.
We will try to answer this question in this blog, as different factors may affect your preparation time, such as your current skill level, your target score, your learning style, and your availability. However, some general guidelines can help you estimate how long you should study for the GMAT test.
According to the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), the organization that administers the GMAT test, the average test taker spends about 120 hours studying for the exam. However, this does not mean that you should follow this number blindly. You should assess your own strengths and weaknesses and set a realistic goal based on your desired score.
A good way to start your preparation is to take a diagnostic test or a practice test to measure your baseline score. This will help you identify the areas that you need to improve and the ones that you are already good at. You can then create a study plan that focuses on your weak areas and reinforces your strong ones.
Depending on your baseline score and your target score, you would be able to st time to study for the GMAT test. For example, if your baseline score is 500 and your target score is 700, you may need more than 3 to 4 months to achieve your goal. On the other hand, if your baseline score is 650 and your target score is 700, you may need less than 120 hours to improve your score.
Another factor that may influence your study time is your learning style. Some people prefer to study on their own using books, online courses or apps. Others prefer to join a prep course or hire a tutor to guide them through the process. You should choose the method that suits you best and that helps you learn effectively.
Finally, you should also consider your availability and schedule when planning your study time. You should allocate enough time each week to study for the GMAT test without compromising your other commitments or responsibilities. You should also avoid cramming or studying too much in a short period of time, as it may not result into desired outcome.
A general rule of thumb is to study for at least 4 to 5 months before taking the GMAT test, with an average of 15-20 hours per week. However, this may vary depending on your individual situation and goals. The most important thing is to study consistently and efficiently until you feel confident and ready for the exam. Native and non native speakers ex – idiomatic usage
