A stalwart for over 60 years, the GMAT remains one of the most widely used standardized tests for admission to MBA and MIM programs. GMAC, the test administrator, reports that more than 200,000 students annually take the GMAT to access top-tier MBA and Master’s programs.
While ambitious, achieving the GMAT in a month is achievable with unwavering determination, relentless perseverance, and focused hard work. However, this feat necessitates a personalized GMAT study plan that addresses your individual strengths and weaknesses.
To propel your GMAT score within 30 days, we present a comprehensive study schedule specifically tailored for this accelerated timeline. Consider augmenting your efforts with Yocket Premium. Imagine experienced counselors, a smart online platform, and dedicated support, all rolled into one to guide you through every step of your journey. From finding the perfect university and course to crafting a winning application, Yocket aims to take the stress out of studying abroad so you can focus on your dreams.
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Table of Content |
Study Plan to Prepare for the GMAT in 1 Month
To ensure optimal results in one month, let’s map out a detailed, week-wise GMAT study schedule. This plan will allow you to dedicate five to six hours per day to mastering the syllabus and significantly improving your score.
GMAT Study Plan for Weeks 1 and 2
In the first two weeks of your one-month GMAT journey, focus on mastering the essentials of the test (structure, content, etc.). This solid foundation will set you up for success as you move on to tackle practice questions and hone your test-taking skills in the weeks to come.
GMAT Structure
Mastering the GMAT in just one month requires a deep understanding of its structure. Here’s a breakdown of the detailed syllabus to help you understand the exam efficiently.
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Sections |
No. of Questions |
Allotted Marks |
Time |
|
1 |
0-6 |
30 mins |
|
|
12 |
1-8 |
30 mins |
|
|
36 |
6-51 |
65 mins |
|
|
31 |
6-51 |
62 mins |
Take the GMAT Diagnostic Test
Once you’ve gained a thorough understanding of the GMAT exam pattern and structure, take advantage of the free GMAT Official Starter Kit + Practice Exams 1 and 2. This diagnostic test includes sample GMAT questions that will familiarize you with the specific types of questions encountered on the exam. Afterward, review your answers, particularly those you answered incorrectly, to identify your strengths and weaknesses.
GMAT Prep Books
In your one-month GMAT study plan, incorporate GMAT prep books to solidify your understanding of core concepts. To jumpstart your search, we’ve compiled a list of top-rated books specifically for Quantitative, Integrated, and Verbal Reasoning.
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Quantitative |
Integrated |
Verbal |
|---|---|---|
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Manhattan Prep GMAT Foundations of Math |
Manhattan Prep GMAT Integrated Reasoning and Essay |
Manhattan Prep GMAT Foundations of Verbal |
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Official GMAT Quantitative Reasoning Guide |
Veritas Prep GMAT Data Sufficiency |
GMAT Official Guide Verbal Review |
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Kaplan GMAT Math Workbook |
Manhattan Review GMAT Integrated Reasoning Guide |
Kaplan Gmat Verbal Foundations |
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Manhattan Prep Gmat All The Quant |
McGraw-Hill Education 500 GMAT Math and Integrated Reasoning Questions to Know by Test Day |
Manhattan Elite Prep GMAT Verbal Workbook |
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Manhattan Prep GMAT Advanced Quant |
Magoosh Integrated Reasoning on the GMAT: The Complete Guide |
Princeton Review Verbal Workout for the GMAT |
Take Practice Tests
As you begin preparing for your GMAT, consider taking the free practice test available on mba.com. This test lets you solve 90 practice questions from all three sections—Verbal, Quantitative, and Integrated Reasoning—and be scored using the same algorithm as the official exam. It’s a great way to assess your baseline skills and identify areas for improvement.
What Is the Best Time to Take the GMAT?
GMAT Study Plan for Weeks 3 and 4
While the first two weeks of your GMAT preparation lay the foundation, the final two weeks are crucial for revising and solidifying your understanding of key concepts covered in the first two weeks. To make the most of this critical phase, here’s how to efficiently plan your 3rd and 4th weeks:
Study GMAT Vocabulary
To refine your verbal skills for the GMAT’s three areas—reading comprehension, critical reasoning, and sentence correction—consider regularly reading diverse content in publications like The Statesman, India Today, National Geographic, Business Standard, and The Hindu.
This reading will broaden your vocabulary of sophisticated English words. Enhance your learning further by creating flashcards with the new words and their definitions for easy review.
Study GMAT Mathematics
The Quantitative Reasoning section of the GMAT assesses your ability to think critically and strategically with quantitative concepts. While it covers fundamental math topics like arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and word problems, presented as multiple-choice questions, it goes beyond mere calculation.
This section tests your data analysis skills, your capacity to deduce logical conclusions and your efficiency in applying these concepts to arrive at the correct answer quickly. A strong grasp of foundational mathematical principles is crucial, but equally important is the ability to think critically and apply that knowledge strategically under time pressure.
Use GMAT Prep Apps
Speed up your one-month GMAT prep strategy by integrating top-rated GMAT prep apps into your study plan. These mobile apps offer bite-sized learning and practice, allowing you to ace the GMAT on the go. Consider these apps:
- Manhattan Prep GMAT
- Ready4 GMAT
- GMAT Exam Prep by Pocket Prep
- Economist GMAT Tutor
- GMAT Prep Course by Veritas
The mba.com platform offers access to six full-length GMAT practice exams (GMAT™ Official Practice Exams 3 to 6) with time management reports to help you prepare for the test. For further practice, consider paid options like Kaplan GMAT Prep, Magoosh GMAT Prep, and Manhattan GMAT Prep.
Tips to Prepare for the GMAT in 1 Month
Accomplishing a strong score on the GMAT within a month requires a systematic approach to your study plan. Here are some simple tips to maximize your efforts:
- Schedule a Comprehensive Plan: Dedicate one month to acing the GMAT by creating a thorough study schedule. This ensures you efficiently cover the entire syllabus. Some find the GMAT challenging, especially for those aiming for top universities abroad. Planning thoroughly maximizes your chances of success.
- Master Time Management: Timing is crucial! Optimize your study hours through effective time management. List challenging topics needing extra attention and practice with GMAT sample questions to pace your learning.
- Know Your Strengths and Weaknesses: Self-awareness is key. While preparing, identify your strengths and weaknesses. Set a target score and dedicate focused effort to improving your weaker areas. Analyze practice test results to pinpoint areas for improvement.
- Attempt Every Question: GMAT questions mainly involve high-school-level math (arithmetic, geometry, algebra, data interpretation) and verbal skills (reading comprehension, sentence correction). No negative marking means attempting every question, even through assumption and elimination, can increase your score.
Tips to Create a Perfect GMAT Self-Study Plan
From the Desk of Yocket
The GMAT exam assesses your critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and problem-solving skills, which are highly sought-after by business schools and considered essential for success in MBA programs. A strong GMAT score can significantly strengthen your application, showcasing your preparedness for the academic rigors of an MBA and potentially increasing your chances of admission to top business schools. While many MBA programs require the GMAT, there is also a growing number that accept alternative standardized tests like the GRE or Executive Assessment (GMAT EA).
For a comprehensive list of schools and programs accepting different test scores, you can consult resource platforms like Yocket Premium. Our team of 50+ experienced counselors takes the guesswork out of simplifying the shortlisting of universities. They’ll match you with programs that fit your academic profile, career aspirations, and test scores, significantly increasing your chances of finding the perfect fit. We boast a remarkable 15,000+ successful admits through our personalized counseling, proving our expertise in guiding students like you toward their study abroad dreams.
