How to prepare for the GMAT in eight weeks? If this is a question that has been on your mind, then you are at the right place. In this article, we are going to discuss an eight week study plan for you.
With just eight weeks left for your GMAT, it’s apparent that you might have very little time on hand to prepare for the exam, however, nothing is impossible. A smart study plan and consistent practice is all you need to make it through. So, let’s look at this eight weeks study plan for GMAT.
GMAT Preparation Plan within 8 Weeks
Week 1: Start With a Mock Test
The first week will begin with you taking a free mock test. This will help you understand where you stand. The test helps you in identifying your strengths and weaknesses. It also makes you familiar with the question pattern and how you should be answering them promptly. Before you begin your preparation process, make note of the areas which you find are challenging as they will demand extra time and attention from you.
Week 2: Learn, Memorize and Practice Shortcuts
In the second week, you will focus on attempting questions from each of the GMAT sections. Each section in the GMAT is timed and you will be required to attempt these sections within the given time frame. The best way to solve questions quickly and achieve the target score of 700+ can be done with the proper implication of strategic shortcuts. Shortcuts will help you solve comprehensive questions quickly and efficiently.
When you are practicing, work on questions from each section of the exam: Analytical Writing Assessment, Quantitative Reasoning, Integrated Reasoning, and Verbal Reasoning. Once you are thorough with the basics, you can implement strategic shortcuts for questions that take you longer to solve. If you get stuck at some point while solving, make a note of it and try to decipher the logic behind the right answer. Understanding the underlying logic will help you in implementing the same when you are solving a similar question in the future.
Week 3: Time for Second Mock Test
The third week is when you schedule your second mock test. By now, you should be familiar with the GMAT syllabus, the fundamental concepts, and the shortcuts to solve complex questions. Based on how you have performed in the mock test, you can decide if you are ready for the exam or not. An easy way to decide if you’ve done well is by checking if you have achieved your target score. If you haven’t achieved your target score, you can decide whether to improve further or seek assistance.
There are various coaching services, such as CareerLabs, that can assist you with GMAT preparation. CareerLabs can assist you in creating personalised study plans, analysing your performance, and you get the chance of training with highly experienced professors.
Week 4: Increase Learning Pace
The fourth week is where you have to focus on your approach towards solving more challenging and experimental questions. You have to increase your pace and be more specific while solving the experimental questions. For instance, if you have gained expertise in identifying errors in Sentence Correction, then you must begin to solve higher order thinking ability questions from areas such as Data Sufficiency, Problem Solving, Reading Comprehension, Critical Reasoning, and Integrated reasoning.
Week 5: Third Mock Test
After the second mock test and a one-week brainstorming study session, it’s time to take the third mock test. You would have come across different kinds of questions from each of the sections of the GMAT. Hence, this mock test will help you determine your performance. With this test, you will identify how you can improve your test-taking abilities.
A few ways to improve your test-taking ability would be to increase the speed at which you solve questions. Second, maximise the number of questions attempted correctly from each section within the allotted time. The GMAT does not penalise you for the wrong answer, however, you will be penalised for not attempting the questions within the allocated time.
Week 6: Attempt Complex Questions
In your sixth week, you will begin to notice a significant difference in your performance and you will be attempting more questions as compared to previous mock tests. In addition, analyse your performance, focus more on experimental questions, and keep attempting complex questions using proper techniques within the limited time allotted.
Week 7: Analysis your Performance
With the seventh week, you arrive at the final stage of your preparation. You will write one last mock test during this week. However, attempt it as though you are taking the actual GMAT. Once you are done with the test, compare your current score with the previous scores. Try to identify which section and the question types you struggled to solve and practice as many question types from that section.
Week 8: Revise and Relax
The eighth week is just meant for revision. Keep revising all the fundamental concepts and revise your vocabulary with flashcards. During this week, do not attempt any mock tests. Taking too many mock tests can exhaust and overwhelm you. Besides, if you do not achieve your target score, it might demotivate you and cause further stress and panic. You don’t want to be panicking a week before the exam, do you? So, try and relax, catch up on your reading or engage in fun activities or hobbies.
This is how you can prepare for the GMAT in eight weeks. However, it is important to note that this is a standardised plan and you can personalise it based on your performance. This plan will help you get started. On the day of the exam, stay hydrated and relax. Your hard work and preparation will definitely pay off. All the best!