When to Start Preparing for GMAT? Right Time for GMAT Preparation

 If you’re here you probably know just how important the GMAT exam is and that it can make or break your future plus. But…when should you start actually start studying for the GMAT? Exam takers sometimes prepare for weeks, months, and even years. Everyone has a different pace and understanding. Some take a year and learn at a slow pace, some might even study for a month. So if you are worried about when you should start studying for the GMAT, this blog will guide you the right way.

Key Highlights:

• Start your GMAT prep about 3-6 months before your earliest application deadline to ensure you have plenty of time for studying and getting your official score report processed.
• Aim to study for about 8 to 12 hours each week.
• Include full-length practice tests in your routine to build endurance and enhance your time management skills.

What is the Right Time to Start Studying for GMAT?

To figure out the best time to start preparing for the GMAT, first determine your graduate school timeline. For instance, if you're planning to apply in Fall 2024, you'll likely need to take the GMAT by June or July 2024. Working backward, you should begin studying around January or February 2024. This 4-6 month window allows you enough time to thoroughly cover each section, focus on weaker areas, and still have the flexibility to retake the test if needed.

Here are some key points to consider:

1. Application Deadlines: If you have a specific graduate school deadline in mind, plan your GMAT prep accordingly. Ideally, start your preparation at least 3-6 months before the application deadline to give yourself ample time for preparation and potential retakes.
2. Current Skill Level: Your knowledge of the test content plays a role in how long you need to prepare. If you're already strong in math or verbal reasoning, you may require less time. However, if you're unfamiliar with the test format or have weaker areas, starting 6 months ahead may be more beneficial.
3. Personal Schedule: If you're balancing work, school, or other commitments, you may need to adjust your study timeline. Consistent preparation over several months is crucial, so ensure that you can allocate enough time for study sessions.

Need help to make it possible? Yocket Prep offers personalised coaching and resources to help you achieve your GMAT goals faster and more effectively.

How to Start Preparing for the GMAT?

Preparing for the GMAT can be a fun journey when you have a structured approach in place!

Here are some friendly steps to help guide your preparation according to the latest GMAT syllabus and scoring format:

1. Get to Know the GMAT Format: Familiarise yourself with the GMAT Focus Edition structure, which now features three sections: Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights. It's also great to note that the number of questions has been reduced, making the test duration around 2 hours and 15 minutes.

2. Explore Question Types: Take a closer look at the unique question types within each section: Quantitative Reasoning: This focuses on problem-solving and data sufficiency. Verbal Reasoning: This includes reading comprehension, critical reasoning, and sentence correction. Data Insights: This combines data interpretation and integrated reasoning. Understanding what each question type tests and learning some strategies can really help!

3. Review Mistakes and Discover Weaknesses: After taking your mock tests, it’s super helpful to review any incorrect answers to identify areas for improvement. Focus on enhancing those weaker spots instead of going over topics you already feel good about!

4. Use Practice Tests Wisely: Make it a habit to take GMAT mock tests that mirror the updated exam format. Concentrate on boosting your accuracy, timing, and overall test-taking strategy. For the best experience, try using the Official GMAT Focus Practice Exams!

5. Strengthen Core Fundamentals: It’s important to pinpoint the fundamental concepts that may need a little extra love, especially in math, grammar, and logical reasoning. Building a solid foundation will make tackling advanced question types so much easier!

6. Adapt Your Study Plan: Begin with a clear study plan, but feel free to tweak it as you move forward. Spend more time on sections or question types where you see room for improvement. Short, focused study sessions can really boost your retention and understanding!

7. Practice Data Insights: Thoroughly The Data Insights section is a unique gem in the GMAT Focus Edition, blending data interpretation and reasoning. Spend some extra time practicing with graphs, tables, and complex data sets to gain that confidence!

8. Stay Flexible and Consistent: While keeping your initial strategy in mind, it’s a good idea to adjust your schedule based on your mock test performance. Consistent practice and a willingness to adapt are essential for mastering the GMAT!

By following these friendly steps, you can prepare effectively for the updated GMAT and step into test day with a big smile and confidence!

Suggested: Top GMAT Coaching in India

How long does it take to Study for GMAT? 

On average, most candidates spend about 2 to 4 months preparing for the GMAT, putting in around 100 to 150 hours of focused study. Factors such as your starting proficiency level, target score, and time availability will influence your study timeline.

If you are starting from scratch, dedicating 10-15 hours a week over three months allows for a balanced preparation plan. However, if you’re short on time, an intensive one-to-two-month schedule with daily study sessions might be more suitable. 

Try this structure to understand the time requirements for GMAT better:

• Start from scratch by studying 10-15 hours weekly for three months.
• For limited time, study intensively over 1-2 months with daily sessions.
• With prior test experience, focus on targeted preparation for 4-6 weeks.
• Practice with official GMAT materials for accurate preparation.
• Take mock tests to track progress and adjust your strategies.
• Review mistakes regularly to refine your approach.
• Focus on time management and accuracy for all sections.

GMAT Syllabus and Exam Pattern (Focus Edition)

GMAC introduced the GMAT Focus Edition in 2023. All GMATs have been changed to the Focus edition from February 2024. The GMAT Focus Edition syllabus is different from the old GMAT syllabus. The new GMAT exam pattern consists of Quantitative Reasoning and Verbal Reasoning, with additional Data Insights, which are drawn from the old integrated reasoning and data sufficiency. The analytical writing assessment (AWA) and sentence correction (SC) sections from the old GMAT have been discontinued in the GMAT Focus edition.

The new GMAT focus edition has a total time of 2 hr 15 mins. A summary of the sections are as follows:

• Verbal Reasoning: It has 23 MCQs on Reading Comprehension and Critical Reasoning.
• Quantitative Reasoning: This has 21 MCQ-type questions on Problem-Solving (algebra and arithmetic). There are no geometry questions.
• Data Insights (latest addition): This section has 20 questions on Data Analysis, Two-Part Analysis, Graphic Interpretation (tables, charts, graphs), Multi-Source Reasoning, and Table Analysis.

From the Desk of Yocket

Knowing when to kick off your GMAT preparations is just as important as how you go about it! Your timeline for getting ready can really make a difference in landing a competitive score and getting into those amazing business schools all around the globe.

At Yocket Prep, we totally appreciate that every student has their own unique path, and we’re excited to support you through each step of your journey. By starting at just the right moment and using tried-and-true strategies, you can really tap into your full potential. Let’s team up to design a preparation routine that works for YOU!