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How to study for the GMAT in 60 days with a full-time job
A question that you must ask before formulating a plan is the plan going to work? Let’s say we need six months to prepare, however, we implement a 2-month study plan. Will it work?
Such a plan may exhaust your resources without adding value to your preparation. So, how much time do you need to prepare the right way? This article highlights the various factors that influence the time required to prepare. It is always better to start as early as possible.
The Principle
Master one skill at a time is the mantra to follow
Multitasking may not be the best approach while following a study plan. If you have 2 to 3 hours a day it is best to pay attention on one section. On days with extra time you can practice two sections.
Once a section is complete it is best to practice few questions everyday to gauge retention and progress.
60-day GMAT study plan
Here’s a 60-day GMAT study plan you can follow with a full-time job.
Day 1 – A Preliminary Analysis
Start from the Quant and Verbal section of the GMAT Official Starter Kit (link to the kit given at the end of the article). Try answering 10 questions, if you are not well versed with the questions follow with the steps for Day 2. If this looks manageable try a mock test given in the kit. Post taking the mock test do not review your questions as you may want to use them post preparation as well. Have a look at your performance in terms of accuracy within subsections.
Devote around 14 days to Verbal or Quant based on your area of strength and 25 days to the section that requires more effort. Understanding your areas of strength will boost your confidence and help you ace the test. For this discussion let’s take Quant as your strong point.
Day 2-15 – Work on the Stronger Section
Practice Quant from the Official Guides. Any help with the concepts you may refer to books (MGMAT), online/classroom courses, or private tutoring.
Day 16–40 – Work on the Weaker Section
Practice Verbal from the Official Guides and the resources mentioned at the
end of this article. Ideally, start with CR, then do SC, and lastly RC. If RC is not your strong area, you can do RC before SC. CR takes the longest time to improve and the skills built in CR are helpful in RC too. So ideally CR should be the first section you should attempt in Verbal.
Day 41-45 – Timed Mixed Practice
These 5 days should be dedicated to timed mixed practice. Practice timed questions from different topics and sections for an honest analysis of your progress and past mistakes. 10 to 15 questions at a time should be good to practice.
Go through each question in detail and Review your mistakes. The Official Question Pack (Link #3 in the resources below) will come in handy at this stage.
Day 46 – The First Checkpoint
Take the 2nd mock test from the GMAT Official Starter kit. At this stage its important to be relaxed and attempt the mock in real test like conditions. This will help you make a fair assessment of your progress
Day 47- 50 – Identify and Rectify
Review the second mock with attention to reasoning. Go through each of the questions and analyze if you got the question right with correct reasoning. A question that you got right for wrong reasons should be considered wrong. Based on your analysis mark the topics/concepts that require more practice.
Then, spend these four days working on these concepts by solving more questions from the concepts you got wrong.
Day 51-58 – Repeat the Process
Take the 3rd, 4th and 5th mock on Day#51, #55 and #57 respectively. Now the time difference between each consecutive mock will go down since your areas of improvement are less. Pay attention on AWA and IR sections as well.
Day 59 – Rest
You have put a lot of effort in the last 58 days. Now give some rest. Take the day off. Stay relaxed for taking the GMAT tomorrow
Day 60 – Take the GMAT.
Focus is the need of the hour. In case you fail to achieve the desired score, it is just a temporary failure. Anxiety at no point will help you in achieving your goal.
Your life is not going to crash!
Accept sometimes the result is not in our favor, however, how we move on from here is in our control. Stress and anxiety are never the solution. Congratulations on your score!
Tips to get the most from your GMAT study plan
· Customize the Plan to Suit Your Needs
· Right Execution of the study plan
· More Time per Day = Fewer total days
· Practice daily
· Positive attitude
· Honest Assessment
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