One of the greatest challenges for MBA students used to be attending classroom coaching for GMAT preparation, especially if they were full-time workers.
However, after the Covid-19 pandemic, offline coaching in classrooms is no longer required. Students nowadays prefer to study by themselves with some online help.
They know how to prepare for GMAT at home because they can learn online. For example, students can learn from youtube, where many tutors are proving free classes on different topics, and they can also buy paid online courses.
However, working students still need help finding the time and energy to study for their desired GMAT scores due to their busy schedules.
Efficiency also becomes the most important factor in successfully studying for the GMAT because time is the most valuable resource for everyone.
In this blog, we will discuss how to prepare for GMAT at home, but before that, you need to know what GMAT is.
What Is GMAT?
The full form of the GMAT exam is the Graduate Management Admission Test.
Anyone who wants to enroll in a top business institute takes the GMAT. GMAT is a computer-based online exam. You should also read our other blog on GMAT exam fees.
Anyone who wants to enroll in the best business institute takes the GMAT test.
This test has been added to the requirements for Master of Business Administration (MBA) programs at many reputed business institutes.
You must take the GMAT test to start your application for those reputed institutes. Your application won’t be considered without the GMAT test result.
So now let’s move to how to prepare for GMAT at home.
How To Prepare For GMAT At Home
It is very important to engage yourself in studying while preparing for the GMAT exam at home.
Here we will provide you with some tips that will help you to prepare for GMAT at home.
- Know the exam syllabus
- Develop a study plan for GMAT
- Know the test sections
- Find a designated Study zone
- Make sure you don’t get distracted
- Keep track of GMAT preparation
- Take breaks during preparation
- Seek Assistance
- Eat Well
Know The Exam Syllabus
To know how to prepare for GMAT at home, you must know the Syllabus for the exam first.
When preparing for the GMAT exam, you must know about the syllabus of the exam.
If you know the syllabus, then you can prepare according to that.
So knowledge about the GMAT syllabus is very important to find out what topics you need to practice more.
After the GMAT syllabus, gather information about the GMAT exam pattern. Also, collect data from the previous year’s questions.
The previous year’s question paper will help you understand what kind of questions come into the exam.
Develop A Study Plan For GMAT
Developing a study schedule is the second and most important tip for preparing for the GMAT exam.
To develop a study plan, you must first set a target goal of how much score you need to enroll in your desired college or university.
After setting up the target, you need to learn your present level, how much time you need to reach your target score, and how much time you have left for preparation.
After that, create a schedule in which you have to set a timetable that you must follow daily for the best result.
You are required to follow a structured approach, like giving more time to sections you are weak and spending less time on areas you are strong in.
Know the test sections
Know the structure of the GMAT exam by learning about all sections of the GMAT.
Section | Number of Questions | Duration | Question Types | Score Range |
Analytical Writing Assessment | 1 | 30 minutes | Analyzing an argument (50%) Issue essay (50%) | 0 – 6 |
Integrated Reasoning | 12 | 30 minutes | Graphics Interpretation, Table Analysis, Multi-source Reasoning, Two-part Analysis | 1 – 8 |
Quantitative Reasoning | 31 | 62 minutes | Data Sufficiency (50%), Problem-Solving (50%) | 6 – 51 |
Verbal Reasoning | 36 | 65 minutes | Reading Comprehension (60%) Critical Reasoning (20%) Sentence Correction (20%) | 6 – 51 |
Find A Designated Study Zone
The is also an important tip on how to prepare for GMAT at home: finding the best place to study.
So select an area that is quiet, well-lit, and where you feel comfortable while studying. Don’t select your bedroom as your study place.
Always try to sit straight while studying because you won’t be able to study by lying on the bed.
You need to have at least 2 or 3 study places so that if you are not feeling good at some place while studying, at that time, you have another place to switch.
So choose your study place wisely.
Make Sure You Don’t Get Distracted
The second tip to prepare for the GMAT test at home is to avoid any type of distraction.
By finding a quiet place to study, you have removed your first destruction from any type of noise interference.
Now you also need to avoid other distractions that distract you from preparing for the GMAT exam. The first obstacle on the path of your preparation is your social media, so you must avoid that. Don’t use social media at the time of your study.
If you need, you can even switch off your mobile phone. Or, if you have taken the online GMAT preparation class, turn off the social media notifications during your preparation period.
Keep track of GMAT preparation
When you prepare for the GMAT exam, you must keep track of your progress to see whether you are improving.
If you see that your score is not improving in any area, you must change your preparation method.
Because there is no point in doing the same thing repeatedly if there is no improvement. You can set targets score according to your initial score that you must achieve in a specific period.
For example, if your initial score is 400 and you aim for 600 in one month, then set small targets like achieving 460 scores in the first week and aiming for 530 in the second and 600 in 3rd and 4th month.
Take Breaks During Preparation
To increase your productivity during the preparation process, you must also remember to take regular breaks.
During these short breaks, you can move around or stretch to comfort yourself.
Breaks are very essential in the study. If you continue studying without taking breaks, then you may not be able to focus on study.
So it would be best if you took breaks to refresh your mind and boost productivity.
Seek Assistance
This is also a useful tip on how to prepare for GMAT at home. If you are not getting any topic while preparing, ask for help from someone who knows that topic.
You can take help from someone who has given the exam, or you can also consult your teacher for help.
You can also consult online tutors who provide courses for GMAT preparation.
You can also take online classes as they have online practice tests, mock tests, and updated study materials.
Eat Well
When preparing for the exam, you should maintain your health. As it is an old saying, “Health is wealth.”
So add some healthy, nutritious foods to your diet plan. Healthy and nutritious food will sharpen your memory and help you focus more.
Also, if your health is good, it will be easy for you to prepare for the exam.
Other Important Tips For GMAT
Here are some additional tips you can follow to prepare for the GMAT exam.
- Pick up your GMAT preparation materials wisely
- Identify your GMAT weaknesses
- Don’t stay stuck on a GMAT question
- Use the elimination process on the GMAT exam
- Practice visual literacy during GMAT
- As part of your study plan, improve your mental math
- Push your limits with Advanced Questions
Conclusion
In this blog, we have explained how to prepare for GMAT at home, as this is the most common query of students who are preparing for the GMAT exam.
You are required to follow these tips to make your preparation for the GMAT easy. First of all, you are required to know the syllabus of the exam and after that, develop a proper study plan to prepare for the GMAT.
Also taking proper breaks and eating a healthy diet is important, along with the study to get a good score on the GMAT exam and getting admission to your desired university or college.
We hope we have cleared all your queries or questions about how to prepare for GMAT at home. If you still have any queries, please contact our experts.
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FAQs
How much time is enough for GMAT preparation?
You need to spend at least 100 to 120 hours for at least 2 to 3 months. You must spend that much time reviewing study material, understanding the syllabus, and starting your preparation. An average test scorer for the GMAT exam spends at least 120 hours in preparation for the exam.
Can I prepare for the GMAT on my own?
Yes, it is possible t prepare GMAT on your own. But it is advised to you to get professional help. Because sometimes, you may not be able to understand a topic, and it is possible that you spend too much time on that and still do not get that. It can be a big obstacle in your path. So, to avoid these types of obstacles, get professional help.
How much time do you need to prepare for GMAT?
To prepare for the GMAT exam minimum of 2 to 3 months are required to prepare. But in some cases, if your caching power is good, then you can prepare for the exam in just one month.