Creating a detailed and effective study schedule is crucial for achieving your GMAT™ target score. Your plan should outline daily exercises, theory review sessions, mock exams, progress reviews, and the date for your actual GMAT exam. By subscribing to our email list, you will receive a premade document to help you organize your study plan. Before filling in your schedule, it's essential to know three key things: your target score, your current level, and your availability and study intensity.

Determining Study Hours

How long and intensely you need to study depends on factors such as your target score and current level. Generally, most people study for a total of 120-150 hours, after which improvements become marginal. The duration of your study period will depend on how many effective study hours you have per week, which can be challenging for those already working or studying full-time.

General Study Days

Decide how many hours per day you can dedicate to GMAT studies. A minimum of 2 hours per day is recommended. Your attention span plays a significant role in organizing these hours. Some individuals can study intensively for up to 6 hours, while others may only manage 2 hours. Regardless of your concentration capacity, keep these points in mind:

• Upper Limit: The maximum effective study time per day is likely lower than you think. Aim for a maximum of 6 hours per day, with 3 hours dedicated to solving exercises and 3 hours to reviewing mistakes and taking notes.

• Balance and Breaks: After and in between those 6 hours of study, prioritize physical activities like walking, running, or gym breaks to allow your brain to rest and process the material.

• Avoid Distractions: Avoid activities that tire or distract you, such as going out the night before or socializing during study times.

Mock Days

Plan days specifically for mock tests. It's best to dedicate an entire day to simulating the real exam experience. The following day should be used for a detailed analysis of your mistakes, time management, and overall progress. Schedule days for mock tests throughout your study period, with a higher concentration in the last 2-3 weeks before the actual GMAT exam. For more information on mock tests, including where to find them and how to use them, refer to our detailed article on the topic: 2.2 | Mock tests

Progress and Rest Days

Take regular moments to review your progress. Ask yourself:

• Are you on track to reach your target?

• What studying habits could you improve?

• Are there any areas you're overlooking?

These reflections help maintain perspective and motivation. Motivation is crucial for consistency and progress. Keep your motivation high by reminding yourself of your target score and allowing for some well-deserved relaxation days. This not only helps you manage relationships outside your study routine but also allows you to recharge.
Include your target score and motivation in your study schedule document. This serves as a constant reminder of your ultimate goal and why you are putting in the effort.

Testing and Communicating Your Schedule

Communicate your study schedule with friends, family, and work to ensure it aligns with your other commitments. Consider vacations, workdays, and birthdays to avoid conflicts. Remember, the goal is not to rigidly adhere to an excel sheet but to account for foreseeable events so you can focus on studying rather than planning.

Flexibility and Discipline

It's okay to adjust your study schedule as you learn more about the test, your competency, and encounter unexpected events. However, try to stick to your commitment with dedication and discipline.

Conclusion

A well-structured study schedule that includes daily exercises, theory review, mock exams, and progress reviews is essential for effective GMAT preparation. By considering your target score, current level, and availability, and by incorporating flexibility and discipline, you can create a plan that keeps you focused and motivated. For further resources and detailed guidance, subscribe to our email list and receive a premade study schedule document. In case you want our Study Plan including a question log as well as a mistake analysis you can get it here.