How to Approach Your First Week of GMAT Studies 

When you begin your GMAT preparation, you might feel the urge to dive right in, tackling as many practice exercises as you can. However, a more structured and effective approach will set you up for long-term success. In your first week, it's essential to familiarize yourself with the exam's structure, deploy your study documents, and determine the best study routine for you. In this article, you will learn how to make the most of your first week of GMAT studies, laying a strong foundation for the rest of your preparation journey. 

The Outline of an Effective First Week 

The first week of GMAT study is crucial for building a solid foundation. It's a time to become comfortable with the types of questions on the test, assess your knowledge of GMAT theory, and get an initial sense of your strengths and weaknesses. By the end of the week, you'll take a mock test to establish a baseline for your GMAT journey. You can find resources for free exercises and mock tests in this article. 

1. Familiarize Yourself with the Question Types 

During the first week, it's important to work on exercises from all categories and sections of the GMAT. This will help you understand the test format and question styles: 

• Daily Practice: Aim to complete 30-50 questions daily across different sections. After each session, note which question categories you performed well in and which need improvement. 

• Focus on Easier Questions: Start with easy questions, up to a 555-level difficulty. There's little benefit in tackling more difficult questions before mastering the basics. 

• Set a Baseline with a Mock Test: At the end of the week, take your first mock test to establish a baseline of your skills. This initial test will highlight your strengths and areas needing attention. For a quality experience, we recommend using one of the free mock tests from MBA.com. Read more about approaching the first mock test here. 

2. Get Used to Your Study Documents 

Consistency and documentation are key to a successful GMAT journey. Your progress will compound as you systematically track your performance and refine your study habits. 

Track Your Mistakes:  
Mistake tracking is crucial for identifying and addressing your weaknesses. Understanding why you answered incorrectly will help you focus your studies and improve in those areas. Keep a detailed log of mistakes, categorizing them to see patterns over time. You can already jump ahead and read more about how to track your mistakes efficiently here. 

Note-Taking Format:  
Develop a consistent note-taking format that you can expand upon as you progress. This document will be your most valuable resource, so ensure it is well-organized and easy to navigate. While digital notetaking is convenient, consider using paper for complex problems that require diagrams or charts.  

Experiment with Study Sessions 

Your study sessions should be tailored to your personal learning style. Experiment with different setups to find what works best for you. 

Test Your Attention Span: 
Determine how long you can concentrate without losing focus. Experiment with different study intervals and break times to find the most productive balance for your sessions. 

Decide on the Number of Exercises 
While we recommend completing 30-50 questions per study day, break them into manageable problem-solving sessions that suit your preferences. Experiment with session lengths to maximize concentration and retention. 

Allocate Time for Review 
Spend at least as much time reviewing questions as you do completing them. Look for ways to improve your problem-solving strategies, and compare your methods to those recommended by GMAT Club experts. 

Refine Your Note-Taking Skills 
Focus on maintaining a clean and organized note-taking system. This will be instrumental in tracking your progress and identifying areas for improvement. A neat and structured —left to right, top to bottom—approach reduces errors and enhances understanding. 

Conclusion 

Your first week of GMAT preparation sets the tone for the rest of your studies. By establishing a strong foundation, focusing on key concepts, and developing effective study habits, you can create a path to success. With the right strategy, resources, and mindset, you will be well-prepared to tackle the challenges of the GMAT and achieve the score you desire. Embrace the journey, stay disciplined, and remember that consistent effort will yield the best results.