We understand preparing for GMAT is not an easy task, especially when you are running out of time. You need a proper study plan that includes some relevant GMAT resources which will help you crack the GMAT Exam. Even if you haven’t studied in a while, we will give you some important GMAT resources which will make you feel confident on the day of the GMAT Exam.
- Understand the exam structure
- Self-study or Coaching
- Prepare a smart study plan
- Good GMAT books and resources
- Solve GMAT Practice Questions
- Prepare with Free GMAT Software
Understand the exam structure
First of all, understand the complete GMAT exam structure then only you can formulate a strategy to crack the GMAT Exam. Carefully understand the complete GMAT format, so you know what topics you need to spend more time on and what strengths you can cover in a shorter period of time.
Self-study or Coaching
The GMAT is not an exam that one can clear without hard work or if you think you can go and cram and get into a school of your choice, then it is not possible. You need to follow a strict study plan. Decide whether you want to go for a GMAT prep course or go for coaching as going in the right direction will move you one step closer to the choice of your school.
Prepare a smart study plan
In order to make the best use of the time make sure to prepare a proper study plan so at the end of the day you know what you have covered and what not. It is important for you to note your progress on a daily basis. Make a plan in such a way that it should include 100 hours of study over a period of 8-10 weeks. Those who start early can stretch it to 12 weeks with time for revision. Those who want to score above 700 should study 120 hours. Remember do not leave everything to the last minute, as GMAT requires time and effort.
Good GMAT books and resources
Other than the practice material which you get online, there are books and resources which you need to refer to prepare for the GMAT 2020. A good GMAT book will is an important part of your study material, it will help you in formulating a proper strategy with the help of sample GMAT questions with explanations.
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Take GMAT Practice Tests
Once you have completed your preparation for the GMAT Exam, it is important to test your skills before the exams. Taking a GMAT Practice Test will help you in finding your strengths and weaknesses. Analyze the result of the exam and review all your answers, so you can focus more on key areas, especially where you are lagging behind.
Solve GMAT Practice Questions
Apart from the practice tests, doing GMAT practice questions will also prove to be hugely beneficial. This will certainly give you a better idea of getting a hold of all the topics spread across all the sections. Doing GMAT practice questions along with preparing will help you in keeping a tab on your progress.
Prepare with Free GMAT Software
The Graduate Management Admission Council, the body that conducts the GMAT exam offers free software which the candidates can download and have access to two practice GMAT exams and almost 100 GMAT questions. After taking GMAT sample papers and solving GMAT practice questions going through the GMAT software will assure you about your preparation.
We all know the competition is high, but going preparing and following your study plan at the right time can give you an edge over the competitors.
All the best!
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Commonly asked questions
Yes, more or less the GMAT books are same for preparing for Focus edition with older versions. Applicants can just selectively choose the topics that are relevant for the current GMAT edition and can easily prepare for the exam. However, there are options to buy official guides or prep material from MBA.com website for GMAT Focus Edition.
Candidates need to understand that purchasing many GMAT books will not fetch them a higher GMAT score. In fact, if they start referring to multiple GMAT books and resources for a single topic, they will only get confused and end up leaving all the study material. The best starting point is always the official GMAT exam material. The official GMAT prep material should be at the base of your preparation. Make sure to cover the entire official study material at least twice. Once you are done with it, you can study other resources such as the Manhattan Guides, Veritas study material, GMAT club, Beat the GMAT, Thursdays with Ron, etc. Stick to selected GMAT books and resources, prepare notes, and appear for as many GMAT mock tests as possible.
Before beginning your GMAT preparation, you must understand the GMAT syllabus and GMAT pattern first. Once you have thoroughly understood them, you should move on GMAT official guide (GMAT OG) and other GMAT official study material. Official study material must be at the base of your preparation. After completing the official study material, you can refer to Manhattan GMAT guides and other authentic resources. In addition, we suggest that you give as many GMAT mock tests as possible. Mock tests are the most important part of your preparation, as they will help you analyze your progress and develop strategies to solve different question types.
Here are certain other tips related to GMAT books 2023:
- Stick to a limited number of GMAT books. These books must be revised again and again.
- Make use of online resources, especially YouTube, GMAT Club, and Beat the GMAT.
- As you study these GMAT books, prepare short notes that you can revise. Keep updating these notes.
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