Explore Courses

How to Prepare for GMAT in 3 Months: The Ultimate Guide to Ace GMAT

Updated on 11 February, 2024

Akansha Semwal

Akansha Semwal

Study Abroad Expert

GMAT cut-offs are soaring across leading business schools, with increasing competition. While many institutions may have cut-offs between 650 and 730, that does not guarantee admission. There are even instances where candidates sat again for the GMAT after scoring more than 700 to land a place in the 99th percentile, considered a safer bet. Moreover, 760 and upwards (99th percentile) is a great score, making it easier to find a place at the world’s top business schools. Do you want to achieve this score or higher? To ensure the same, a good GMAT study plan is necessary. 

Three months are usually sufficient to study for the examination. A comforting fact helps put this into perspective. GMAT top scorers usually devote more than 120 hours studying for the GMAT. While the duration of each study session will depend on your circumstances, you may divide 120 hours by 12 weeks of study. It works out to a rather feasible 10 hours each week. Even if you’re working or studying, you can always allot; 2–3 hours for daily preparation while maximizing your weekend time. Now that you’re up for the challenge, here’s looking at some preparation strategies you can use. 

How to Prepare for GMAT in 3 Months? 

If you are facing a time crunch and thinking how do you prepare for GMAT in just three months? We unfold a few strategies that will help you immensely to master the different sections of the examination. 

GMAT 3-Month Strategic Plan for Your Rescue 

GMAT Section Preparation Strategies 
Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA)
  1. Practice organizing and presenting your essay in the best way possible. A good introduction, conclusion, and logical connections or transitions between ideas are vital. 
  2. Back up your statements with supporting examples/illustrations while writing. 
  3. Work on your linguistic expression, building your vocabulary, phrases, and grammatical prowess. 
  4. Respond to essay prompts in the manner of a discussion with complete sentences and structural cohesion. It should not seem like a bare outline. 
Integrated Reasoning 
  • Graphics Interpretation- Read the synopsis under the graph carefully. Watch out for discrepancies between the text and graph units. Interpretation, inferences, integration, or relationships- know what the question is asking of you. 
  • Two-Part Analysis- Sometimes, the same answer may be relevant for both columns. Note the columns carefully, along with the nature of the tasks, i.e., dependent or independent. Some questions may contain two dependent or individually demarcated parts. 
  • Table Analysis- Use the pull-down menu to sort data based on varying criteria. Interpret answers based on the specified condition and whether it is met. 
  • Multi-Source Reasoning- Do not let subject matter familiarity influence your responses. Analyze every data source with care. Your ability to choose necessary data affects your results. 
Verbal Reasoning 
  • For Reading Comprehension questions, practice finding the core idea of the passage. Note key phrases and words, understanding how they are linked to significant arguments or facts. 
  • Critical Reasoning questions require a closer understanding of the question and the task. If it is based on an argument, find the part which is the conclusion. 
  • Sentence Correction requires an approach where you attempt to fix what seems wrong with the original sentence. Analyze all the answer choices and examine the structural and grammatical suitability of the same. 
Quantitative Reasoning 
  • Data Sufficiency questions require brushing up on geometry and algebra concepts. You must choose whether the question has scope for a single value or multiple ones. 
  • Problem-Solving is not just about arithmetic, geometry, or algebra but also about logic and reasoning. Read every sentence carefully to avoid errors. Questions that need approximation should be answered after skimming through the answer options. 

While getting your preparation strategies in order is vital, so is creating a good GMAT study plan for three months. Here is a sample to help you get the idea: 

WeekGeneral TasksQuantitative ReasoningVerbal ReasoningIntegrated ReasoningAnalytical Writing AssessmentHours
1Understanding GMAT scoring pattern, structure, and sections + Diagnostic Practice TestList the major concepts, topics, and question types for preparation, along with weaknessesList out the major concepts, topics, and question types for preparation, along with weaknessesList out the major concepts, topics, and question types for preparation, along with weaknessesList out the major concepts, topics, and question types for preparation, along with weaknesses8–10
2 

Mathematical formulas, concepts like ratios, percentages, exponents, etc.

 

Also, going through problem-solving and data-sufficiency questions

   10–12
3  Sentence Correction & Critical Reasoning Questions with Solutions + Reading Comprehension Questions + Grammar Rules + Vocabulary and Reading  10–12
4 Practice Test + Result Review + Finding Weaknesses and Working on ThemPractice Test Result Review + Finding Weaknesses and Working on Them  8-10
5 Advanced Data Sufficiency & Problem Solving Questions + Solving Problematic Questions from Practice Test   8-10
6  Practicing Advanced Sentence Correction, Reading Comprehension and Critical Reasoning questions + solving problematic questions from practice test + reading on section strategies and approaches to various questions  10-12
7   Starting with Core Concepts, Question Types, Graph Reading and Sample Questions 10-12
8 Practice Test & Result AnalysisPractice Test & Result AnalysisPractice Test & Result Analysis 8-10
9   Advanced Questions + Practicing Difficult Questions from Practice Test 8-10
10    Familiarity with Section + Sample Prompts and Essays + Finding Templates + Daily 2-3 Essays for Practice12
11Organizing all Revision Material Across SectionsPractice Test + Result Review + Noting Tough Problems and How to Solve ThemPractice Test + Result Review + Noting Tough Problems and How to Solve ThemPractice Test + Result Review + Noting Tough Problems and How to Solve ThemPractice Test + Result Review + Noting Tough Problems and How to Solve Them 
12Noting Examination Rules and Planning for the Test CenterLight Revision of Core ConceptsBrief Look Through Question TypesBrief Look Through Question TypesBrief Glance into Sample Essay Prompts7-8

4 Tips to Follow the GMAT 3-Month Study Plan 

Now that you have a 3-month GMAT exam preparation blueprint in place, how do you stick to the same? Here are some tips you can use. 

  1. Time Utilization: Smart time management is the key to successfully implementing a study plan. Schedule everything in your life efficiently to avoid missing study or practice days. Begin with 8–10 hour study schedules each week and scale it up thereafter. Do not overtax yourself at the beginning. 
  2. Diagnostic Practice Test: Note the word diagnostic. While it may seem unnecessary to sit for a practice test before you even start studying, this has multiple benefits in store for you. You will know where you stand in terms of your knowledge of major subjects, what you should practice, and how much to prepare. Hence, an initial diagnosis is highly recommended. 
  3. Suitable Preparation Materials: Gathering the right resources is of paramount importance. Get the GMAT Official Guide along with preparatory materials like the Manhattan Prep All the GMAT Bundle, 7th Edition, or the Kaplan GMAT Prep Plus 2022-2023, along with the GMAT Official Advanced Questions. There are several books for every GMAT section and online e-books and resources. 
  4. Study Calendar: Create a calendar for your GMAT study plan, allocating time for important concepts in each section, practice tests, reviews, and more. You can use this as a ready reckoner to track your progress throughout your study period. 

With these comprehensive tips, you won't be wondering how to start preparing for GMAT. 

Remember that motivation and sincerity are prerequisites for success in the GMAT. Most of all, enjoy what you learn. You may perceive it as a personal academic and growth journey without always focusing on the end result. It will automatically help you get into the zone. Get your books and resources in order, build your study plan, and get started at the earliest. Nothing is impossible if you work hard and stay committed to your goals. 

FAQs

Are 3 months enough for GMAT preparation?

A span of three months is usually considered sufficient for GMAT preparation. It ensures sizable time to cover basic concepts, go through almost all question types, and take a few practice tests.

Is GMAT 600 easy?

Getting 600 or more on the GMAT is not easy by any means. It necessitates attention to detail, smart preparation, and extensive study, not to mention critical thinking and logical reasoning aptitude. 

Akansha Semwal

Study Abroad Expert

Akansha Semwal is a content marketer at upGrad and has also worked as a social media marketer & sub-editor. Experienced in creating impressive Statement of Purpose, Essays, and LOR, she knows how to captivate the attention of Admissions Committee. Her research-driven;study-abroad articles helps aspirants to make the prudent decision. She holds a bachelor's & master's degree in Literature from the University of Delhi.

See More