How to Study for GMAT While Working, 15 Strategies for Success
Learn how to study for the GMAT while working with these 15 easy strategies. Balance your job and test prep, manage your time well, and get the best tips to succeed.
Shivani Kumari24 Jun, 2024
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GMAT preparation can be extremely challenging for people engaged in a demanding full-time job. To score good marks, it is crucial for aspirants to learn how to effectively prepare for the GMAT while working. To crack the GMAT with a target score, candidates must create and follow a strategic preparation plan.
During the GMAT preparation, candidates must continually focus on enhancing their math and English skills, which are critical components of the GMAT exam . In this article, we have provided 15 strategies to help candidates prepare for their GMAT exams and excel with a good score.Start Early and Maintain Consistency
One of the most important aspects of effective GMAT preparation is to start early and maintain consistency throughout the preparation journey. The GMAT exam syllabus is extensive, requiring a comprehensive understanding of each topic. To achieve success in GMAT, candidates must improve their conceptual clarity and practise different types of questions. Candidates must also develop a strategy based on thorough review of the syllabus, identify the topics that need additional attention, and those requiring a brief review.Strengthen Basics
To score well on the GMAT, it is crucial to have a solid understanding of the fundamental concepts. Without a strong foundation, candidates may find it challenging to advance their GMAT preparation. Mastering the basics is the most focussed aspect of GMAT Online Coaching Classes , as it maximises candidates’ efficiency to solve problems.Take Practice Tests
Taking practice tests provided by GMAC in a computerised adaptive format is crucial to understand the exam structure. The computer adaptive format uses an algorithm to adjust the difficulty of questions based on candidates’ performance. Therefore, candidates must gain familiarity with the exam format during the preparation phase. This approach is also crucial to identify weak areas and streamline preparation to strengthen them.
Review Exam Syllabus
Besides knowing the GMAT exam structure, working professionals should also know the GMAT syllabus to effectively prepare for GMAT. The revised GMAT Focus syllabus consists of three sections: Quantitative Reasoning, Data Insights, and Verbal Reasoning. Candidates should cover all the topics included in the syllabus of each section to improve their overall and sectional scores on the GMAT.Create Realistic Study Plan
Creating a realistic study plan that aligns with the professional commitments of candidates is essential. Setting an impractical study schedule can lead to stress and burnout, which may affect candidates’ performance at work. Working professionals preparing for GMAT are left with limited time for exam preparation. Additionally, it is not possible to dedicate 5-6 hours each day to study after a hectic office routine. To create a realistic study plan for the GMAT, working professionals must determine their leisure hours every day and dedicate them to study for GMAT. For weekdays, they can dedicate early morning or 1-2 hours at night to GMAT preparation. During the weekends, they can schedule GMAT Online Classes , take practice tests, and revise the topics covered throughout the week.
Review Math and Grammar Rules
While the GMAT is challenging, a solid grasp of basic maths and English grammar skills is essential for success. Candidates must review critical maths concepts like probability, statistics, algebra, and geometry for the quant section. For English grammar, it is recommended to focus on understanding parts of speech, sentence correction, etc.Solve Past Year Questions
To improve problem-solving skills, working professionals must take up previous years' questions provided by GMAC. In addition, candidates should check the solution of each question to understand the most efficient way to solve a certain type of question. Referring to the solved GMAT question papers, candidates can determine where their reasoning went wrong and their common mistakes. This targeted review is crucial to strengthen candidates’ weak areas and avoid similar errors on the actual GMAT.GMAT Preparation Tools
Aspiring GMAT candidates with a full time job must choose the most effective and recommended preparation books to qualify with a high score. Many working professionals find it challenging to select the best preparation material. Therefore, PW GMAT Online Coaching offers relevant study resources, practice papers, and expert notes. Referring to PW GMAT study materials, candidates can efficiently enhance their exam preparation. Moreover, the availability of recorded video lectures facilitates effective revision.Effective Time Management
Proper time management is essential to adjust the daily routine and optimise study time for GMAT preparation. To effectively prepare for the GMAT, working candidates should aim to sleep by 10:00 PM and wake up by 7:00 AM. Following this routine, candidates can dedicate morning hours to study for GMAT. Besides strategising study hours, time management is also essential to complete the exam within the allocated duration. For this, candidates must solve sample papers and GMAT previous years’ papers by setting a specific time limit.Seek Expert Guidance
Working professionals need to cover topics they previously learned in high school. Many candidates with 4-5 years of working experience find it challenging to revisit academic topics. Seeking expert guidance during GMAT preparation is highly recommended to conveniently cover the GMAT syllabus topics. Joining GMAT weekend coaching helps candidates learn the fundamental and advanced concepts, their application to solve questions, identify the areas of improvement, and streamline preparation to perform well.Join Discussion Forums
Working professionals have the option to join online GMAT discussion forums to connect with other aspirants. Communicating with fellow GMAT aspirants and professionals allows candidates to discuss the syllabus, career challenges, and share tips from those who have already taken the exam. Active forums offer a fantastic opportunity to provide advice, gain support, and advance their career by participating in the community.Attempt Mock Tests
A critical step in GMAT preparation is regularly taking mock tests. Candidates should initially participate in a basic mock test to assess their performance and identify weak and strong areas. Further, they should take the advanced mock tests based on the GMAT Focus exam structure and marking scheme. Regularly taking GMAT mock tests helps candidates in understanding their standing and focus on areas needing improvement. Mock tests also provide an estimate of candidates’ potential score range, helping them excel with target scores and enter their preferred B-schools.Setting Short-Term Goals
As working professionals have limited time for GMAT preparation, they should break down the exam syllabus into small sections and set short-term goals. Further, they must cover each section with a complete focus within a specific deadline. By focusing on small sections and setting short targets, candidates can keep themselves motivated throughout the exam preparation. Once candidates gain a thorough command of a specific concept, they should solve related questions.Use Evenings for Revisions
After completing the office hours, candidates should dedicate an hour or so to revising the topics covered in the morning. Candidates must avoid starting a new topic during this time as it is challenging to focus on learning a new topic due to exhaustion after office hours. Therefore, revising the already covered topics in the evening is crucial for effective time management and reinforcing learned topics.Study Thoroughly During Weekends
On weekends, candidates must study thoroughly for the GMAT. They should start their morning by covering new topics, reviewing the chapters studied during the week, and practising questions. Candidates should also utilise weekends to clarify their doubts from coaching experts. Furthermore, candidates should take full-length GMAT mock tests and perform evaluations to check their mistakes, strengths, and weaknesses. Following this practice for a few weeks helps candidates enhance their scores. Join PW MBA Online Coaching to strengthen your GMAT exam preparation. The availability of a dedicated batch for working professionals aims to meet the learning requirements of professionals and help them score well on the GMAT while maintaining their professional commitments.How to Study for the GMAT While Working FAQs
How to prepare for GMAT if you are a working professional?
To prepare for the GMAT, working professionals should create a strategic study plan, improve their time management skills, take full-length mock tests on weekends, join coaching institutes to discuss their doubts and learn various tricks to solve questions quickly.
How long does it take to prepare for the GMAT for working professionals?
Working professionals need nearly 2-3 months to effectively prepare for GMAT. During this time, candidates must stay focused and dedicated to cover the syllabus topics and take practice tests to improve their performance.
Can an average guy crack GMAT?
Yes, an average person can crack GMAT if they follow a strategic preparation plan. To qualify for the GMAT, candidates must cover each topic of the exam syllabus and practice-related questions, attempt mock tests and focus on scoring 20 points above their target score.
What is the GMAT cut off for ISB?
ISB GMAT cut off is 600 points. To enhance one’s chances of entering ISB, it is crucial to score 700+ marks on the GMAT.
What level of maths is on the GMAT?
In GMAT exam, Maths questions are based on basic concepts covered in high school.
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