What should my daily GMAT study schedule look like?

Let’s talk about something that keeps many GMAT and Executive Assessment (EA) aspirants up at night – creating an effective GMAT study schedule. I’ll break this down into practical, actionable steps that you can implement right away.

Understanding the Time Commitment #

Here’s a reality check: A solid GMAT preparation typically requires about 300 hours of dedicated study time. For some candidates, especially those who need to strengthen their fundamentals, this could extend to 400 hours – and that’s before we even factor in time for mock tests! Now, don’t let these numbers intimidate you. Let’s break this down into manageable chunks.

Creating Your Weekly Schedule #

Let’s say you’re aiming to complete your preparation in four months. Those 300 hours spread across 15 weeks means you’re looking at approximately 20 hours per week. Here’s how you can make this work:

• Weekdays: Dedicate 2 hours each day
• Weekends: Allocate the remaining hours (roughly 5 hours per day)

Now, you might be thinking, “Where am I going to find all this time?” Here’s the truth – many of us spend countless hours scrolling through social media or binge-watching shows. By redirecting some of that time toward GMAT prep, you can easily fit in these study hours without compromising your work or family commitments.

The Power of Consistency #

Consistency is the secret sauce of successful GMAT preparation. Think of it like building a muscle – regular, daily exercise yields better results than sporadic intense workouts. Here’s how to maintain consistency:

1. Fixed Time Slot: Pick a specific time of day for your studies and stick to it. This helps create a study habit and maintains momentum.
2. Stakeholder Buy-in: Have a frank discussion with your family, friends, and colleagues about your GMAT goals. When they understand the importance of your study time, they’re more likely to help you protect it.

Structuring Your Study Sessions #

Here’s a pro tip from our experience with successful GMAT candidates: Even if you’re taking classes three days a week, treat every weekday as a class day. Study at the same time as your scheduled classes on non-class days. This creates a predictable routine that your mind and body will adapt to.

When it comes to individual study sessions, avoid the temptation to jump between topics. Instead:

• Focus on one subject area per session
• Break your two-hour study block into 55-minute focused sessions with 5-minute breaks
• Use these breaks to stretch, hydrate, and reset your mind
• After completing your two-hour session, spend 5-10 minutes planning your next session

This advance planning is crucial – it’s like laying out your gym clothes the night before. When you sit down for your next study session, you can dive right in instead of wasting time figuring out what to study.

The Reading Ritual #

Here’s something many GMAT prep plans overlook – daily reading practice. Dedicate 10-15 minutes every day to reading high-quality content. You can use our curated reading list at wizreads.com or choose material from reputable business publications. This daily reading habit will gradually improve your comprehension skills and vocabulary, which is crucial for both the GMAT and EA.

Making It Work Long-Term #

Remember, this is a marathon, not a sprint. The schedule might seem demanding at first, but it’s designed to be sustainable. The key is to start implementing it gradually. Begin with shorter study sessions and build up to the full schedule over a week or two. This approach helps prevent burnout and makes the routine more sustainable.

By following this structured approach to GMAT and EA preparation, you’re not just studying – you’re building a routine that will serve you well beyond the test. The discipline and time management skills you develop during this period will be valuable assets throughout your business school journey and professional career.