Regardless of your skill level, GMAT preparation takes a lot of time. Admissions counselors, GMAT course instructors, and tutors will all advise applicants to study 100 to 170 hours for a least three months. The top scorers on the GMAT spend 170 hours or more studying for test day over the course of three months. The length of each study session varies based on each person's specific situation and the way his or her brain processes information. Most students in general aim for sessions between one and three hours in one sitting.

Three, Not Two, Not Six

Three months is the perfect median for GMAT preparation. With two months or less, there isn't enough time to find and address all your weaknesses. That period will also not allow you to establish a regular study routine for progression. On the opposite spectrum, too much study time can delay progress. With more than three months, a loss of motivation can often occur. A schedule of three months is enough time to study intensively without feeling overwhelmed, to address your weaknesses, and to reach the level of achievement you're striving for.

With a three-month period for GMAT preparation, you can divide your study sessions into two parts. The first two months should be spent focusing on mastering the strategic approaches to each type of question on the GMAT. Basic grammar and math content knowledge will also need to be reviewed. The last month should target the tougher questions. Before formulating a specific plan for yourself, you need to know what your strengths and weaknesses are. You can then address those weaknesses while building on your strengths.

The GMAT is not merely a test of knowledge. You want your score to reflect your abilities. This test aims to measure cognitive abilities and critical thinking, including analytical, verbal, and quantitative, reasoning skills. No magic formula will give anyone the perfect amount of time to study and prepare for the GMAT.

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