How to Prepare for the GMAT in 30 Days: Proven Strategies from a CFO

Preparing for the GMAT can seem like an overwhelming task, even with just a month to study. However, with the right strategies, you can make the most of your limited time and improve your chances of success. Nina Gilbert, a renowned MBA enthusiast, shares tips from Bobbie Sims, a CFO from KPMG in Buffalo, USA, on how to prepare for the GMAT in just 30 days.

1. Study Every Day

According to Bobbie Sims, consistency is key. Start with the GMAT Official Guide to get a broad overview, and use a variety of resources. Even if you're working full-time, you'll need at least a couple of hours each day for studying. Make a plan and stick to it. Utilize every minute effectively, from buses and commutes to short breaks at home.

Make the Most of Daily Moments

While commuting, read or do GMAT problems on public transit or listen to GMAT content on a podcast. At red lights, use flashcards, or recite prime numbers while waiting to merge into traffic. Discuss problems with family members to keep GMAT studying engaged and continuous.

Staying immersed in the GMAT world will make it a priority and help you stay motivated.

2. Identify and Work on Weaknesses

Avoid burnout by focusing on your weaknesses early. For example, if arithmetic is a challenge, learn your multiplication tables by heart, and if you struggle with critical reasoning, practice with different texts. The sooner you identify your weaknesses, the better you can tailor your study plan to address them.

Pick Your Weaknesses in Focus

Math skills rusty? Practice multiplication tables. Struggling with algebra? Work on FOIL exercises. Reading comprehension slow? Try reading from the Economist or the Wall Street Journal.

By working on these areas early on, you can turn weaknesses into strengths, keeping your study plan effective and efficient.

3. Study in Short Blocks Rotating Concepts

To avoid burnout, mix up your study schedule. Try different question types each day. For instance, you could do 1.5 hours of reading, then 2 hours of quant, and a couple of hours of sentence correction later in the day. This also helps with information retention and keeps the brain engaged without overworking it.

Mix Up Your Study Blocks

Rotate between different question types to keep the brain engaged. Don’t exceed 2 hours on any one concept to avoid mental fatigue. Incorporate rewards to stay motivated, such as a candy bar or an episode of your favorite TV show.

This approach turns GMAT study into a game and keeps it enjoyable, even if it's challenging.

4. Review Thoroughly

More than answering questions, use the 40/60 rule: 40% of your time should be spent answering questions, and 60% should be spent on reviewing and analyzing your mistakes. This will help you retain information better and identify knowledge gaps.

Focus on Deep Review

Make observations about your mistakes before moving on, like the need to review factoring concepts. Take breaks to clear your mind and return to your mistakes with a fresh perspective. Instead of doing more problems, review variations of the same question to understand the nuances of problem-solving.

Reviewing mistakes efficiently will help you achieve the best possible score, even in a short study period.

5. Take Practice Tests Regularly

Take at least one full-length GMAT practice test per week, including your diagnostic test. Plan to take a minimum of 4 full-length practice tests to get a feel for the pacing. This will help alleviate test day stress and build your confidence.

Get Comfortable with the Test Format

Practice regularly throughout the month to get comfortable with the GMAT format. Take two practice tests per week in the final two weeks to fine-tune your timing. Avoid distractions and stay focused, as the timer and environment can be stressful.

Positive mindset and persistence are key. Stay motivated, recognize the significance of the preparation, and take the GMAT as a challenge to grow and improve.

With these strategies, you can make the most of your 30-day preparation period and boost your chances of success on the GMAT.