GMAT Preparation Tips 2024: Section Wise Preparation Plan, Study Material & Best Books

GMAT exam preparation 2024 for the focus edition can be difficult. Starting from February 1, 2024, only GMAT focus edition exam is available for candidates. However, incorporating effective GMAT exam preparation tips can increase the chances of getting a good GMAT score. This article covers some important GMAT preparation tips 2024 for candidates that will help accelerate the preparation momentum for the focus edition exam.

GMAT: Preparation Tips | Guide

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This Story also Contains

1. Top GMAT Focus Edition Preparation Tips 2024
2. GMAT Preparation for Beginners
3. How to Prepare for GMAT at Home?
4. GMAT Preparation 2024: Section-wise tips
5. GMAT Study Materials 2024
6. GMAT Preparation Guide 2024

Students can prepare for the GMAT focus edition exam from home or seek help from online/offline coaching centres. Candidates who are applying for the first time are advised to start their preparation at least 6 months prior to the scheduled exam date. However, students who have ample knowledge of reasoning, mathematics, and data analysis can start their preparation at least 2-3 months before the exam date.

This article on GMAT exam preparation tips 2024 will answer various queries such as how to prepare for GMAT focus edition, GMAT home preparation, and GMAT preparation for beginners, and others. Studying GMAT preparation tips 2024 helps to improve the analytical, verbal as well and mathematical abilities of an individual. Read further to learn top preparation tips for the GMAT 2024 focus edition exam, GMAT preparation time, GMAT study books, and more.

Latest update: Check the GMAT Focus edition preparation tips here.

Top GMAT Focus Edition Preparation Tips 2024

To start preparing for the GMAT focus edition exam, candidates must first understand the GMAT exam pattern. Here are some of the important GMAT preparation tips 2024 to help candidates get hold of the concepts, time management, and speed up their process.

1. Fix a targeted score

Candidates preparing for the GMAT must set a target score beforehand according to the requirements of their desired business school. Analyse the previous academic year's GMAT average scores of B-schools, fix a target score, and start the preparation accordingly.

2. Acknowledge the GMAT exam pattern and syllabus

Download the GMAT exam pattern and analyse the latest GMAT syllabus carefully. The syllabus for the new GMAT focus edition is composed of 64 questions in three sections – quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning, and data insights.

• Quantitative Reasoning: This section consists of a total of 31 questions in two sub-sections, data sufficiency and problem-solving.

• Verbal Reasoning: Questions in this section are based on three types: reading comprehension, critical reasoning, and sentence correction.

• Data Insights - The questions may require the concepts of math, analysis, and verbal reasoning.

3. Prepare a Study Plan

The GMAT exam syllabus consists of vast concepts, topics, theories, and formulas that must be segregated with a proper approach to preparation. Candidates who are attempting the GMAT focus edition exam first time are advised to prepare a proper study plan. Candidates can prepare the study routine based on their knowledge of the concepts included in the three sections. They can also seek help from the GMAT diagnostic tests for a better understanding of the GMAT syllabus.

Students who have already made attempts for GMAT previously can prepare the GMAT study plan prioritising the poorly scored sections and giving enough time for improvement. Students must prepare a strict GMAT preparation timetable and stick to it to get a promising score

4. Select the GMAT focus edition prep materials

GMAT prep materials are available in both online and offline modes. Students must use effective study resources to accelerate their GMAT preparation 2024. Some of the important GMAT preparation materials for the aspiring candidates are given below:

• The Official GMAT Guide.

• The Official GMAT Online Question Bank.

• The Official GMAT Verbal Prep Course.

• The Official GMAT Quant Prep Course.

• Manhattan Prep Guides.

• Economist GMAT Digital magazine.

• Veritas Prep Materials.

• Kaplan GMAT 800.

5. Practice basic calculations without a calculator

Students are not allowed to bring their own calculators for the exam. A calculator will be provided for use during the Integrated Reasoning section only. Calculators are not permitted during the Quantitative section. Therefore, candidates are advised to avoid the use of a calculator and mobile phones during the preparation time. Try to solve the problems by mind calculation instead of doing paper calculations or with a hand to decrease time.

6. Take the GMAT practice tests online

There are multiple free GMAT mock tests and sample papers available. Try to complete those GMAT practice papers within the allotted time. The GMAT score will be quite similar to the scores candidates received in the practice tests. Try to attempt more GMAT sample tests to learn time management. However, do not overdo them because practising these tests and devoting 3 hours takes huge energy which can make candidates lethargic afterward and affect the daily GMAT prep schedule.

7. Select the right time or month to attempt the GMAT exam

Students who completed GMAT registration can take this GMAT exam anytime, depending on the availability of the GMAT test dates and GMAT test centers. Completing the GMAT exam and attaining the GMAT score report within the first week lets students apply for the two admission cycles held at the end of August, September, and January. Consider these GMAT preparation tips while registering for the GMAT exam.

GMAT Preparation for Beginners

Preparing for business schools is very daunting for beginners. However, with effective study resources and strict programme plans, candidates can easily achieve the desired GMAT score. Applicants who have applied for the GMAT exam for the first time are advised to start their preparation six months before the test date. Below are some important GMAT prep tips for beginners to ensure a stressless study environment among the applicants:

1. Take GMAT exam practice test regularly to identify the strengths and weaknesses.

2. Start preparing from the official GMAT materials like The Official Guide and Online Question Bank.

3. Analyse the GMAT focus edition exam pattern and forge a study strategy to develop tactical approaches for each section.

4. Use alternative GMAT prep materials for a better understanding of the concepts.

5. Try to learn time management and do not spend too much time on one question.

How to Prepare for GMAT at Home?

Preparing for the GMAT at home involves self-study which can be the best way to study for GMAT focus edition. Here are some tips to prepare for the GMAT at home.

• Practice a variety of GMAT questions as part of the study programme.

• Practice under real conditions for testing.

• Do not use the calculator for the Quantitative section.

• Practice time management and remember not to get stuck on one question for too long. If the candidate can't solve the problem, try their best and move on.

• Practice tests will take up 30% of the study time, and cover a variety of question types and all sections.

• Allocate specific dates for specific test sections without trying to review multiple concepts at once.

• Designate a place of study that is free of distractions.

• Take breaks regularly.

• Use the right GMAT preparation materials to enhance the preparation.

GMAT Preparation 2024: Section-wise tips

The tips provided for each section help the candidates in bringing an in-depth approach that enhances their overall performance on the GMAT exam. GMAT scores are calculated by summing up the scores from all three sections. Therefore, scoring well in each section is necessary to get the desired GMAT score.

GMAT Preparation for Verbal Section

The verbal section of the GMAT focus edition syllabus measures the ability to read and understand written material, evaluate arguments, and correct written material to conform to standard written English. This section includes around 36 questions on reading comprehension, critical reasoning, and sentence correction.

The GMAT Preparation Tips 2024 free for the verbal section are:

1. Practice reading comprehension - Practice as much reading comprehension as possible. The best way to solve a comprehension is by breaking it into parts. Take one question at a time. At the GMAT prep level, students can jot down each relevant point and consider whether it is the best possible answer to their question.

2. Get command over the grammar - Clarity in grammatical concepts is essential in GMAT prep. Make sure to know the modifiers and prepositions correctly. Sentence correction forms the tricky part of GMAT preparation. It usually requires a higher level of analysis and logical application.

3. Practice reading Newspaper Articles - Reading is the easiest and most effective way of preparing for the GMAT verbal section. Improve language skills by reading the editorial sections of newspapers. The topics coming in GMAT usually are science and humanities.

GMAT Preparation for Data Insights

The GMAT Data Insights section introduced in the Focus Edition tests skills in interpreting and analysing data presented in various formats. Some of the important preparation tips for the data insights section are as follows:

1. Try to understand the section to develop a baseline in Data Sufficiency, Graphics Interpretation, Table Analysis, Two-Part Analysis, and Multi-Source Reasoning.

2. Improve the math and critical reasoning skills to tackle quantitative and interpretive elements of the section.

3. Develop logical reasoning to make valid conclusions, and identify inconsistencies in the presented data.

GMAT Preparation for Quantitative Reasoning

This section assesses the use of reasoning skills to evaluate data and draw conclusions. Interestingly, quantitative ability requires just basic mathematical knowledge. So, the important point is to make sure that the concepts of elementary mathematics are clear. The GMAT study tips for the quantitative section are -

1. Focus on the weakness: Try to identify the areas of weaknesses. Prepare a study plan accordingly to improve those areas. For example, if a candidate is afraid of geometry, he/she must focus more on this area for a better score.

2. Clear basic concepts: Most of the questions that come in the GMAT involve the application of elementary-level mathematics. Try to clear basic mathematics concepts to get a good score on the GMAT.

3. Refer to study resources: It always helps to refer to study resources. There are many GMAT practice sets available. Even mba.com helps students take online mock tests and provides test practice sets.

How to Prepare for GMAT 2024 while Working?

Preparing for the GMAT exam along with a full-time job can be a tedious task. For working professionals, taking out a few hours for GMAT preparation from their stretched work schedule can be daunting. However, the right guidance and following a proper GMAT strategy can be really helpful. There are numerous online and offline resources available for GMAT preparation, that can be utilised to prepare for the GMAT exam with a job.

Watch this video to dive deep into how to score 690 in GMAT with a full-time job.

GMAT Study Materials 2024

Selecting the best books, courses, and resources for the preparation for the GMAT exam. Effective GMAT study materials help candidates make their preparation worthy, save time, and get the expected GMAT score. Here is the information regarding the GMAT 2024 preparation material which includes study books, study materials, GMAT preparation online websites, etc.

• The Official GMAT Guide: The Official GMAT Guide is published by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC). It includes practice questions, official explanations, and test-taking strategies.

• The Official GMAT Online Question Bank: The Official GMAT Online Question Bank is an online resource that gives access to hundreds of official GMAT practice questions.

• The Official GMAT Verbal Prep Course: This online course offers preparation tips for reading comprehension, critical reasoning, and sentence correction.

• The Official GMAT Quant Prep Course: This is an online course that offers comprehensive instruction on problem-solving and data sufficiency.

GMAT Study Materials: Alternative Sources

• Manhattan Prep: Manhattan Prep materials are known for their high quality and comprehensive coverage of the test.

• Economist GMAT Digital magazine - This magazine teaches all the tricks, and techniques that help to solve all the questions within the time frame in the exam. It is priced at around 800 USD. Available free trial version up to 25% of course. Consists of a free consultation and a free GMAT simulation test. Comes in a mobile app also.

• Veritas Prep: Veritas Prep materials are known for their focus on critical thinking and test-taking strategies.

• Kaplan GMAT 800: Kaplan offers a variety of GMAT study materials, including books, online courses, and live classes that offer focused guidelines for tackling each question type.

• Princeton Review: Princeton Review offers a variety of GMAT study materials, including books, online courses, and live classes that offer humor and engaging writing style.

All the GMAT preparation tips PDFs can be downloaded from the GMAT preparation tips E-Book from Careers360. The GMAT preparation material is invaluable when preparing for the exam.

GMAT Test Day Tips

We have included some GMAT test day tips to help students maintain a calm and composed mindset.

• Arrive at the exam centre early to avoid unnecessary stress.

• Bring all the necessary items to the GMAT test centre, such as the original ID, confirmation materials, pencils, a calculator, etc.

• Listen to all instructions carefully and stay hydrated at all times.

• Try to manage time carefully and do not spend too much time on one question.

• Read all the questions attentively and double-check the answers.

GMAT Preparation Guide 2024

GMAC releases an official GMAT preparation guide available on the GMAT official website. This GMAT preparation material includes theories and concepts with detailed information along with real questions that appeared in the previous year's GMAT exam. Candidates who are planning to prepare for GMAT at home can use the GMAT preparation guide for authentic exam preparation.

The GMAT 2024 is one of the most widely accepted MBA entrance exams. Applicants must score at least 650 (out of 800) on the GMAT for admission to top B schools. With the right planning and strategic approach to exam preparation, candidates can get GMAT score above 650. Prepare for each section one by one. Start by reviewing the question type for each section. Set weekly goals and deadlines for topics that need to be covered.

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