How to Prepare for GMAT Exam 2024 in 6 Weeks?

The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is one of the premier worldwide examinations for admission into business schools. GMAC, the organisation responsible for creating the test, has recently developed the GMAT Focus Edition to hone the skills required for success in contemporary graduate management programs.

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The GMAT exam assesses an applicant’s analytical and quantitative reasoning abilities within a time-constrained format. Essentially, it aims to evaluate a candidate’s strategic and logical thinking skills, encompassing quantitative and data-driven subjects. The new focus edition of GMAT 2024 includes three sections viz; Quantitative Section, Verbal Section, and Data Insights.

Know About the New Sections of GMAT Focus Edition 2024

The new version of GMAT 2024 is comprised of three different sections, all of which require the use of critical thinking and analysis skills. These sections are individually scored and cover the following content:

1. Quantitative Section: The GMAT Quantitative section assesses your understanding of mathematical concepts such as number properties, algebra, statistics, and geometry. Additionally, it evaluates a candidate’s capacity to apply logical reasoning to mathematical problems.

2. Verbal Section: The GMAT Verbal section aims to assess a candidate’s proficiency in standard written English, his/her aptitude for evaluating arguments, and capacity to engage in critical reading.

3. Data Insights: The Data Insights (DI) section evaluates a blend of quantitative and verbal abilities simultaneously. While the DI section encompasses the same quantitative concepts as the Quant section, it employs distinct problem types that integrate quantitative concepts with verbal skills, including reading comprehension and logical analysis. Furthermore, the DI section assesses your proficiency in interpreting and analyzing graphs and tables.

The Data Insights problems on the test differ from problems in other sections. It is essential to go through the data provided and identify the specific details required to solve the problem. These problems simulate the analytical skills needed for case studies in business school.

Business schools utilize your GMAT scores along with a plethora of other factors, such as your undergraduate academic performance, essays, work experience, and recommendations, to evaluate your preparedness for the rigorous quantitative and analytical coursework that will be essential in your chosen program.

Sample Preparation Plan for GMAT Focus Edition in Six Weeks

How to Prepare for GMAT in Six Weeks?

Preparing for the GMAT Focus Edition can be challenging, especially when one has a busy work schedule. However, dedicating six weeks of test prep smartly with or without a job can help candidates clear the exam successfully.

Here are some GMAT preparation tips in six weeks:

Create an Effective Study Plan: The GMAT 2024 is a complex exam that requires a deep understanding of the content and the ability to recognize subtle patterns. By immersing oneself in the exam and focusing solely on the preparation, one can create a more efficient and effective study plan. This approach is far more advantageous than trying to squeeze in study time after a long day of work when one is already exhausted. If one has the opportunity to switch jobs or take an extended break, it is highly recommended to make the GMAT prep plan during that period. Candidates who can dedicate themselves full-time to the exam tend to achieve higher scores and experience less overall stress and difficulty.

Collect Adequate GMAT Prep Material: Acquire GMAT 2024 preparation resources from both online and offline sources. There is a wide range of online GMAT prep materials available that can assist a candidate in getting ready for the GMAT test. Additionally, a candidate can refer to the GMAT official prep material for further guidance.

It is advisable to choose materials that employ a scoring algorithm similar to that of the GMAT. Furthermore, it is beneficial to practice solving questions from previous exams. Candidates can refer to GMAT tutorial videos and forums for a comprehensive understanding of the GMAT Focus Edition exam.

Make Use of the GMAT Official Guide: The GMAT Official Guide provides a diagnostic test in both its printed and online editions. These guides are created by the GMAC, the organization responsible for owning and designing the GMAT test.

The diagnostic test serves as an effective initial assessment to identify your strengths and weaknesses, aiding in the prioritization of your study areas and the development of your study plan. It encompasses over 150 questions in total, covering Quant, Verbal, and Data Insights.

Identifying and Working on the Weak Areas: Initially, a candidate should pinpoint his/her areas of weakness and subsequently concentrate on conquering them through consistent practice.

Among the three sections of GMAT Focus Edition, a candidate should thoroughly examine the subsections within each to identify the areas requiring improvement and dedicate full attention to enhancing his/her skills.

Optimal Usage of Study Time: Candidates should ensure optimal use of their study time by following a well-structured plan. If a candidate is new to exam preparation, it is advisable to consider enrolling in a short-term GMAT preparation course or opt for personalized tutoring.

Many candidates waste valuable time attempting to study independently without a clear roadmap or expert guidance. Self-studying for such a challenging exam is often counterproductive, leading to increased costs and time investment compared to seeking professional assistance from the start.

Allocate a suitable time frame, engage in effective preparation, and endeavour to score 700+ within a six-week preparation.

It is recommended that applicants with a full-time job allocate 2-3 hours for GMAT Focus Edition preparation on three workdays, dedicate a 4-hour study session on one weekend day, and have a shorter 2-hour session on the other weekend day.

Ideally, a minimum of 12 hours per week should be devoted to GMAT Focus Edition preparation over 10 weeks. It is important to avoid short study sessions that do not allow for in-depth exploration of topics and hinder the development of focus and pattern recognition. For those not working full-time, more study time should be taken into consideration.

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