How to prepare for GMAT at home?

Preparing for the GMAT has evolved significantly, especially with the shift towards online learning and home-based study. For many MBA aspirants, especially full-time professionals, attending traditional classroom coaching has become less practical. The Covid-19 pandemic accelerated this trend, making online preparation not only convenient but also effective. One of the key components of a successful GMAT preparation strategy is incorporating practice tests for GMAT, which help familiarize you with the exam format and identify areas for improvement.

Balancing work commitments with study time can be challenging, so efficiency is paramount in achieving your target scores. This article will provide valuable tips for preparing for the GMAT from home at your own pace. We will cover:

Three Tips for Effective Preparation
How to Start Your GMAT Preparation
Benefits of Online Preparation
Time Management Strategies
Self-Preparation Feasibility

Three Tips – How to Prepare for GMAT at Home

Tip #1 – Find a Designated Study Zone

The location where you study significantly influences your preparation. If you do not have a specific area designated for studying, it can hinder your efficiency. Frequently changing your study spot can lead to wasted time as you adjust to new environments. Here’s a checklist to consider when selecting your study zone:

Quiet Area: Choose a location away from noise disturbances like traffic or construction.
Well-Lit: Ensure the area has sufficient ambient light throughout the day; poor lighting can strain your eyes and reduce learning efficiency.
Minimal Distractions: Keep your workspace clear of unnecessary items; only have what you need to study.
Alternate Study Zone: Identify a backup study area that meets all the above criteria in case you need to switch locations.

Tip #2 – Make Sure You Don’t Get Distracted

Maintaining focus is essential for efficient GMAT preparation at home. It’s easy to become distracted and lose concentration during study sessions. Here are some strategies to help you stay focused:

Set Your Phone to ‘Do Not Disturb’: Social media notifications can easily divert your attention. Keep your phone away while studying or use apps that promote focus.
Close Irrelevant Browser Tabs: If you’re using online courses, distractions from other tabs can be significant. Consider using tab management tools like OneTab.
Maintain Energy Levels: Start your study sessions after eating a nutritious meal; low blood sugar can impair cognitive function.
Use Noise-Cancelling Headphones: These can help isolate you from external noises.
Complete Your To-Do List: Finish household chores before studying so that unfinished tasks don’t distract you.

Tip #3 – Take Breaks During Preparation

Incorporating timed breaks into your study routine positively affects productivity and focus. Research indicates that breaks enhance overall performance. Here are tips for effective study breaks:

Reward Yourself: Break down chapters into smaller sections and reward yourself with breaks upon completion.
Regular Short Breaks: Opt for frequent short breaks rather than long ones, which can disrupt your concentration.
Avoid Social Media During Breaks: Resist the urge to scroll through social media during breaks; this can lead to extended distractions.
Get Moving: Engage in light physical activity during breaks to improve blood circulation and refresh your mind.

How to Start Your GMAT Preparation at Home

Now that you’re prepared to begin studying, let’s discuss how to kick off your GMAT preparation effectively.

Three Steps to Start Your GMAT Preparation at Home:

Attend a Free Strategy Webinar: Join sessions hosted by GMAT experts who will clarify the testing algorithm, necessary skills for high scores, and how to create a personalized study plan.
Assess Your Current Ability Level: If you’ve previously taken the GMAT, use your score as a baseline. For first-time test-takers, consider taking free diagnostic quizzes in Verbal and Quantitative sections to identify strengths and weaknesses.
Determine Your Target Score: If you’re unsure about your target score, we offer a GMAT Personalized Study Planner that helps identify required sectional scores based on your goals.

Why Should You Prepare for GMAT Online?

Based on our interactions with over 10,000 GMAT aspirants who have utilized both books and online resources, we found that online preparation offers significant advantages:

Engaging both visual and auditory senses enhances focus and comprehension compared to traditional books.
Online resources save time during revision compared to studying from physical books.
Since the GMAT is an online test, preparing on a computer helps ease the transition from book-based learning.

Online content remains up-to-date with changes made by GMAC, while books require reprinting for updates.

How Much Time Do You Need to Reach Your Target GMAT Score?

Creating an effective study plan based on your target score and available time can be challenging. We recommend utilizing the GMAT Personalized Study Planner tool for customized planning. By entering your target score, estimated test date, and available study time, this tool provides an organized plan detailing how much time should be allocated per subsection.

When Should You Take the GMAT?

Selecting an ideal test date that aligns with both your preparation level and application deadlines is crucial. To assist with this decision-making process, we’ve developed a quiz that provides personalized recommendations based on your current preparedness level and target score.

While planning your preparation timeline, it’s vital to be realistic about the time required. Overly ambitious plans may lead to discouragement and decreased efficiency. Aim for balance among work commitments, social life, and personal time—this will enhance energy levels and improve focus.

In cases where weekday preparations are challenging due to work commitments, consider compensating with extra effort over weekends.

Here’s another article that may be useful – How long does it take to prepare for the GMAT?

Can I Prepare for GMAT on My Own?

Preparing for the GMAT from home may have seemed impractical years ago; however, advancements in technology have made it feasible today. You can successfully prepare for the GMAT from home by following these guidelines:

Establish a designated study zone that is quiet and well-lit.
Avoid distractions during study sessions.
Incorporate timed short breaks into your routine.

Time Management Strategies

Create a Study Schedule

A well-defined study schedule is crucial for maintaining consistency and ensuring that you cover all necessary topics before your test date. Here are some steps to create an effective study schedule:

Set Specific Goals: Define what you want to achieve in each study session. This could be mastering a particular topic or completing a set number of practice questions.
Allocate Time Wisely: Dedicate time blocks for each subject area, ensuring you balance your focus between Quantitative and Verbal sections.
Include Review Sessions: Regularly revisit previously studied material to reinforce learning and retention.

Use a Timer

Incorporating timed sessions can increase your efficiency. Try using the Pomodoro technique, which involves studying for 25 minutes followed by a 5-minute break. This method helps maintain focus and prevents burnout.

Track Your Progress

Keep a journal or use an app to track your progress. Note down the topics you’ve covered, practice test scores, and areas needing improvement. This will help you stay motivated and adjust your study plan as needed.

Self-Preparation Feasibility

Many aspirants wonder if they can effectively prepare for the GMAT on their own. The answer is yes, but it requires discipline and the right resources. Here are some considerations:

Quality Study Materials: Invest in reputable GMAT prep books or online courses that provide structured content and practice questions.
Online Forums: Engage with communities like GMAT Club, where you can ask questions, share experiences, and gain insights from fellow test-takers and experts.
Practice Tests for GMAT: Regularly take full-length practice tests under timed conditions to simulate the actual exam environment. This will help build your stamina and familiarize you with the test format.

Conclusion

Preparing for the GMAT at home is entirely feasible with the right approach and resources. By establishing a dedicated study environment, managing your time effectively, and utilizing online platforms like GMAT Club, you can enhance your preparation experience. Remember to stay disciplined, track your progress, and make adjustments as needed to ensure you are on track to achieve your target score.

Incorporate these strategies into your study plan, and you’ll be well-equipped to tackle the GMAT confidently.

Guest writer