How to Prepare for GMAT at Home?

Preparing for the GMAT can be a strenuous process, especially if you are doing so all by yourself. This is why candidates preparing for the exam prefer taking up GMAT classroom or online coaching. However, due to the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, classroom coaching is being replaced by online coaching. Most full-time working professionals and students these days prefer preparing for the GMAT online from the comfort of their homes.

In this article, we will tell you how to prepare for the GMAT at home, so read on. 

How to Begin Preparing for the GMAT at Home?

The first and foremost thing to do before you begin preparing for the GMAT is to take a GMAT mock test. Taking a GMAT mock test will help you identify your strengths and weaknesses and understand the sections you ought to focus on. Moreover, you are acquainted with how the GMAT is conducted. Once you are aware of the exam and have identified your weak areas, you can draft a personalised study plan easily.  

You must set a target score or a realistic goal for yourself before you create a plan. To do so, you can do a quick research of the universities you are keen on applying to and check their cutoff scores. Based on the cutoff of the university you want to apply to, set a target score for yourself. 

Drafting a study plan is a crucial aspect of your GMAT preparation process. The GMAT syllabus is vast and having a well-drafted study plan in place will help you learn the GMAT concepts effectively. Besides, a good study plan will also ensure that you are managing your time well. 

After having drafted a personalised study plan, you can look for GMAT prep resources online or you could check out books in stores. Moreover, it is recommended that you refer to the GMAT Official Guide when preparing for the exam. Besides the official guide, there is a lot of GMAT material online, but make sure you check for credible resources. 

CLICK HERE for a sample GMAT Verbal questions and answers!

CLICK HERE for a sample GMAT Quant questions and answers!

Tips for GMAT Preparation at Home 

Here are some tips to prepare for the GMAT at home. 

Designated Study Place: When preparing for the GMAT at home, you need to have a designated study area or workspace. You must ensure that the spot or area you choose is a quiet spot, has good lighting, and isn’t very cluttered. 

Minimal Distractions: Preparing for GMAT at home comes with its challenges — things cooking in the kitchen, kids playing, pets running around, the constant need to check your phone and more.  To keep yourself away from all these distractions, you should choose a secluded place, get yourself noise-cancellation earphones to keep away any external noise. Put your phone on silent in the hours you choose to study and try not to take a look at it. If you have opted for the GMAT test preparation online, then make it a point to close unused tabs or additional tabs as they may distract you. 

Eat Well: Before you begin your GMAT prep, you must ensure that you have had a wholesome meal to help boost your energy levels. 

Take Breaks: You must also make sure to take regular breaks in between your preparation process to increase your productivity. You can use these short breaks to stretch or move around to rejuvenate yourself. 

Seek Assistance: If you find it difficult to prepare for the GMAT at home by yourself, you can choose to opt for the best online GMAT prep services such as CareerLabs. You will get access to numerous mock tests, advanced questions, diagnostic tests, etc., to help you prepare for the GMAT.

We hope these tips to prepare for GMAT at home helped!

FAQs

1. Are GMAT Mock tests helpful?

Solving a GMAT mock test before you begin preparing will help you acquaint yourself with the exam. Additionally, it will help you identify the areas you most struggle with and give you an idea of where your strengths lie. 

2. What counts as a good score on the GMAT?

Any score between 700 to 720 counts as a good score on the GMAT examination. 

3. How can I increase my productivity when preparing for the GMAT?

When preparing for the GMAT, you can create to-do lists and set a timer for your tasks. You may also take frequent breaks to rejuvenate yourself. This will help you refresh your mind and increase your productivity.  

All the best!