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You can find a number of study aids online for free or for purchase. The GMAT website is a good source for preparation materials, though any high-ranking, up-to-date study guide should be helpful. If you choose to use a store-bought study guide, check its reviews online to see what other GMAT test takers have to say about that guide. Make sure the guide you use is the most up-to-date version. Spend time preparing for all parts of the test, but make sure you spend extra time on the subject areas you struggle with the most. The highest-scoring test takers spent an average of 121 hours studying for the GMAT. Those who scored in the 600 range spent an average of 107 hours studying. Though everyone's progress will vary, it's best to start studying early and develop a regular study routine in order to properly prepare for the exam. Most test takers studying for the GMAT need between six weeks and three months to adequately prepare for the exam. Knowing your own study habits will be the best way to determine how much you'll need to study, but it's always better to err on the side of caution and spend more time studying. You'll need to practice on a daily basis in order to do well on the GMAT. If you have very weak math skills, plan on studying for two-and-a-half to three months total. Sporadic studying has been shown to be ineffective in preparing for the GMAT. Once you develop a study schedule, stick with it. Consistency in your preparation will improve your chances of success. The quantitative section tests your math skills, primarily in arithmetic, simple algebra, and basic geometry. In addition to testing your knowledge of mathematical concepts, this section of the GMAT will also test your ability to use reason and interpretation. The quantitative section consists of 31 questions, which you'll have 62 minutes to complete. Arithmetic topics include percentages, averages, ratios/proportions, profit/loss calculations, and calculating interest. Algebraic topics include permutation, probability, quadratic equations, and statistics. Geometrical topics include coordinate calculations and basic concepts of geometry. The verbal section tests you in three basic areas: reading comprehension, critical reasoning, and sentence correction. Close attention to the passages you will read, the questions asked, and the sentence structure within each question will be necessary in order to do well on this section. The verbal section consists of 36 questions, which you'll have 65 minutes to complete. Reading comprehension passages are approximately 350 words in length and cover topics across social sciences, physical/biological sciences, and business. Each question is interpretive and will require some inference on your part. Critical reasoning questions evaluate your ability to make an argument and evaluate the arguments of others. You'll read a series of short passages and answer questions on the rhetorical strengths/weaknesses of each passage. Sentence correction questions assess your ability to follow style and grammar rules in standard written English. You'll read a long sentence that is partially underlined, then answer questions that evaluate the underlined section. Throughout the verbal section, it's important to remember that colloquial English may not be grammatically correct. If you did not do well in English classes, it may be worth brushing up on your grammar and reading skills. This section may be the one least prepared for by individuals taking the GMAT. Unlike the other test sections, the analytical writing section is not factored into your numerical score (between 200 and 800); instead, a score ranging from one to six is attached to your other scores. The business schools you apply to will see the analytical writing score, and it may make or break your application. In this section, you will closely read and critically analyze a written argument. Do not address your personal views on the topic; you are simply expected to critique the argument that is given to you. Address the argument's logic, any weaknesses in the argument as it currently reads, and suggest ways to strengthen the argument that might make it more sound and convincing. You will have 30 minutes to complete this section. The integrated reasoning section of the GMAT is only 12 questions, which you'll have 30 minutes to complete. It primarily focuses on your ability to assess multiple sources of data, interpret graphic displays (charts, etc.), analyze a table of information, and make well-reasoned and logical conclusions from the materials you're given. The key to doing well on the GMAT is to know your own skill level and areas of knowledge - and by extension, to know which areas of study will need the most work. You may need to adjust your study habits to include extra focus in your area(s) of weakness, on top of reviewing the rest of the material you'll be tested on. Take the GMAT practice test online. This will be the best indicator of your overall level of preparedness. You should also download the GMATPrep Software. It's available for free at http://www.mba.com/us/store/download-free-gmatprep-software.aspx. The GMAT website offers practice exams online. These will help you prepare for the exam, become familiar with its format, and get a good sense of how prepared you are for the GMAT. Always time yourself while taking practice exams. Remember that you will be timed during the actual GMAT, so it's best to start practicing under time restraints now. You will lose points on the GMAT if you do not complete any part of the exam, so time management skills are crucial. Aim to spend about two minutes on each math question and slightly less time on each verbal question. Cramming for any exam is a bad idea. Trying to cram for the GMAT is practically impossible. The best preparation for the GMAT breaks up your study sessions into small, manageable blocks. Aim to spend about 45 minutes to 90 minutes on a given day studying for the GMAT. Many college campuses offer GMAT preparation courses, either in person or online. These preparation classes may be beneficial to some, but they can also be expensive. Depending on where your strengths and weaknesses lie, you also may not get much out of a prep course. However, the decision to take a preparation course is a personal one and should be carefully considered. If you're not sure about a GMAT prep course, consider hiring a personal tutor with GMAT expertise. This can give you a more customized preparation in a one-on-one setting.
Get the necessary study materials. Start early and study often. Study for the quantitative section. Prepare for the verbal section. Anticipate the analytical writing section. Get ready for the integrated reasoning section. Determine your weak areas. Use the practice exams. Break up your study sessions. Consider taking a GMAT prep course.