MASTER THE GMAT

Your Path to GMAT Success

GMAT 750+ Reading Plan for Beginners

Achieving a GMAT score of 750+ requires a strategic approach, strong commitment, and consistent practice. Below is a comprehensive 4-month study plan for beginners.

Month 1: Foundation Building (Weeks 1-4)

Focus: Basics of GMAT & Understanding the Test

1. Understand the GMAT Structure
   Learn about the GMAT sections — Quantitative, Verbal, Integrated Reasoning, and Analytical Writing — including time per section and question types.

2. Initial Diagnostic Test
   Take an official GMAT diagnostic test to establish your baseline score and identify your strengths and weaknesses.

3. Books and Resources to Use

   • GMAT Official Guide 2023 (OG): Start with basic questions.

   • Manhattan Prep Foundations of Math and Verbal for foundational concepts.

4. Weekly Goals

   • Quant: Master basics like arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and word problems.

   • Verbal: Develop skills in Sentence Correction, reading comprehension, and critical reasoning.

5. Daily Study Plan (2-3 Hours/Day)

   • 1 hour: Quantitative review and practice.

   • 1 hour: Verbal practice.

   • 30 minutes: Review errors and concepts using an error log.

Month 2: Skill Development (Weeks 5-8)

Focus: Building Speed and Accuracy

1. Quant

   • Progress to medium-difficulty questions using the OG Quantitative Section.

   • Learn shortcuts from Manhattan Prep GMAT Quant Guides.

2. Verbal

   • Use the Aristotle SC Grail for advanced grammar.

   • Study critical reasoning with the Powerscore GMAT Critical Reasoning Bible.

3. Mock Tests
   Take a GMAT practice test every 2 weeks to monitor progress.

4. Daily Study Plan (3-4 Hours/Day)

   • 1 hour: Quant medium-level questions.

   • 1 hour: Verbal practice, focusing on weak areas.

   • 30 minutes: Use flashcards for formulas and idioms.

Month 3: Mastery (Weeks 9-12)

Focus: Advanced Questions & Strategy

1. Quant
   Advance to high-difficulty questions using Manhattan Prep Advanced Quant.

2. Verbal
   Review challenging questions and practice with GMAT Verbal Question Banks.

3. Mock Tests
   Take weekly full-length GMAT practice tests.

4. Books and Resources

   • Practice with GMAT Club Quant and Verbal Question Banks.

   • Use the Official Guide Supplemental Materials for advanced practice.

Month 4: Test Readiness (Weeks 13-16)

Focus: Polishing Strategy and Test Simulation

1. Simulate Test Conditions
   Take 2 full-length GMAT mock exams per week in conditions mimicking the test center

2. Weakness Focus
   Use resources like GMAT Club's Error Log to identify and improve weak areas.

3. Books and Resources

   • Review the OG and GMAT Club's advanced resources.

Additional Tips

• Timing Strategy
  Learn pacing techniques from GMAT Club's timing strategies.

• Use Error Logs
  Track recurring mistakes with this error log template.

• Balanced Approach
  Focus on both Quant and Verbal sections equally.

• Stay Consistent
  Follow your plan with discipline and take breaks to avoid burnout.

Preparing for the GMAT requires a strategic and disciplined approach, especially if your goal is a top-tier score of 750+. Success hinges on understanding the test structure, mastering core concepts, and developing efficient problem-solving techniques. This guide provides a step-by-step, 4-month study plan tailored for beginners, balancing foundational learning, skill-building, and test simulation. It incorporates trusted resources, mock tests, and advanced strategies to ensure continuous improvement. Whether you’re starting fresh or aiming to refine your abilities, this plan will help you build confidence, address weaknesses, and achieve a competitive edge for admission to your dream MBA program. Let’s begin!

FAQs on GMAT Preparation for Scoring 750+

1. What is the structure of the GMAT exam?

The GMAT consists of four sections:

• Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA): 1 question (30 minutes)

• Integrated Reasoning (IR): 12 questions (30 minutes)

• Quantitative: 31 questions (62 minutes)

• Verbal: 36 questions (65 minutes)

2. How much time do I need to prepare for a 750+ score?

Preparation time varies, but achieving a 750+ score typically requires 3–6 months of focused study, depending on your baseline skills and availability.

3. What are the best resources for GMAT preparation?

Some of the top resources include:

• Books: GMAT Official Guide, Manhattan Prep, and Kaplan GMAT.

• Online Courses: e-GMAT, Magoosh, and Target Test Prep.

• Practice Tests: GMATPrep software by GMAC and mock exams by Manhattan Prep.

4. What strategies should I follow for the Quantitative section?

• Focus on mastering foundational math concepts like algebra, geometry, and arithmetic.

• Practice problem-solving and data sufficiency questions.

• Time yourself while solving practice sets to improve speed and accuracy.

5. How can I improve my Verbal score?

• Build strong reading comprehension skills by reading high-quality materials like The Economist or Scientific American.

• Study grammar rules and practice sentence correction.

• Hone your critical reasoning skills by identifying assumptions, evaluating arguments, and drawing conclusions.

6. Is it necessary to attempt the Analytical Writing Assessment?

Yes, while AWA scores may not directly impact your total GMAT score, many business schools consider them during the application process. Practice writing essays to improve clarity, structure, and argumentation.

7. How important is the Integrated Reasoning section?

Integrated Reasoning is critical for demonstrating your ability to interpret and analyze data. Business schools often view it as an indicator of your decision-making skills.

8. How should I plan my GMAT study schedule?

• Month 1: Focus on learning concepts, especially in weaker areas.

• Month 2: Practice extensively with official GMAT questions and focus on timing.

• Month 3: Take mock tests weekly and refine strategies for weak sections.

• Preparation should be 4 months

9. How many mock tests should I take before the actual GMAT?

Aim for at least 5–8 full-length mock tests. Review your performance after each test to identify and work on your weak areas.

10. What should be my test-day strategy?

• Stay calm and manage time effectively.

• Tackle easier questions first and flag harder ones for review if time permits.

• Avoid spending too much time on a single question.

11. How can I improve my timing on the GMAT?

• Use a timer during practice sessions.

• Learn to recognize when to guess and move on to save time.

• Familiarize yourself with the question formats to reduce decision-making time.

12. Are breaks allowed during the GMAT?

Yes, you are allowed two optional 8-minute breaks during the exam. Use these to relax and recharge.

13. How often can I retake the GMAT?

You can take the GMAT up to 5 times in a 12-month period, but no more than 8 times in total. There must be a 16-day gap between attempts.

14. How should I manage stress during GMAT preparation?

• Take regular breaks during study sessions.

• Practice mindfulness or meditation.

• Maintain a healthy lifestyle with proper sleep and exercise.

15. What score should I aim for each section to reach 750+?

A rough estimate is:

• Quantitative: 50–51

• Verbal: 41–45

• Integrated Reasoning: 7–8

• Analytical Writing Assessment: 5–6

16. What is the role of a private tutor or study group in GMAT preparation?

Private tutors or study groups can provide personalized guidance, share tips, and hold you accountable to your study goals.

17. What common mistakes should I avoid?

• Neglecting weaker areas.

• Failing to review mistakes from practice tests.

• Overemphasizing one section at the expense of others.

18. Is it better to study full-time or part-time?

This depends on your schedule. Full-time study allows for faster progress, but part-time preparation with a consistent schedule is equally effective for working professionals.