15 Best GMAT Preparation Strategies That Actually Work in 2025
- Goalisb
- Jul 11
- 11 min read
Top 30 US colleges have an average GMAT score of 675 - 715. Students need 3 to 6 months of dedicated preparation to achieve this score. Most test-takers spend around 100 hours to see noticeable improvement.
A high GMAT score makes you stand out and helps secure scholarships. Many students waste precious time with study methods that don't work. The right study plan can cut your preparation time by 60 hours! Random practice questions and too many prep books won't help. You need a smart approach, especially since the new GMAT Focus Edition's launch in November 2023.
We have solutions for students looking at online prep, test strategies, or verbal section challenges. This piece offers 15 proven strategies that work for 2025. These methods will help you ace the 2-hour 15-minute adaptive test that measures your quantitative, verbal, and analytical insight abilities.
Understand the GMAT Format and Structure
Becoming skilled at the GMAT format builds the foundation for effective gmat preparation. The 2025 GMAT Focus Edition has major changes from earlier versions. Students need to understand its structure before they start their study plan.
1. Know the GMAT Focus Edition sections
The GMAT Focus Edition takes 2 hours and 15 minutes to complete. It has three sections that carry equal weight. Each section runs for 45 minutes. This helps you divide your gmat preparation time equally:
Quantitative Reasoning: Tests your problem-solving abilities with 21 questions
Verbal Reasoning: Checks your reading and analytical skills through 23 questions
Data Insights: Measures how well you analyze data with 20 questions
You can take one optional 10-minute break between any two sections. This lets you plan your test based on your energy levels and strong points.
The Focus Edition no longer has the Analytical Writing Assessment, which makes your gmat preparation more focused. You can now pick the order of the three sections to create your own testing strategy.
2. Understand the scoring system
The GMAT Focus Edition gives total scores from 205-805 in 10-point steps. This range is different from the previous 200-800 scale to help tell the editions apart. Each section gets its own score between 60-90 in 1-point steps.
The GMAT adapts to your performance as a computer-based test. Questions get harder or easier based on your answers. Your final score depends on both the number of correct answers and their difficulty level.
Your percentile ranking matters more than the actual score. To name just one example, scoring 645 on the Focus Edition equals 700 on the older version. Admission teams know these differences and look at your percentile ranking when they review applications.
3. Learn the question types in each section
Good gmat exam preparation means knowing what questions to expect:
Quantitative Reasoning:
Problem Solving: Tests algebra and arithmetic through multiple-choice questions
Verbal Reasoning:
Reading Comprehension (RC): Tests how well you understand passages up to 350 words
Critical Reasoning (CR): Checks how you assess arguments and spot assumptions
Data Insights:
Data Sufficiency: Shows if you can tell when you have enough information to solve a problem
Multi-Source Reasoning: Tests how you combine information from different sources
Table Analysis: Checks your skill with spreadsheet-like data
Graphics Interpretation: Tests how well you read graphs and charts
Two-Part Analysis: Combines quantitative and verbal skills in connected problems
Your gmat preparation online should focus on these specific question types instead of general math or verbal concepts. Each type needs its own strategy. Understanding the format helps you create a better study schedule. You can spend the right amount of time on each section based on what you need to improve.
Build a Personalized Study Plan
A well-planned study schedule serves as the life-blood of successful gmat preparation. Students who skip strategic planning risk wasting valuable time on methods that won't help them reach their full potential.
4. Take a diagnostic test to assess your level
The core team recommends starting your gmat exam preparation with a diagnostic test that gives baseline data. This original assessment:
Shows your starting point and emphasizes strengths and weaknesses across sections
Gives an explanation of your pacing and stamina
Reveals question types needing extra focus
Makes you comfortable with the test format to reduce anxiety
Students should complete this diagnostic test before studying any materials. The official GMAT™ Practice Exam 1 works best since it matches the real test format and scoring algorithm. You need a full picture of your results—beyond just the total score. Look at each section's performance and accuracy by question type.
5. Set a realistic target score
Your target score guides your entire gmat preparation trip. Here's how to set the right goal:
Research the average scores at your preferred business schools. Schools publish median scores for admitted students. Students from overrepresented groups should aim 20-30 points higher than these averages.
Look at your complete profile. To name just one example, candidates with minimal extracurricular activities or leadership roles might need higher GMAT scores to stand out.
Your scholarship goals matter too. Many scholarships have GMAT score requirements. Higher scores boost your chances for financial support. Top schools often want 740+ scores to think over scholarship awards.
6. Estimate your GMAT preparation time
Several factors determine the time needed for effective gmat preparation:
This formula helps calculate study hours: Study Hours = [(Target Score – Current Score) × (Material Factor ÷ 10)]. Top performers usually spend 100-120 hours over 10 weeks.
A 600 to 700 point improvement typically takes about 3 months of focused study. Working professionals should dedicate 2-3 hours on weekdays and 4-5 hours on weekends.
All the same, quality beats quantity. Short, focused study sessions work better than long, distracted ones.
7. Create a weekly study schedule
Your gmat preparation time needs a structured weekly schedule that ensures steady progress:
The diagnostic results should guide your time allocation. Weak areas need more attention while maintaining strong points. A good schedule breaks down like this:
Concept review (30% of time)
Practice questions (40% of time)
Timed quizzes (15% of time)
Error analysis (15% of time)
Full-length mock tests should happen every 2-3 weeks. These tests help adjust your study plan based on performance data.
Regular breaks prevent burnout. Even during 30-minute sessions, take 1-2 minute pauses between tasks. This approach keeps your mind sharp and helps you remember information better.
Consistency remains vital. Daily 2-3 hour sessions for six days work better than cramming 15 hours at once. Your brain needs time between sessions to process new information, making regular practice essential for gmat preparation online.
Choose the Right GMAT Preparation Resources
Your choice of study materials can determine your success in gmat preparation. The market has many resources, but you need to pick ones that actually work.
8. Use official GMAT preparation books
The GMAT Official Guide Bundle should be your go-to resource for gmat preparation. GMAC (the creators of the GMAT) publishes this collection with real questions from past exams. This makes it the most authentic gmat preparation material you can find.
The 2025-2026 bundle has:
GMAT Official Guide (main book with 900+ questions)
Quantitative Review (230+ additional quant questions)
Verbal Review (275+ additional verbal questions)
Data Insights Review (275+ additional data questions)
These books are a great way to get practice because they use real GMAT questions. The questions match the tricky nature of actual exam questions perfectly. The books excel at providing practice material but don't deal very well with teaching strategies.
New students should start with the free GMAT Official Starter Kit that comes with Practice Exams 1 & 2 and 70+ sample questions.
9. Explore GMAT preparation online platforms
Online platforms give you tailored learning that books simply can't match. The GMAT is computer-based, so gmat online preparation creates a more realistic test environment.
Here are some top-rated platforms to think about:
Target Test Prep offers an AI-driven course with 2,200+ instructional videos and 4,000+ practice questions. Their study plans and analytics help you spot weak areas quickly.
Magoosh has budget-friendly self-study options starting at INR 18,479 for math-focused preparation. Premium plans that include verbal sections cost INR 21,010. International students find it especially helpful because of its strong verbal section.
Students on a budget can use GMAT Club forums, Khan Academy lessons, and the GMAT Official Starter Kit. These free resources can boost your paid materials or serve as a starting point.
10. Join GMAT preparation coaching if needed
Many test-takers need gmat preparation coaching despite having many self-study options. Industry experts say self-studying takes more time and might cost more due to retake fees.
Look for these key features in a coaching center:
Faculty expertise and track record of high-scoring students
Complete, updated study materials
Class size that matches your learning style
Flexible scheduling options
Regular mock tests with detailed performance reviews
You should also decide if you want live instruction's accountability or self-paced learning's flexibility. Live courses cost more but give you structured learning and instant feedback.
Get in touch for one on one GMAT coaching with GOALisB if specific sections challenge you or you need custom strategies to break through score plateaus.
The best approach combines official guides, online platforms, and targeted coaching based on your needs. This strategy gives you complete coverage while tackling your specific challenges in gmat exam preparation.
Practice Smart and Track Progress
Your gmat preparation will give a real boost when you turn knowledge into results through practice. Just knowing concepts won't cut it—you need smart practice methods to boost your score.
11. Take full-length mock tests regularly
Mock exams will give you a full picture of your progress. These tests use the same scoring algorithm as the real GMAT. You can expect scores within 10 points of your actual test day performance.
You should take a mock test every two weeks during your gmat preparation time. Regular testing shows if you're making progress or need to change your approach.
Mock tests build your stamina for the 2+ hour exam. Many students make avoidable mistakes in later sections due to tiredness. Test conditions like a quiet room, timed sections, and allowed tools help you build endurance. This practice helps you stay sharp through the whole ordeal.
12. Focus on GMAT verbal preparation if it's your weak area
Students aiming for 700+ usually need at least a 38 in verbal (40+ for 720 scores). Many students focus too much on math and underestimate verbal's challenges.
Reading Comprehension and Critical Reasoning don't have rules you can memorize. Look at verbal like math by finding patterns in language structure. Questions like "Why?", "How?", and "What could?" help you spot correct reasoning in tough passages.
Verbal sections giving you trouble? Get in touch for one on one GMAT coaching with GOALisB. We'll create strategies that target your specific challenges.
13. Use error logs to track mistakes and improve
Error logs help turn weak spots into strengths by tracking and analyzing your mistakes. Your log should include:
Question source and number
Concepts being tested
Your mistake's cause
Why your answer missed the mark
What made the correct answer right
Steps to improve
Check your error log twice weekly to spot patterns in your mistakes. This shows if you struggle with specific concepts, question types, or time management.
Don't just write things down—change how you approach problems. Create "I will" statements based on your mistakes to avoid repeating them. This makes your gmat preparation more targeted and effective as test day gets closer.
Get Ready for Test Day
Your success in gmat preparation depends on mental and physical readiness. The gap between success and underperformance comes down to how you prepare for the actual testing experience, not just the content.
14. Simulate test-day conditions during practice
You need to recreate the exact testing environment during your final gmat preparation time. A quiet, distraction-free space works best when you won't face interruptions. Make sure to turn off all notifications, silence your phone, and let others know you'll be unavailable during practice.
The actual exam allows only specific materials. Test centers provide laminated pages with dry erase markers for notes. At home, you can use either a physical whiteboard or the digital whiteboard provided. Practice with these constraints helps you avoid adjustment issues on test day.
Take full-length tests in one sitting and use the optional 10-minute break just like the actual exam. This helps build the stamina you need to stay focused during the 2+ hour testing period. Students who follow this approach say "once you've taken some practice tests, you're amazed at how much anxiety levels decrease".
15. Manage test anxiety with relaxation techniques
Test anxiety can hurt your performance even with thorough gmat exam preparation. These proven strategies will help you stay calm:
Deep breathing exercises: Breathe in through your nose for four counts, hold for seven, and exhale slowly for eight. This tells your brain there's no emergency and reduces stress symptoms.
Visualization: Picture yourself feeling confident and calm in the testing environment.
Positive self-talk: Switch negative thoughts with affirmations about your preparation and abilities.
Physical activity: Regular exercise helps reduce your overall stress levels.
A quick reset routine helps when anxiety peaks during the exam: close your eyes and take 2-4 sequences of seven-count inhales and exhales until tension fades. This takes about a minute but helps you get back on track.
Keep in mind that perfect test conditions don't exist. Rather than seeking perfection, know that you'll face challenges—and you're ready to handle them.
Conclusion
Final Thoughts on Your GMAT Experience
A successful GMAT Focus Edition preparation needs dedication, strategy, and the right resources. This piece explores fifteen proven strategies that will substantially boost your performance on this vital exam.
The exam structure serves as the foundation of effective preparation. The Focus Edition's three 45-minute sections need equal attention to quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning, and data insights skills. The computer-adaptive nature of the test means your earlier question performance affects the difficulty level of later ones.
Creating a personalized study plan emerges as the most important strategy. You'll maximize every hour of preparation time by taking a diagnostic test, setting realistic score targets, and creating a well-laid-out schedule. Note that consistency beats cramming - those 2-3 daily hours will give better results than occasional marathon sessions.
Resource selection should prioritize official GMAT materials above everything else. These books contain actual test questions that match the unique style and approach of the real exam. In spite of that, online platforms and coaching can give valuable structure and feedback, especially when you struggle with specific sections.
Smart practice techniques separate average performers from top scorers. Mock tests build stamina and give accurate progress measurements, while error logs turn mistakes into learning opportunities. The verbal preparation deserves special focus because this section often determines whether you break the 700+ barrier.
Test-day preparation goes beyond content knowledge. You'll ensure your performance shows your true capabilities rather than nerves by simulating exact testing conditions and developing effective anxiety management techniques.
The GMAT preparation works like a marathon, not a sprint. This challenging experience develops critical thinking skills that go way beyond the reach and influence of the test itself. Disciplined application of these fifteen strategies will help you achieve your target score and build the analytical foundation needed to succeed in business school.
Start your preparation today with confidence. Your investment in proper GMAT preparation will benefit your academic and professional career. Best of luck on your GMAT experience!
FAQs
Q1. How long does it typically take to prepare for the GMAT?
Most students invest around 100 hours in GMAT preparation over 3 to 6 months. However, the exact time needed depends on your starting point and target score. Consistency is key, with 2-3 hours of daily study often being more effective than longer, sporadic sessions.
Q2. What are the main sections of the GMAT Focus Edition?
The GMAT Focus Edition consists of three 45-minute sections: Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights. Each section is equally weighted and contributes to your overall score, which ranges from 205 to 805 in 10-point increments.
Q3. How can I improve my GMAT Verbal score?
To improve your Verbal score, treat it more like a math problem by analyzing language patterns. Focus on developing a structural approach to Reading Comprehension and Critical Reasoning questions. Regular practice with official GMAT materials and targeted strategies for each question type can significantly boost your performance.
Q4. Are official GMAT preparation materials worth the investment?
Yes, official GMAT preparation materials are invaluable. They contain real questions from previous exams, accurately reflecting the style and difficulty of the actual test. While they may lack comprehensive strategy instruction, they provide the most authentic practice experience available.
Q5. How can I manage test anxiety during the GMAT?
To manage test anxiety, practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing exercises and positive visualization. Simulate test-day conditions during your practice sessions to build familiarity and confidence. Remember to take advantage of the optional 10-minute break during the exam to reset and refocus if needed.