Don’t let all that sun and fun get in the way of your GMAT prep.
Summer break affords the two to three months you’ll need to finally commit to studying for the GMAT. You’ll need to ensure the summer doesn’t slip by before you’ve hit your target score, however.
What’s your summer study plan?
Whether you’ve just graduated or are heading into your senior year, summertime freedom can seem like a double-edged sword. On the one hand, you no longer have to worry about college coursework and can immerse yourself fully in the business school admissions process. On the other hand, a lax schedule and too much fun in the sun can make it difficult to stay focused.
The key to a successful summer study schedule is personalizing your GMAT prep to make the most of your time off. Be realistic about planning and pacing. Consider how much difference there is between your current practice test score and your target GMAT score—if you think you’ll need to work at it longer to achieve results, allot extra study time. Try to balance the frequency of your study routine with occasional time to take a break from the material.
Develop a GMAT prep calendar
Our top GMAT scorers report spending more than 120 hours total on studying before Test Day. Divide that figure by roughly ten weeks of summer study between now and September, and you’ll come out with a minimum of 12 hours’ worth of GMAT prep per week. This means you’ll want to block off a two- to three-hour study session every day on your calendar, leaving one day each week for down time.
Be specific about what you intend to study when filling out your calendar. Write down the GMAT book chapters and topics you’ll cover, set practice test dates, and never miss a session. With so many diversions that come with enjoying your summer vacation, it can be tempting to procrastinate or let studying fall to the wayside. Remember, the GMAT is also testing your discipline in preparing for the exam—and only through gradual and regular practice can you improve your critical thinking skills and endurance before Test Day.
Balance work and play
Preparing for the GMAT doesn’t mean you need to sacrifice your vacation or travel plans and spend all those precious sunny days cloistered inside the library. Balancing your summer study schedule with a little leisure does demand discipline, however.
In addition to your two to three hours of daily prep, you should write down any other plans on your calendar to ensure they don’t interfere with your study routine. You should also figure out whether you’ll need to juggle studying with a summer job, internship, volunteer work, family obligations, travel plans, or other aspects of your business school application.
Poolside GMAT prep
It’s a good idea to crack open the books in a quiet, distraction-free place that’s conducive to maintaining your focus. However, you can also make the most of your time by incorporating summer study into your leisure activities. Look for review opportunities—whether it’s reading your GMAT prep book on the beach, working through flashcards while waiting in the airport, or brushing up on your quantitative reasoning in the great outdoors.
At this point, you should have some insight into your personal study style and what works best. You can get more mileage out of your time off by studying whenever and wherever you have the opportunity—but don’t neglect also simulating actual Test Day conditions, especially when taking your practice tests.
Find a summer study buddy
A great way to maintain a disciplined summer study plan is to ask a friend or family member for help keeping you on course. Having somebody call you out when you fall off the wagon or provide encouragement when you’re feeling burnt out can go a long way.
If you know somebody else who is applying to business school, ask if they’d be interested in reviewing material with you. Exchange GMAT prep schedules with one another and set aside time to study together. That way, you can provide mutual support and guidance along the way.
Are you applying to business school? Get your summer study schedule off to the right start by checking out our GMAT test prep options.
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