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Successful Study Habits for Springtime GMAT Prep

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Healthy GMAT prep study habits.

There’s no time like springtime when studying for the GMAT. Credits: James Jordan via CompfightCC

It’s almost May—both April showers and the vernal equinox (in the northern hemisphere) are behind us. In other words, spring has sprung.

Apart from being a time of change and celebration, it’s the perfect opportunity for us to share some study tips to improve your GMAT prep.

Springtime study strategies

When we think of springtime, we think of new beginnings. The trees and flowers are waking up (for better or worse where allergy sufferers are concerned), the birds and frogs start singing again, and we’ve can enjoy longer hours of daylight. Perhaps you’ve got a tray of seedlings poking their heads out of the soil, reminding you that it’s time to start new things.

Use this time of rebirth to restart or kick-start your GMAT prep, if needed. Are you stalled out, slacking, or just plain burnt out from studying for the GMAT? Take a cue from the verdant, vernal changes going on around you and change up your study strategies—move to a different location, alter your schedule, switch up your study materials, try studying with a partner. Do some spring cleaning and get your study habits in great shape.

GMAT prep: a delicate balance

The word “equinox” is derived from the Latin aequus (“equal”) and nox (“night”), because around the equinox, night and day are about equal length. The passing of the equinox also offers inspiration in studying for the GMAT—the balance of day and night reminds you to keep a balance of study and rest, work and play, quantitative and verbal, and integrated reasoning and analytical writing.

Balance is important in all things, as nature reminds us at this time of year, and studying for the GMAT is no exception. It’s not wise to push yourself to do a punishingly long study session that will leave you feeling burnt out. Instead, choose a balance of study and rest. Maintain healthy study habits as part of your GMAT prep. Eat well, exercise, and get enough sleep. Switch your focus from day to day or week to week. Spend time on your strengths, find opportunities for improvement, and try different question types in order to make the most impact on your GMAT score.

Finally, remember: All work and no play makes Giovanni GMAT a dull boy. Build in a system of rewards to your GMAT prep study habits. Once you hit goals along your path, allow some time to relax—after all, it’s springtime.

What changes will you make to your study strategies this springtime? Are you inspired to do some spring cleaning to your GMAT prep? Talk to us in the comments.

The post Successful Study Habits for Springtime GMAT Prep appeared first on Kaplan GMAT Blog.