Number of hours spent for studying

Question

I am not able to consistently spend the same quantum time everyday for gmat preparation on weekdays. It keeps varying between half an hour to two hours. Would this have an adverse effect on my score?

Thanking you in advance.

DisciplinedPrep · Answer

chandrurrg  - The ideal prep time for the GMAT is 3 months. You should be able to study for 2-3 hours daily. Always remember that less is more in GMAT. Therefore, you should try to build more focus and complete the test preparation within 3 months rather than study over an extended period of time in bits and pieces. Doing the latter actually harms your performance. That said, most test takers devote 100-200 hours, sometimes more, preparing for the GMAT; however, many test takers believe that putting in a lot of hours will increase test score - that may not be the case. So, be smart and focused.

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi chandrurrg,

To start, you do not need to study every day - and you do not need to study the same amount of time each day that you study. Based on your question, I think that you might be confusing "quantity" of study with "quality" of study. The total study time and effort that YOU will need to hit your Score Goal will likely be different from the amount of time that others will need, so your focus shouldn't be on 'counting hours' - it should be on measuring how well you are learning the proper Tactics and patterns that are a built-in part of the GMAT.

Before I can offer any additional advice for your studies, it would help if you could provide a bit more information on how you've been studying and your goals:

Studies:
1) How long ago did you take the Official GMAT?
2) How long did you study before taking the GMAT and how long have you studied in total?
3) What study materials have you used so far?
4) How have you scored on EACH of your CATs/mocks (including the Quant and Verbal Scaled Scores for EACH)?

Goals:
5) What is your goal score?
6) When are you planning to apply to Business School?
7) What Schools are you planning to apply to?

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich

chandrurrg · Answer

Hi Rich,

Thank you for coming forward to help me. I am furnishing the details sought below.

Studies:
1) How long ago did you take the Official GMAT? I had taken GMAT twice before, in Dec.2018 & Jan 2019 respectively
2) How long did you study before taking the GMAT and how long have you studied in total? - I studied around 150 hours for my first attempt and around an additional 75 hours for my second attempt
3) What study materials have you used so far? Manhattan Verbal,Egmat Verbal & OG
4) How have you scored on EACH of your CATs/mocks (including the Quant and Verbal Scaled Scores for EACH)? First attempt 610 (Q49V24) & Second Attempt 590 (Q45V25)

Goals:
5) What is your goal score? - I am to score around 710-730
6) When are you planning to apply to Business School? I am planning to apply between September to November
7) What Schools are you planning to apply to? I am planning to apply to ISB and IIMA,IIMB & IIMC (Executive MBA of these three).

Thanking you in advance.

Regards,
Chandramouli

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi Chandramouli,

Your 2 Official Scores are fairly similar to one another - but they're both about 6 months old, so they might not be reflective of your current skills, strengths and weaknesses. In my prior post, I asked about your CAT/mock Scores because I wanted to know how those Scores compared to your 2 Official Scores.

1) Over the last 6 months, how many CATs/mocks have you taken - and how did you score on EACH (including the Quant and Verbal Scaled Scores for EACH)?

If you're still scoring in the low-600s, then raising that type of Score to that point that you can consistently score 710+ will likely require at least another 2 months of consistent, guided study - and you'll have to make significant improvements to how you handle BOTH the Quant and Verbal sections. Thankfully, the GMAT is a consistent, predictable Exam, so you CAN train to score at a higher level.

2) Going forward, how many hours do you think you can consistently study each week?

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich

MathRevolution · Answer

Hello, chandrurrg,

You have scored almost similar in both the official test. But, it has been quite a long time though. Did you take any mock test recently say in last 15 days? If yes, we would request you to help us with your scores.

If not, we would recommend you to take our free diagnostic test on https://www.mathrevolution.com. Also, check our free trial pack, video lesson, and material for study.
As you mentioned, you need a score of 710; it seems to be raising a score from 600 to 710. First, let us have a possible combination of Verbal and Quant score to achieve a score of 710 or above - V 36/ Q51, V 38/Q49, V40/Q47.

Here is all that you need and what we will offer you:
1. A detailed study plan (We provide a study guide to all our students based on diagnostic test)
2. Reliable resources(Check out our free trial pack and free video lessons on our site https://www.mathrevolution.com
3. Unique, alternative approaches to solve quant questions in a short period, saving you time and increase accuracy and hence score.
4. Up-To-Date questions that meet GMAT exam trends. You don’t need to waste your time on outdated questions.

A detailed study guide, quick approaches, diagnostic test, and up-to-date questions will bring a disciplined way of study in you, and hence the momentum will be followed until the exam. You won't be troubled by inconsistent studies or low scores.

Let us know if you have further questions.
You can reach us at [email protected].
Success is within your reach.
Good luck!

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

Hi Chandrurrg,

Thank you for providing some information on your situation with the GMAT. Since you are still around 100 points from your score goal, are you looking for advice on how to improve your quant and verbal skills?

Also, you may find it helpful to read this article:  How to Score a 700+ on the GMAT — A Mini Guide for Success .

Good luck!

AceOfQuant · Answer

Hey everyone! When I was prepping for the GMAT, I kept asking myself the same thing: how long to study for GMAT to actually see results? I think it really depends on where you're starting and what your target score is, but from my experience and what I've seen others share, the average GMAT study time seems to be around 200-300 hours.

But honestly, it’s not just about the gmat study hours—it’s how you use them. I broke down my study plan into daily and weekly goals, focusing on weaker areas more intensely. I did about 2-3 hours a day over a span of 3 months, with some longer sessions on weekends.

For anyone wondering how many hours to study for GMAT if you're aiming for a top score, I’d suggest upping the hours to around 350-400, especially if you’re balancing a full-time job. And don't forget to take practice tests regularly—they're a game changer in tracking your progress and adjusting your study plan.

Everyone’s journey is different, but hopefully, this gives a rough idea! Good luck to all still in the grind. You’ve got this!

	Manhattan Prep: $99 Bonus Score Higher on Your GMAT Exam. Guaranteed.
	Target Test Prep - Save up to $599 $400 Discount + $99 Bonus GMAT Club Tests
	e-GMAT: 60% Off on GMAT Focus Get to 735+ from any starting point
	Magoosh increases your score, guaranteed - 15% off ALL Magoosh GMAT plans with code GMATCLUB15 + Free GMAT Club Tests.
	Experts' Global - ~~$1720~~ $960 End-to-End GMAT Prep + App Support: 150+ Videos, 2000+ Questions, 15 FLTs +
	GMATWhiz - $299 ~~$499~~ Experience the course through a free trial.
	GMAT Club Tests - Free Included with every course purchase of $149+ View all deals

Number of hours spent for studying

Prep Toolkit

Top 5 GMAT Debrief Videos

615 to 715 in 15 Days (Ria's Strategies)

More than Quant/Verbal Abilities: Speed vs. Accuracy

745 with Only Self-Prep and GMAT Club

From 555 to 765: 210-point Improvement

Perfect 805 Score Debrief by Julia

My Rewards