Firstly, start with a mock test to know where you stand without preparation. Taking a test would acquaint you to all types of questions that you can face in the exam. You get to know your endurance and accuracy level through this test.
Study the concepts keeping GMAT in mind. For instance, studying basic grammar is good but pay special attention to how GMAT will ask grammar based questions.
Learn to develop a standard approach towards each area. For example, in the exam you wouldn’t know if a sentence correction question belongs a modifier or parallelism. So develop an approach towards an SC question so that whatever question pops up, you should be able to nail it. For instance checking the verb in the underlined portion would help ensure subject verb agreement and verb tense at the same time.
When developing concepts, practice qualitatively. It’s a myth that solving too many questions will ensure consistency in accuracy. However, in reality what will help is to study each question in depth. This will make you understand the take away of each question.
Strengthen your approach to solving questions so that it can be applied in the stipulated time. For instance, your standard method of solving a critical reasoning question should now be timed because a good technique is that technique which solves the question in the stipulated time.
Once you are somewhat confident about your conceptual strength, revise the techniques and the questions practiced till then. It is now time to take one full length test and make sure you sit through the whole math n verbal atleast.
Once you take a test, do not get disheartened by less score. Gear up for a rigorous test analysis. (Detailed process mentioned in my blog titled “GMAT score stuck between 600-680?”)
Now use the mistakes made in the test as a compass to restart your practice. Revisit the concepts and see why you made those errors in the exam and start practising again.
Once u spend around 40-50 hours in self study, while also adding newer concepts to your knowledge base, take another test. This time with a goal. Do not set your goals as ‘I want to achieve 700 in the next test ‘. Have goals such as ‘this test I will aim for 90 percent accuracy in RCs since I have spent time studying it.’
Repeat analysis after the test and do not get disappointed by the score. Get disappointed by your mistakes. Work on your mistakes and repeat the process. Always remember, understanding your mistakes is the key to unlocking your full potential to crack the GMAT.
There is no fixed time to be ready for GMAT. But on an average you may take atleast 8-12 weeks of preparation(including tests). Keep taking tests after approx. 50 hours of self study time including training time, in case you are taking professional help.
Once you reach even a 680 or 690 consistently in 2 or 3 tests, go ahead and book your test on the 15th day from then. Plan the next 15 days very carefully. Do not take tests daily. Take only 4-5 or max 6 tests. Also, do not take test on the last day just before the exam.
Try to meditate in the last 15 days(though if you start it earlier, it can help improve your sleep and concentration). Do not take any test to heart in the last 15 days. Believe me, it works. Even if u get a 650 or a 620 abruptly do not feel bad. Your only goal in the last 15 days is to learn from your mistakes and strategise for the next test to not make the same mistake.
Eat healthy in the last 15 days, keep social activity to the minimum, sleep well and prepare for the D day. Take tests on the exact time slot as your actual test slot. It will prepare you biologically.
Lastly, make sure you enjoy the whole process. Learn because you want to enhance your knowledge and along with that believe in yourself. You don’t have to prove anything to anyone. Your right attitude can open doors that even you cannot imagine.
Enjoy studying! Do let me know if it helped.
Sonal Darra
GMAT-GRE Verbal Expert
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sonaldarra/