a woman studying for the GMAT at home

Getting ready for any test is a big deal, and that includes studying for the GMAT. The following GMAT study timeline provides a method that students have used to successfully prepare for the test, broken up by hours per day, days per week, and weeks per month.

How to Study for the GMAT

Total Study Time: 10 to 12 weeks

  • 10–12 weeks is typically enough time to thoroughly prepare for the GMAT.
  • The exact number of weeks can vary depending on your starting point and target score.

Days per Week: 5 to 6 days a week

  • Avoid burnout with regular breaks.
  • Studying 5 to 6 days a week allows you to gradually build upon and reinforce your knowledge.

Hours per Day: 2 to 3 hours a day

  • This is enough to cover different sections of the test but not so much that it risks overwhelming you.

Reasons This Timeline Works

It Lets You Understand the Test

You need time to:

  • Get familiar with the format
  • Learn the content
  • Practice different question types

Rushing this preparation may negatively impact your score.

It Lets You Retain Information

The GMAT tests a broad range of skills and there's a lot of information that's covered.

Studying over an extended period of time:

  • Helps you retain information
  • Allows your brain to move knowledge from short-term to long-term memory. This method, known as spaced repetition, is more effective than cramming.

It Lets You Build Test-Taking Skills

You need time to develop test-taking strategies, such as time management and critical thinking.

This is best done with full-length practice tests. Repetition helps you become comfortable with the test's pacing and pressure.

Sample Study Schedules

In an ideal world, you'd study for as many hours as you needed until you could confidently take and ace the GMAT. If that isn't possible, here are two ways to put in an optimal number of study hours; you may find it necessary to modify things even further.

The sample study guides below are broad because every student's circumstances are different.

Three-Month Study Plan

  • Daily: Study 2–3 hours
  • Weekly: Study 5–6 days
  • Weeks 1–4: Focus on Quantitative and Verbal basics.
  • Weeks 5–8: Add Integrated Reasoning and Analytical Writing, continue practicing Quantitative and Verbal.
  • Weeks 9–12: Take full-length practice tests, review answers, and focus on weak areas.

Six-Week Study Plan

  • Daily: Study 4–5 hours
  • Weekly: Study 6 days
  • Weeks 1–2: Intensive review of Quantitative and Verbal basics.
  • Weeks 3–4: Add Integrated Reasoning and Analytical Writing practice, continue advanced Quantitative and Verbal practice.
  • Weeks 5–6: Take and review full-length practice tests, focus on time management and test-taking strategies.

An effective GMAT study strategy involves planning your time wisely and using quality resources. By spending at least 2 to 3 hours a day, 5 to 6 days a week, for 10 to 12 weeks, you can give yourself a better chance on the test. Remember, consistent effort and a strategic approach are key to GMAT success.