When you revisit something time and again, the learning sticks.
The more consistent you are with your prep, the better your results will be. Consistency is the key to acing exams like the GMAT, GRE. Studying a few hours everyday is much better than studying one full day but not picking up books again for the next week. Yes, we have office and our daily chores, but if you don’t find regular time for your growth, you can’t expect to make exponential gains in life.
Here are ten unique strategies for busy professionals preparing for the GMAT:
1. Micro-Learning Sessions
Integrate short, focused study sessions of 10-15 minutes during breaks at work to review flashcards or solve a few problems.
Example 1: During lunch breaks, use a GMAT app like Magoosh or Quizlet to go through flashcards on critical reasoning or data sufficiency.
Example 2: While waiting for your morning coffee to brew, spend 5-10 minutes reviewing a set of GMAT quantitative flashcards.
Example 3: During a quick afternoon break, use a timer to solve one GMAT problem-solving question and review the solution.
Example 4: Review a single GMAT sentence correction rule and practice a few related questions while waiting for a meeting to start.
Example 5: Use your phone’s GMAT app to solve one data sufficiency problem while standing in line for lunch.
Example 6: Study one GMAT word problem while taking a short coffee break.
Example 7: Review a GMAT formula or concept during a quick restroom break.
Example 8: Read a brief GMAT article or tip of the day before you unwind for the day.
Example 9: Quickly jot down and review key GMAT formulas on a sticky note and keep it on your desk.
Example 10: Practice a quick GMAT verbal question while waiting for a colleague to join a virtual meeting.
2. Audio Learning
Use audio resources such as podcasts, recorded lectures, or GMAT concepts explained through audio, which can be listened to during commutes or while exercising.
Example 1: While commuting, listen to “The GMAT Prep Now Podcast” or recorded lessons on topics like probability or reading comprehension.
Example 2: Use an audiobook or voice notes to review key GMAT formulas and concepts while jogging.
Example 3: Use text-to-speech to convert GMAT study materials into audio files and listen while driving.
Example 4: Record yourself explaining GMAT concepts and listen to these recordings to reinforce learning.
3. Weekend Intensives
Dedicate specific weekends for intensive study marathons. These can include practice tests, reviewing difficult concepts, and attending online crash courses.
Example 1: Every Saturday, dedicate four hours in the morning to take a full-length practice test, and another two hours in the afternoon to review incorrect answers and understand mistakes.
Example 2: Dedicate a full Sunday afternoon to a mock test followed by a detailed review session, focusing on identifying and analysing mistakes.
Example 3: Use one weekend day for an intensive review of all math concepts, using video lessons and practice problems.
Example 4: Plan an extended weekend GMAT study retreat (Friday-Saturday-Sunday), focusing on different sections each day.
Example 5: Join a GMAT study bootcamp for an intensive weekend session.
Example 6: Split the weekend: Saturday for quant practice and Sunday for verbal.
Example 7: Dedicate one weekend per month to reviewing all practice tests and refining strategies.
Example 8: Use weekends to simulate test conditions with timed practice tests.
4. Integration with Work
Relate GMAT problems to real-world scenarios encountered at work. This helps in better understanding and retention of concepts, especially in quantitative and analytical sections.
Example 1: If you’re analysing sales data at work, try to solve data interpretation problems using GMAT-style charts and graphs to practice quantitative reasoning.
Example 2: Apply principles of logical reasoning when drafting business reports or proposals, which can help with GMAT critical reasoning practice.
Example 3: Use GMAT reading comprehension strategies to quickly understand and summarize lengthy emails and documents at work.
Example 4: Practice GMAT analytical writing by drafting business reports and presentations.
Example 5: Analyse industry reports using GMAT reading comprehension techniques.
Example 6: Use work-related statistics to create GMAT-style data sufficiency questions.
Example 7: Use GMAT verbal reasoning strategies to improve the clarity and effectiveness of work emails.
5. Study Buddy System
Pair up with a colleague or friend also preparing for the GMAT. Schedule regular virtual or in-person study sessions for mutual support and accountability.
Example 1: Schedule weekly study sessions with a peer via Zoom, where you each explain different GMAT concepts to each other, such as sentence correction rules or algebraic equations.
Example 2: Challenge each other with GMAT practice questions and quizzes.
Example 3: Review each other’s practice essays and provide constructive feedback.
Example 4: Set joint GMAT study goals and track your progress together.
Example 5: Share tips and strategies that have worked well for each of you.
Example 6: Celebrate small victories and milestones together to stay motivated.
6. Customized Study Plans
Develop a highly personalized study plan that aligns with your work schedule, ensuring high productivity during peak study times.
Example 1: If you’re most alert in the mornings, set aside an hour before work for GMAT prep. Use tools like Google Calendar to schedule specific study topics and reminders.
Example 2: Prioritize studying for weaker sections during your most alert hours.
Example 3: If you have a flexible work schedule, block out an hour every alternate afternoon for focused GMAT study.
Example 4: Schedule GMAT prep during travel time for work; use flights or train journeys to complete practice sections.
Example 5: Break down study sessions into manageable chunks to avoid burnout.
Example 6: Include buffer time in your schedule for unexpected work commitments.
Example 7: Schedule regular review sessions to reinforce previously learned material.
7. Mobile Apps
Utilize GMAT prep mobile apps for studying on-the-go. These apps often include practice questions, tips, and progress tracking.
Example 1: During idle times, such as waiting for meetings to start, use the Manhattan Prep GMAT app to solve practice questions or review notes.
Example 2: Utilize downtime at the gym or while in line at the grocery store to go through practice questions or to answer a few verbal questions.
Example 3: Set daily reminders on your GMAT app to ensure consistent study habits.
8. Professional Tutoring
Hire a GMAT tutor who can provide flexible scheduling and tailored guidance, focusing on your weak areas in a time-efficient manner.
Example 1: Schedule bi-weekly online tutoring sessions with a GMAT expert who can focus on your weak areas, such as critical reasoning or integrated reasoning, during times that fit your schedule.
Example 2: Schedule a tutoring session early in the morning before starting your workday to ensure uninterrupted study time.
Example 3: Request personalized study plans from your tutor to maximize efficiency.
Example 4: Schedule tutoring sessions during lunch hours or early mornings.
9. Leverage Online Resources
Use online forums, study groups, and GMAT prep courses that offer flexible learning options. These resources often provide insights and tips from other busy professionals.
Example 1: Join a GMAT forum like GMAT Club to discuss challenging questions, get tips, and find study resources. Attend webinars hosted by test prep companies like Kaplan or The Princeton Review.
Example 2: Watch GMAT strategy videos on YouTube during lunch breaks to pick up new techniques and shortcuts.
Example 3: Use online flashcards for quick and efficient review.
Example 4: Take advantage of free practice tests and diagnostic tools available online.
10. Mindfulness and Stress Management
Incorporate mindfulness techniques and stress management practices such as meditation, yoga, or deep-breathing exercises to maintain focus and reduce anxiety during preparation.
Example 1: Start your day with a 10-minute guided meditation using an online app to improve focus and reduce test anxiety. Practice deep-breathing exercises before starting a study session to enhance concentration.
Example 2: Use visualization techniques to prepare mentally for the test.
Example 3: Listen to calming music or nature sounds while studying to enhance concentration.
Example 4: Take short breaks during study sessions to stretch and relax.
Example 5: Maintain a healthy diet to support cognitive function and reduce stress.
By implementing these strategies, busy professionals can effectively balance their GMAT preparation with their demanding work schedules.
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