THE

GMAT
®

PREP
TIMELINE
A step-by-step study guide, plus resources and tips to make your
study efforts more effective and efficient.

THE MAKERS OF THE GMAT® EXAM

© 2014 Graduate Management Admission Council® (GMAC®). All rights reserved. The GMAC and GMAT logos, GMAT®, and GMATPrep®
are registered trademarks of the Graduate Management Admission Council in the United States and other countries.
THE GMAT PREP TIMELINE Get more details at MBA.COM
®

TEST SCHOOL CHOICES: GMAT APPOINTMENT: NOTES:

DAY:
DATE:
TIME:
LOCATION:
Preparation pays off by using official tools.
Access free test prep and business school resources at mba.com.
TARGET SCORE:

RECOMMENDATION: Start at least six months before test results are due. You are the best judge
of how much time you need to prepare.

PLANNING STUDYING FINAL PREP TESTING RESULTS

STEP 1 STEP 2 STEP 3 STEP 4 STEP 5 STEP 6 STEP 7 STEP 8
GATHER INFO ABOUT ESTABLISH YOUR STUDY … STUDY … ASSESS YOUR HOME
REGISTER & PLAN TESTING SCORING
YOUR TARGET PROGRAMS SKILLS BASELINE STUDY … PROGRESS STRETCH

Identify schools’ application Research test centers near Familiarize yourself with the Study using the free Take your second Keep studying Take the GMAT
deadlines and GMAT score you using “Find a GMAT Test exam format, question types, practice questions in the GMATPrep through the exam; get
MILESTONES

to receive your official GMAT scores.

You and your schools should allow about 20 days
CONGRATULATIONS. RELAX & CELEBRATE.
ranges. (Fill in above) Center,” on mba.com and test timing. GMATPrep software. practice exam. home stretch! unofficial scores.

Set your target score. Register for the GMAT Take a GMATPrep practice Review your progress
(Fill in above) exam. (Fill in above) exam to identify the skills you reports and plan strategies
need to study most. to improve your weak
areas in pacing and
Develop your study plan
question types.
and schedule.

• Explore mba.com for • Register at • Download the free • Download “Analysis of an • Use the GMATPrep • Access more study • Take a video tour
information on specific schools mba.com/gmatregistration. GMATPrep® software at Argument” essay topics software to review products at of the test center
and programs, GMAT® exam, • Download the GMAT Handbook. mba.com/gmatprep. found on the Analytical GMAT exam myths mba.com/store. at mba.com.
and GMAT prep materials. Writing Assessment page and general test-
RESOURCES It tells you everything you
at mba.com. taking strategies.
• Get ready for the big
• Ask the Experts blog need to know and agree to day with tips from
• Official GMAT blog before you take the GMAT • Use the GMATPrep students like you at
exam. mba.com/bulletin software to review mba.com.
• Find recruiting events near you. progress report and
develop strategies to
develop your performance
on specific question types.

• Start a minimum of six months • The further in advance you • Replicate actual test • Study for the GMAT exam • Replicate actual • Remember to review • Allow extra time
before test results are due register the greater your choice conditions as you practice. until you are comfortable test conditions, time your strong areas, to get to the test
to schools. of available dates to take the Don’t use a calculator or study with the test — question yourself, and don’t and devote extra time center so you
TIPS • Plan to prepare for the GMAT exam. materials. formats, test timing, and use a calculator or to your weak spots. don’t have to
pacing techniques. study materials. rush to make your
in the way you learn best — • GMAT experts recommend • Keep an eye on the clock; • Plan to get a good
classes, tutoring, study groups, studying twice a week. remember the timer turns • Pacing is important. There’s • Revisit strategies night’s rest and appointment.
or self-study. yellow when you have a significant penalty for not for specific question review what you can
• Mix up different question types
five minutes or less left to finishing the GMAT exam. types. and can’t take to the
• Give yourself enough time to and exam sections in your
retake the exam if things don’t study schedule. complete a section. • If you’re spending too much testing center.
go as planned. time on a question, guess • Remember what
and move on. schools you want to
send scores to.