Prospective MBA students who are considering taking the GMAT may be wondering if it is possible to ace the test in just one month of preparation. After all, with other standardized tests like the SAT and ACT, some students do choose to wait until the last minute to prepare.

While it is possible to score well on the GMAT with only a month of preparation, there are certain things that you will need to keep in mind in order to make sure that you give yourself the best chance at success. In this blog post, we will go over some essential tips for last-minute GMAT preparation. By following these guidelines, you can increase your chances of acing the test and getting into your dream MBA program.

Decide what score you need to get on the GMAT

Determining a target GMAT score is an important step for aspiring MBA students, as the exam score is one of the primary criteria admissions committees use to evaluate potential candidates. Before devising a strategy to reach your goal score, you should carefully consider how competitive the institutions you are applying to are and what their average GMAT scores are. Research the various professional programs and align your desired outcome with the appropriate GMAT scores. Know that different schools have different requirements, so if you’re not sure of your exact choice of school yet, it’s wise to aim slightly higher and keep your options open. Making sure you thoroughly understand all the components of the GMAT, as well as its weight in each school's admissions process, will ensure that you create an achievable target score when deciding where and when to apply.

Study, study, study!

Studying is a major part of successfully achieving your academic goals, and has been demonstrated to be one of the most important elements in excelling at school. Taking the time to review concepts both endlessly and actively is key, as active studying not only allows you to understand topics more deeply but also helps cement that knowledge for future use. Additionally, taking regular breaks when studying helps prevent burn out and increases productivity – it's essential to listen to your body's needs! Develop a schedule and make sure study sessions are productive; with discipline and dedicated effort, you'll find yourself flying through your studying and into GMAT success! 

Take practice tests to see where you need improvement

Taking practice tests is an important step in improving any skill set. It can help identify what areas you excel in, as well as those areas you may need to work harder on in order to reach your goals. Taking practice tests will allow you to fully reflect on your weaknesses and strengths as they are the closest thing to the test itself. Practice tests show us how the actual test is and they are a great way to understand exactly where you stand as regards your scores for the GMAT. 

Make a study schedule and stick to it

Consistency is key when it comes to developing a study schedule. Take the time to create an organized plan that works best for your needs – whether you prefer to spread out your studies across multiple days or cram them all into one day. Ensure that you cover all of the topics or material you need to wrap your head around; allot yourself enough time to become thoroughly familiar with each one. Most importantly, stick to it! Sticking to your pre-determined study times will help cultivate a regular routine and subsequently better manage stress levels. Developing a tailor-made study plan is a valuable tool for any student looking for academic success.

Now that you know what score you need to get on the GMAT and understand what the GMAT is testing for, it’s time to start studying. Get familiar with the test format by taking practice tests and make a study schedule that you can stick to. And remember, while studying may not be fun, it’s important to put in the work if you want to reach your academic goals. Good luck!