GMAT Focus Edition
GMAT Study Plan Templates
How long to prep for the GMAT
Most people need 2 to 3 months and about 100 to 150 hours. Your own number depends on two things: the gap between your diagnostic score and your target, and how many hours a week you can protect. Use the table to pick a timeline, then follow the matching plan below.
| Timeline | Hours a week | Total hours | Best if |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 month | ~20 | ~80 | Your diagnostic is already close to your target and you can study almost full time. |
| 2 months | ~13 | ~105 | You have a moderate gap to close and a busy schedule. |
| 3 months | ~10 | ~120 | You have a larger gap, are rebuilding Quant basics, or work full time. |
Not sure where you stand? Take the free diagnostic first, then check what a target score means on the score chart.
European and US MBA score benchmarks
Choose the exact programme, cohort and score edition. A class average or median is not an admission cutoff. Sources reviewed on 12 October 2026; historical figures remain dated and do not necessarily describe the latest cohort.
| School / MBA | Published benchmark | Meaning / edition | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| HEC Paris | 635 | Current GMAT average; cohort year not stated | School source |
| SDA Bocconi | No numeric benchmark verified here | Check programme-specific requirements | School source |
| St. Gallen | No numeric benchmark verified here | Check programme-specific requirements | School source |
| Mannheim Business School | 565 | Current GMAT recommended minimum | School source |
| Nova SBE / The Lisbon MBA | No numeric benchmark verified here | Check programme-specific requirements | School source |
| Harvard Business School | 685 (median); 645–735 (middle 80%) | Current GMAT, Class of 2027 | School source |
| Wharton | 732 (Class of 2026, historical) | Historical legacy GMAT average; not the latest cohort | School source |
The French school directory also covers Canada, the UK and Australia. Where evidence is missing, we do not invent a target.
1-month plan (about 20 hours a week)
Total: ~80 hours
| When | Focus |
|---|---|
| Week 1 | Diagnostic. Quant foundations: arithmetic, algebra, word problems. Critical Reasoning basics. |
| Week 2 | Data Insights: Data Sufficiency, Table Analysis, Graphics. Reading Comprehension. Mock 1. |
| Week 3 | Targeted drills on your 3 weakest skills. Timing practice by section. Mock 2. |
| Week 4 | Error log review, light drills, Mock 3 early in the week, rest the day before the test. |
2-month plan (about 13 hours a week)
Total: ~105 hours
| When | Focus |
|---|---|
| Weeks 1-2 | Diagnostic. Quant: number properties, algebra, rates, percents. Verbal: CR argument structure. |
| Weeks 3-4 | Quant: statistics, counting, probability. Verbal: RC. Data Insights: Data Sufficiency. |
| Weeks 5-6 | Data Insights: Multi-Source, Two-Part, Table and Graphics. Mixed sets. Mocks 1 and 2. |
| Weeks 7-8 | Weak-skill drills, timed mixed sections, Mocks 3 and 4, final review. |
3-month plan (about 10 hours a week)
Total: ~120 hours
| When | Focus |
|---|---|
| Weeks 1-3 | Diagnostic. Rebuild Quant foundations slowly. Learn the formula sheet. CR basics. |
| Weeks 4-6 | Advanced Quant. RC strategy. Data Sufficiency. One untimed practice set a day. |
| Weeks 7-9 | All Data Insights types. Timed sections. Mocks 1 and 2 with deep review. |
| Weeks 10-12 | Adaptive practice on weak skills. Mocks 3 to 5. Taper in the last 3 days. |
Questions
How long to prep for the GMAT?
Plan on 2 to 3 months, or roughly 100 to 150 hours in total. A 1-month plan (about 80 hours) can work if you start close to your target score and can study around 20 hours a week. Take the free diagnostic first: the bigger the gap to your target, the more time you need.
Can I prepare for the GMAT in 1 month?
Yes, if your diagnostic score is already near your target and you can commit about 20 hours a week. If the gap is large or you work full time, the 2-month or 3-month plan is safer.
Is 3 months enough to prepare for the GMAT?
For most people, yes. The 3-month plan below uses about 10 hours a week (roughly 120 hours) and leaves room for 3 to 5 full mock exams with proper review.
How long should I study for the GMAT?
Most test takers study 2 to 3 months, often 100 to 150 hours in total. Start with a diagnostic; the bigger the gap to your target, the longer the plan.
How many hours a week should I study?
About 10 to 15 hours a week works for most people with a full-time job. The 1-month plan needs closer to 20.
When should I take practice tests?
Take a diagnostic at the start, then a full mock every 1 to 2 weeks in the second half of your plan. Review every mock more carefully than you took it.
What is the best way to review mistakes?
Log every miss with a reason (concept gap, careless, timing), then redo it 2, 7 and 21 days later. Patterns in the reasons tell you what to study next.
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