GMAT 2011

January 1, 2011

For some people, the GMAT can become a months-, even years-long obsession. It shouldn't be that way. That certainly isn't what business schools, or the makers of the test, intend for it to be.

The main reason GMAT preparation drags out for people isn't that the test is too hard, or that it takes such a long time to adequately prepare for it. The most common cause is insufficient commitment.

I don't mean that someone who spends six or eight months off and on preparing for the GMAT is weak, or unworthy. I Such a person has prioritized other things. If your job keeps you very busy, or if unpredictable distractions arise, you can lose all of your GMAT momentum, not study for several weeks, and end up starting over.

And there's the problem. I almost never recommend a course of study longer than 2.5 or 3 months, and many students don't even need that much time to prepare for the GMAT. But, if you limit your number of weeks, you need to maximize your commitment.

Whether you are going to study for one week or ten, it's crucial that you work consistently--every day, if possible. Don't assume that there's a certain number of hours that you must reach. The more consistent you are, the smaller that number is. If you are constantly forgetting about the test for a week or two at a time, that number can become infinitely large.

So, as you set your new year's resolutions for 2011, commit to getting the GMAT over with. Most importantly, commit to several weeks of consistent work, even if it means temporarily sacrificing other parts of your life.

Even if you don't reach your score goal on the first try, it's a whole lot better than spending another year or more taking halfway measures. Good luck in 2011!

About the author: Jeff Sackmann has written many GMAT preparation books, including the popular Total GMAT Math, Total GMAT Verbal, and GMAT 111. He has also created explanations for problems in The Official Guide, as well as 1,800 practice GMAT math questions.

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