So, you’ve decided to pursue business school and have chosen to take the GMAT. Congratulations! Picking which exam to take is the first big step in your journey. Now, it’s time to assess where you currently stand and develop a strategy to achieve the score you need. The GMAT is a challenging exam, but with the right approach, you can conquer it. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate your GMAT preparation in 2025.
1. Take a GMAT Practice Test to Determine Your Starting Score
Before diving into your GMAT prep, it’s crucial to understand your starting point. If you haven’t already, take a GMAT practice test to gauge your current level. The Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), the organization behind the GMAT, offers a free mock exam for all students. You can claim your free mock exam by visiting the GMAC website .
Pro Tip: Treat this practice test seriously. Take it in a distraction-free environment and give it your best effort. Your score on this test will serve as your baseline and will influence your study timeline and strategy.
2. Set Your Target GMAT Score (Based on MBA Programs)
Once you have your mock GMAT score, the next step is to determine your target score. To do this, research the class profiles of the business schools you’re interested in. Most programs publish detailed statistics, including the 80% GMAT score range and the median GMAT score for their admitted students. For example, Harvard Business School’s Class of 2026 Profile shows that the 80% GMAT score range was 700-770 while the median score was a 740.
The GMAT score you need depends on the programs you’re applying to. A common question we get is, “Is 450 a bad GMAT score?” The answer is: it depends. While a 450 GMAT score is estimated to be around the 13-14th percentile, meaning approximately 86-87% of test-takers score higher, some programs may still consider applicants within this range. However, for top 10 (T10) or top 20 (T20) MBA programs, a 450 will likely be far below the competitive threshold.
Our Advice: Aim to score within the 80% range, and ideally at or above the median score. While admissions committees take a holistic approach to evaluating applicants, a score below the 80% mark could put you at a disadvantage in a highly competitive pool. That said, a lower score doesn’t automatically disqualify you—it just means you’ll need to strengthen other aspects of your application.
3. How to Improve Your GMAT Score & Set Realistic Goals
The difference between your starting score and your target score is the “distance” you need to cover. A common question we get is, “How long do you need to study for the GMAT?” Typically, a 50-point increase can be achieved in 2-3 months, while a 100-point increase usually takes 6 months or longer. However, these are not hard and fast rules—many factors influence how long you need to prepare, including your starting level, study consistency, and the effectiveness of your prep strategy. Below, we break down the key factors that will determine your GMAT study timeline.
How Many Points Do You Need to Improve?
A 50-point increase is generally easier to achieve than a 100-point increase. However, improving from 500 to 550 is not the same as improving from 700 to 750. The higher your score, the more challenging it becomes to make significant gains.
How Do You Plan to Prep?
There are three main preparation options: working with a tutor, using a prep course, or self-studying. Each has its pros and cons, which we’ll discuss in detail below. Generally, a GMAT tutor can help you improve the fastest, followed by a prep course, and then self-study.
How Long and Consistently Can You Study?
Consistency is key. To see results, you’ll need to study multiple days a week for several hours at a time. If you’re aiming for a large point increase (over 100 points), be prepared to dedicate months of consistent, daily study. This can be demanding, so it’s important to set realistic expectations and avoid burnout.
Be Realistic: One of the most frequently asked questions is, “Can I score 700 on the GMAT in 1 month?” Unless you’re already scoring 650 or higher, the answer is almost certainly no. The GMAT is a notoriously difficult exam, and while improvement is possible, rapid score jumps require a solid foundation. Attempting to find shortcuts or setting overly aggressive goals often leads to frustration and burnout. Instead, the best approach is to focus on consistent, high-quality preparation and put in the necessary time and effort.
4. GMAT Prep Courses vs. Tutors vs. Self-Study (Which Is Best?)
As mentioned earlier, you have three main options for GMAT preparation: working with a tutor, using a prep course, or self-studying. Each option has its trade-offs in terms of time, cost, and effectiveness.
Option 1: GMAT Tutors
A good GMAT tutor can make a world of difference. Tutors provide a personalized approach, diagnosing your weaknesses and focusing on the areas where you need the most improvement. This targeted strategy can lead to rapid progress, especially if you’re aiming for a top percentile score (90th percentile or higher).
Option 2: GMAT Prep Courses
Prep courses are a great option for building a strong foundation. They offer a structured curriculum, diagnostic tests, and plenty of practice questions. Most prep courses are effective for students aiming for a score of 650 or below.
Option 3: Self-Preparation
Self-studying is the most cost-effective option, but it comes with significant challenges. You’ll need to figure out what to study, identify high-quality practice materials, and create a study plan—all while navigating the complexities of the GMAT.
5. Committing to Your Prep Plan and Staying Motivated
The final—and perhaps most important—step is committing to your study plan and staying motivated. GMAT preparation is a marathon, not a sprint. Most students spend months studying, and it’s normal to feel overwhelmed or question whether it’s all worth it.
Tips for Staying Motivated: Set small, achievable goals along the way to track your progress. Remind yourself why you’re pursuing an MBA and how the GMAT fits into your larger goals. Surround yourself with supportive peers or join a study group for accountability.
