My students are always asking me how many hours they should study, how many questions they should do, and what it really takes to do well on the GMAT. The weekly study plan I recommend for my students is provided below. Think of studying for the GMAT as your part-time job.

Sunday: Review quantitative strategies by concept (arithmetic, algebra, geometry, etc.). Complete timed practice problems according to pacing 10 questions in 20 minutes. Rework incorrect answers. Recommended time: 2 hours. No time? Complete and review only 1 drill (about 40 minutes total).

Monday: Review verbal strategies by concept (critical reasoning, sentence correction, reading comprehension). Complete timed practice problems according to pacing 10 questions in 15 minutes. Rework incorrect answers. Note: For students taking a Dubai Tutor GMAT course, this day's class counts towards your studying. Recommended time: 2 hours.
 
Tuesday: Same schedule as Sunday. If short on time, group Sunday and Tuesday time. Recommended time: 2 hours.

Wednesday: Same schedule as Monday. If short on time, group Monday and Wednesday time. Note: For students taking a Dubai Tutor GMAT course, this day's class counts towards your studying. Recommended time: 2 hours.

Thursday: OFF! NO STUDYING!

Friday: Take a full-length practice test in one sitting. Time required: 4 hours.

Saturday: Review incorrect answers on practice test based on these instructions. Time required: 2 hours.

Total Weekly Study Time: 14 hours.
Note: Don't try to condense all of this time into 2 or 3 days. It's not the same!

Ideally, you would keep this schedule for 6 weeks to 2 months. If you have less than 4 weeks to take the GMAT, you'll want to be more aggressive.

I don't usually recommend that students study for the GMAT for more than 3 months for several reasons:

* Students cannot maintain focus--mentally and practically--for more than 8 to 10 weeks.
* Scores tend to level off after 2 months. Additional practice using the same methods will not increase your score.
* GMAT phobia is real. Many students continue preparing for the GMAT because they are afraid of actually taking the GMAT. Don't be afraid! Practice then perform.

When it comes to your GMAT prep, remember:

* Quality work and review of questions is better than doing more problems.
* Don't buy a bunch of GMAT books you're not going to use.
* Take practice tests periodically.
* Time yourself when you practice.
* Get help if you need it.

Need help preparing for the GMAT? Dubai Tutor GMAT courses start every month! Visit http://www.dubaitutoronline.com/ for course options or email The Dubai Tutor.