If you’ve decided to take the GMAT, you’re probably wondering how much time you really need to prepare. One of the most common questions students ask is, “Is 2 months enough to study for the GMAT?”
The short answer?
Yes, 2 months can be enough, but only if you have the right plan, discipline, and strategy.
Can You Really Prepare for the GMAT in 2 Months?
Absolutely, but it’s not a casual commitment.
Two months of focused, strategic study can be enough to build your skills, learn the test format, and raise your score significantly. But you’ll need to study consistently, usually around 10 to 15 hours per week, or more if you’re starting from scratch.
Two months is ideal for:
- Test-takers with a strong foundation in math and verbal skills
- Students who are ready to dedicate time each week
- Retakers looking to improve specific areas
- Professionals who thrive with structured timelines
If you haven’t studied in years or are starting with lower diagnostic scores, two months may still work, but you might need a more intensive prep schedule or consider extending your timeline.
How to Structure a 2-Month GMAT Study Plan
To make two months count, you’ll need a clear plan. Here’s how to break it down:
Weeks 1–2: Diagnose and Review Fundamentals
Start with a diagnostic test to understand where you stand. Don’t skip this step! It helps you spot your strengths and weaknesses early.
It will also help manage your expectations. In our experience, students who score 495 or less on the GMAT Focus Edition should consider lengthening their study timeline. At this scoring level, concept gaps (usually with quant) need to be addressed before you can increase your score.
Once you know your baseline score, review core content:
- Quant: Brush up on arithmetic, algebra, word problems, and data interpretation.
- Verbal: Focus on reading comprehension and critical reasoning.
- Data Insights: Review how to approach charts, tables, and multi-source reasoning questions.
The goal in these two weeks is to build your foundation and get comfortable with question formats.
Weeks 3–5: Practice with Strategy
Once you’ve reviewed the basics, it’s time to practice with real questions.
This phase should include:
- Timed practice sets in each section. Start with 10 questions in 20 minutes.
- Focused review of errors and weak spots
- Learning pacing strategies and shortcuts
You want to start simulating the actual test environment. Stick to the official GMAT question types and use reputable resources like:
- GMAT Official Guide
- GMATPrep practice exams (from mba.com)
- Manhattan Prep or other high-quality third-party materials
Don’t just practice blindly. Analyze every wrong answer to understand why you missed it and how to avoid similar mistakes in the future.
Weeks 6–8: Full-Length Practice and Review
Now’s the time to build test-day stamina and fine-tune your performance.
During the final 2–3 weeks, aim to take at least two full-length practice tests under real conditions (timed, quiet space, one 10-minute break, in the order you want to take the test).
Use this phase to:
- Adjust your timing across each section
- Reinforce weak areas with targeted review
- Practice Data Insights, especially if it’s a new format for you
Each test should be followed by thorough review: log your mistakes, track patterns, and revisit topics where you’re losing points.
Also, use this time to practice mental focus and endurance. The GMAT is a long test, and being mentally prepared is just as important as knowing the content.
How Many Hours Should You Study Per Week?
For a 2-month timeline, aim for 10–15 focused hours per week, depending on your baseline score and target score. That works out to:
- Around 1.5–2 hours per day on weekdays
- A longer review session on weekends (2.5 hours)
Remember: quality matters more than quantity. Two hours of focused, active study is more valuable than four hours of distracted practice.
Many students think marathon study sessions on the weekend will help them. The GMAT Focus Edition is a little over 2 hours long. Therefore, you should make your longest study sessions 2.5 hours.
But…
They should be EXTREMELY focused. No phone, one break, etc. The goal is to build mental focus and concentration for the test. A four-hour session during which you take a 30-minute lunch won’t simulate the test conditions well enough to be helpful.
If your starting score is far from your target (e.g., 100+ points away), you may need closer to 20+ hours per week, or consider extending your prep timeline to 3–4 months.
Who Should NOT Try to Cram for the GMAT in 2 Months?
While two months can work for many people, it may not be enough if:
- You struggle with standardized tests
- You’re balancing a full-time job and other responsibilities
- You need significant improvement in both Quant and Verbal
- You’re aiming for a top-tier score (655+ GMAT Focus Edition) with little foundational knowledge
In these cases, a 3- to 4-month plan may be more realistic and less stressful.
Want to Know If 2 Months is Enough for GMAT for YOU? Ask Us!
Your expert GMAT tutor specializes in two-month crash prep plans, helping students like you:
✅ Target weak spots with high-impact strategies
✅ Create a realistic weekly study schedule
✅ Practice smarter, not longer, with proven techniques
✅ Boost test-day confidence and performance
Book a free consultation today and let us help you get GMAT-ready—fast!
