Checklist
GMAT prep checklist A focused GMAT checklist for MBA applicants balancing quant and verbal under strict timing.
Built for GMAT · MBA applicants balancing quant and verbal prep.
Progress 0 of 13 tasks complete
Copy remaining Diagnose and target Map your starting line before drilling.
Take a full official practice CAT Use the free GMAT Official Starter Kit exam under real timing to get a baseline score and section splits. ~140 min Break the score into Quant, Verbal, Data Insights Note which of the three sections drags your composite down most; that becomes week-one priority. ~25 min Start an error log Create columns for question type, why you missed it (content vs. timing vs. trap), and the fix. ~20 min
Build content foundations Close the underlying knowledge gaps.
Drill data sufficiency logic Practice the alone, together, or never framework and watch for the C-trap where you assume both statements are needed. ~60 min Rebuild quant fundamentals Review number properties, exponents, and rate problems; redo missed questions without the timer first. ~60 min Sharpen sentence correction rules Memorize modifier, parallelism, and subject-verb patterns the GMAT tests repeatedly. ~45 min Practice critical reasoning argument mapping For each stem identify conclusion, premise, and assumption before reading answers. ~45 min
Train timing and stamina Make pacing automatic.
Run timed quant sets of 10 Cap each question near 2 minutes; mark and move when you stall to avoid time bleed. ~30 min Practice a bail rule Decide a hard stop per question so one data sufficiency trap never costs you three later questions. ~20 min Do a full two-section block Simulate back-to-back sections to build the focus stamina the real CAT demands. ~90 min
Simulate and refine Rehearse the real test day.
Take a full CAT in your test slot time Match your real appointment hour so your focus peaks at the right time of day. ~140 min Review every wrong and every slow-but-right Slow correct answers signal shaky fundamentals that will break under fatigue. ~60 min Update your error log themes Group recurring misses into 3 focus areas for the final week. ~30 min
Common mistakes Spending three minutes on a single data sufficiency question and starving later ones. Falling for the C-trap: assuming both statements are required without testing each alone. Studying untimed for weeks, then panicking when the clock appears. Reviewing only wrong answers and ignoring slow correct ones. Cramming new content the final week instead of consolidating and resting. Pro tips Treat the section adaptive engine as a reason to never leave a question blank; guess and move. Keep a running error log and re-attempt missed questions a week later from memory. For data sufficiency, plug in clean numbers (0, 1, a fraction, a negative) to test sufficiency fast. Practice at the same time of day as your appointment to align your focus rhythm. Bookmark one section to review and avoid re-grinding mastered topics. FAQ How should I start the GMAT prep checklist? Start with the first phase, then run one timed Study Spaces sprint before adding more tasks. The goal is execution, not a perfect plan.
What should I do if I fall behind? Copy the remaining tasks, pick the highest-score or highest-deadline item, and restart with one focused block.
How often should I review progress? Review after each sprint and once at the end of the week so the next session starts with a clear first task.
Use it now
Turn this page into a live sprint Start the matching room for GMAT, then use the sprint plan as the first task and recap script.
GMAT prep checklist
Focus target: GMAT
Block 1 (25 min): closed-book recall or one timed practice set.
Break (5 min): mark confusing items without opening a new task.
Block 2 (25 min): correct misses and write the next first step.
Done: one score/error note plus one queued task for tomorrow.