Do you aim to pursue a lucrative management career? If so, getting into a top business school is paramount!
So, if you desire to get into top-notch B-schools like Harvard, INSEAD, or ISB, you need a strong GMAT score.
But here’s the catch! With the GMAT Focus Edition now live, and competition getting fiercer every year, preparing for the GMAT in 2025 isn’t that easy.
In the current scenario, it is no longer about studying harder, but rather it’s about studying smarter! So, how do you build a winning strategy that sets you apart?
Read on!
Why the GMAT still matters in 2025
Some of you might wonder, with ‘test-optional’ trends becoming popular globally, is the GMAT really critical even in 2025?
The answer is a definitive yes, especially for top-tier B-schools!
Admissions committees still rely heavily on GMAT scores to assess analytical ability, quantitative skills, and readiness for the academic rigor of MBA programs.
In fact, according to the GMAC Survey 2024, nearly 90% of MBA programs worldwide continue to prefer applicants who submit a GMAT score over those who don’t.
Should you seek Expert help?
For every aspirant, the GMAT journey is different. Some candidates thrive through self-study, fueled by free resources and sheer discipline.
But the competitive candidates aiming for a 700+ score find structured guidance essential to beat the competition and score an edge over others.
You must consider seeking expert help if:
- You wish to better your chances of scoring high
- Aim to master all sections of the test
- Want to get confident with the new GMAT Focus structure
- Need accountability and a tailored plan
At LilacBuds, we work with top GMAT experts who bring competency, years of mentoring success, and enhanced chances of scoring high.
Meet our GMAT tutors:
- Chinu
She is a highly acclaimed test prep expert with over 17 years of experience working with young learners. She is passionate about guiding students to achieve their academic plans and prepare them for admits to top study abroad programs. - Sujoy
An IIT alumnus and Math wiz, his mentoring style is based on developing strong fundamentals. Sujoy focuses on showing multiple solution approaches and discussing the pros and cons of each. He is friendly, patient and encourages his students to ask questions so they can improve their test performance. - Mitul
With over 2 decades of experience, he is a stalwart who has helped 1000’s of students succeed in the GMAT & GRE. He offers students comprehensive personalized training material, access to several mock tests, and nuanced perspectives on breaking through the exam anxiety.
Building your DIY GMAT study plan
If you are planning to go the self-study route to start with, here’s how you should structure your preparation to get closer to your dream of scoring high on the GMAT:
- Start with a diagnostic test
You might retort to this aspect, thinking, how do you take one without initiating your studies?
Well, it is important to get a realistic sense of where you stand before you devise a study plan. You must assess your performance by section to get a clear picture of your strengths and weaknesses.
- Master the foundations
After getting a clear picture of your standing through he diagnostic test, devise a structured study plan. Ensure your basic concepts, especially in Quant and Verbal, are rock solid!
- Set a realistic timeline
Ideally, you must give yourself 10–16 weeks of serious prep, broken down into concept building, practice, and full-length mocks to ensure holistic GMAT test preparation.
- Simulate real test conditions
Practice under timed settings to build stamina and develop confidence for the test day!
- Track and analyze your progress
Don’t just note your scores; instead, look into patterns in your scores! If you are consistently making careless errors in a particular section, it is time to fix them!
GMAT Focus Edition: Section details in brief
The GMAT Focus Edition that is mandatory for all 2025 test-takers introduces a sharper, streamlined format as below:
|
Section |
Number of questions |
Time limit |
Focus |
| Quantitative Reasoning |
21 |
45 mins |
Problem-solving only |
| Verbal Reasoning |
23 |
45 mins |
Reading comprehension, critical reasoning |
| Data Insights |
20 |
45 mins |
Data interpretation, two-part analysis |
Note these key changes in the GMAT Focus Edition:
- No more Sentence Correction questions!
- Data Insights is now much more prominent
- You can review and revise questions within each section
Conclusion
Scoring well on the GMAT in 2025 demands more than rote learning or practicing endlessly for long hours! It’s now about strategic planning, understanding the new exam structure, and addressing your personal gaps early on.
Whether you prefer a DIY study plan or the personalized support of seasoned LilacBuds tutors, the right preparation strategy can make all the difference between an average score and admission to your dream B-school!
So, are you ready to start prepping for GMAT? Good luck!
