Ace your GMAT exams and get admission into your dream business school! Preparing for a GMAT exam can be a daunting task – but don’t worry! With the right approach, you can be sure to ace your GMAT exams. Here are 10 essential tips to help you prepare for and succeed on your GMAT exam. From creating a study plan, to understanding the exam structure, and developing test-taking strategies, these tips will help you maximize your potential on the GMAT. With the right guidance and preparation, you can be sure your GMAT exam will be a success!
Understand the format of the GMAT exam
The GMAT exam is a computer-based exam (CBT) that consists of six sections: an Analytical Writing Assessment, two Verbal Reasoning sections, two Quantitative Reasoning sections, and a final Score Report section.
Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) – The AWA is a short essay of up to 30 minutes that is used to asses your writing skills. The essay is graded by human graders and is not included in the final GMAT score. Your AWA score is reported separately, but not included in your final GMAT score.
Quantitative Reasoning (QR) – This section consists of two 30-minute long question types: Multiple choice questions and computer-based graphical interpretation questions. The multiple choice questions are based on data interpretation, algebra, geometry, data analysis and statistics. The computer-based graphical interpretation questions are based on data interpretation through graphs.
Verbal Reasoning (VR) – This section consists of two 35-minute long question types: Multiple choice questions and computer-based passage-based questions. The multiple choice questions are based on critical reasoning, reading comprehension, and sentence correction. The computer-based passage-based questions are based on critical reasoning and reading comprehension through text passages.
Integrated Reasoning (IR) – This section consists of two 30-minute long question types: Multiple choice questions and computer-based graphic interpretation questions. The multiple choice questions are based on visual data analysis, table interpretation, and several other analysis topics. The computer-based graphic interpretation questions are based on visual data analysis through charts and graphs.
Final Score Report – The final Score Report section is only visible to you and is used to display your final GMAT score that is used to calculate your percentile.
Set realistic expectations and goals
Achieving the perfect GMAT score is not the only way to get into your dream business school! While a high GMAT score can certainly help your application, a low score can also have a negative impact on your application. With this in mind, it is important to set realistic expectations and goals. While getting a high GMAT score is definitely a great idea, it may not be necessary for you to achieve your goals. If you are applying to a business school outside of the US, a high GMAT score may not be as important to admissions officers. Keep in mind that business schools are looking for well-rounded candidates. So, even if you don’t achieve the highest possible GMAT score, you can still be successful if you are able to communicate your passion for your field of study.
Create a realistic study plan
When it comes to studying for the GMAT, the earlier you start, the better. The best time to start preparing for your GMAT exam is 8-10 weeks before your test date. This way, you will have enough time to study, while minimizing stress and anxiety.
Your GMAT exam study plan should include the following:
Time management – Being organized and managing your time effectively is crucial to success on the GMAT. To help you manage your time, use a timer while practicing GMAT questions and follow the Kaplan method.
Content review – Reviewing the most commonly tested topics on the GMAT is essential for success. You can use a GMAT prep book to review the content of the GMAT.
Practice exams – Practice exams are crucial for success on the GMAT. Taking practice exams and reviewing your mistakes will help you become familiar with the exam format and identify your skills and areas of improvement.
Rest and relaxation – Staying healthy and balancing your stress levels is important for succeeding on the GMAT. Make sure to get enough sleep, exercise regularly, and take some time off from studying.
Utilize practice tests and quizzes
Practice tests and quizzes can be extremely useful when preparing for the GMAT. These can help you identify areas of improvement and see how your skills have developed over time. You can find a variety of GMAT practice tests, including GMAT practice exams, online. Certain GMAT prep companies also provide online quizzes, which are helpful for assessing your progress and identifying your strengths and weaknesses. You can also find a wide array of GMAT study guides and books that contain practice tests and sample questions. You can also find GMAT study materials in the form of textbooks, mobile apps, or computer software.
Master the content of the GMAT
Understanding the content of the GMAT is crucial to success on the exam. You can use GMAT prep books and online resources to learn about the most commonly tested topics on the GMAT.
Here are some of the most commonly tested topics on the GMAT:
Data Interpretation – Data interpretation questions on the GMAT test your ability to analyze data and draw valid conclusions. Most data interpretation questions include graphs, charts, tables, and figures.
Reading Comprehension – Reading comprehension questions on the GMAT test your ability to understand written information and draw valid conclusions. Most reading comprehension questions include short passages.
Sentence Correction – Sentence correction questions on the GMAT test your ability to understand written information and draw valid conclusions. Most sentence correction questions include grammar, syntax, and word choice.
Critical Reasoning – Critical reasoning questions on the GMAT test your ability to analyze and draw valid conclusions. Most critical reasoning questions include short passages.
Familiarize yourself with the types of questions
The GMAT exam tests a wide range of skills and concepts. You can prepare for the wide variety of question types on the GMAT by studying for the exam and taking practice exams. You can also use GMAT study materials such as GMAT prep books and online study guides to learn about the various types of questions on the GMAT.
Here are some of the most commonly tested question types on the GMAT:
- Data Interpretation – On the GMAT, data interpretation questions are either graph-based or table-based. Graph-based questions ask you to analyze information such as data points, lines, and trends. Table-based questions ask you to analyze information such as data points, lines, and trends.
- Reading Comprehension – On the GMAT, reading comprehension questions are either short paragraphs or passages. Short paragraphs include only one or two sentences and ask you to draw valid conclusions. Short passages include several paragraphs and ask you to draw valid conclusions based on the entire passage
- Sentence Correction – Sentence correction questions are based on grammar, syntax, and word choice. Most sentence correction questions include a sentence with a grammatical error. You are given several options to correct the sentence.
Use strategies to tackle difficult questions
On the GMAT, you will encounter difficult questions. It is important to not get frustrated and give up! Keep in mind that although the GMAT is a standardized exam, every question is different.
You can use the following strategies when attempting difficult questions:
Slow down: Most people tend to rush through difficult questions. The best way to tackle a difficult question is to slow down and tackle it step-by-step.
Stop when you are stuck: Getting stuck on a question is normal, but you must learn when to stop when you are stuck. If you try several different methods, but you are still stuck, then you must move on.
Review your work: Always review your work to make sure you have completed the question correctly. This way, you can avoid careless mistakes and save valuable time. – Change your approach: If one strategy isn’t working, change your approach and try a different strategy!
Practice time management
In order to maximize your score and succeed on your GMAT exam, you must be organized and manage your time effectively.
Here are some helpful tips for effective time management on the GMAT:
Create a study plan: You must create a study plan and stick to it! Make sure to include breaks, exam dates, and review dates for each section. This will allow you to stay on top