The absence of a solid GMAT preparation strategy can result in lower scores and decreased chances of admission to top B-schools. More than 2300 B-schools worldwide accept the GMAT. The list includes top schools like Harvard Business School, INSEAD, HEC Paris, London Business School, Stanford, Princeton, and others. In India, illustrious b-schools like ISB Hyderabad, top IIMs, SPJIMR, XLRI, etc, also accept GMAT scores for admission into MBA programs. So, prospective MBA students should dedicate time and effort to create a study schedule, practice with sample questions, and seek guidance from test prep resources, in order to achieve their desired score.
Good to know!
Applying for the GMAT is an expensive deal. The fee for taking the GMAT Focus Edition for Indian students is approximately USD 275, which is around INR 23,000. In addition to the exam fee, there may be additional costs for study materials, tutoring, and other resources. It is important to make sure that the investment in preparing for the GMAT is worth it by putting in the effort required to achieve a good score. Remember, preparation pays off.
Table of Contents
As discussed above, GMAT preparation strategy has the potential to make or break a candidate’s efforts to ace the exam. Here, we will go through 10 tips & strategies to make sure every aspect of the preparation plan is in order.
As GMAT is different from other management examinations due to its “computer adaptive” nature, it would be wise to look out for “what to start with” before “how to start with.” Understanding significant parameters (paper pattern, exam syllabus, registration, etc.) are the influential factors before knowing how to prepare for GMAT. It will also give the candidate an idea of how the paper is structured overall as well as section-wise, the marking scheme, topic-wise weightage, and type of questions in the examination. On the other hand, it will also give instructions on what should be learnt and what should not.
Taking the GMAT diagnostic test is like giving a mock GMAT before the actual GMAT exam. The questions asked in a GMAT diagnostic test are the closest to the actual kind of questions in the exam which means that this paper will split a clear difference between the areas of individual strength and areas for improvement.
It will also help expand the knowledge base beyond a candidate’s current capability. GMAT Diagnostic Test is a GMAT mock practice that would be followed by a solution analysis giving the current rank concerning other test-takers, the right solution, different approaches for solving a question, and the percentile evaluation.
Cracking GMAT is all about targeting the “right kind” of questions that will make or break the overall score percentile. A student should also be extremely critical about his/her accuracy in order to get prioritized by a wide range of B-schools. It is highly likely for a candidate to be in need of high-quality mentorship at every stage of their GMAT Preparation. Hence, taking into consideration all the possible and credible learning approaches especially when it comes to GMAT coaching opportunities, help decide on which method or mode will be the most suitable and convenient for a GMAT aspirant to choose.
As the GMAT Test format has been revamped last year, it is advisable not to buy the old version of GMAT practice books which are expensive and highly confusing. Staying up to date with official updates will prevent confusion for the candidate. Cracking GMAT means only focusing strictly on its syllabus designed as per the latest guidelines set by GMAC. Every test aspirant should look out for books including questions that sync with GMAT previous year question papers and cover all the levels of complexity, i.e., easy, moderate, and difficult. The quality of the study material for GMAT should be in tandem with the quality of actual examination and tried and tested by GMAT experts. The most preferred GMAT guide is the GMAT Official Guide.
As GMAT is an online adaptive examination, it is not advisable to fully depend on printing off the book as far as how to prepare for GMAT is concerned. Online preparation will help the candidate manage time efficiently and build stamina so that GMAT can finally be faced head-on. It would enable the candidate to efficiently divide a day into various slots of self-study and focus on slot deadlines. Consequently, this process will have a much more logical approach towards cracking the GMAT on the test day with saving time on unnecessary travel.
Getting familiar with different levels of difficulties that surface in the GMAT computer adaptive test is necessary. This ensures that the candidate is in a way prepared to tackle all these question types effectively. Increasing the study time and practicing religiously towards the date of the actual GMAT exam is more than essential for scoring well. It makes the most sense to exponentially increase the study time as the exam date approaches. It is also wise to pick an exam date that gives ample amount of time for planned preparation.
Making time targets along with practice for GMAT preparation is important. This will help in increasing the overall speed and accuracy. As a rule of thumb, practice completing 30 questions within a maximum of 20-25 mins. In any exam, there is high chance for a candidate to run out of time, and unfortunately miss out on their desired score. Setting time targets and consistently keeping up with them will help the candidate improve.
While making time for preparation, one of the things a candidate is to focus on is to keep a diary. Keeping a diary where questions that are difficult noted can help the candidate stay in track of their areas of improvement. As the candidate consistently keeps this up, these areas will start to grow smaller, showing that the candidate has been progressing with preparation. Not only is this practice important for keeping track of areas to improve, it will also boost the morale of the hardworking candidate.
Through the GMAT diagnostic test, and well into preparation the candidate must be aware of areas that need more effort, and abilities concerning those areas. In addition to going through the usual preparation every day, the test aspirant must make sure that the areas of improvement are given additional care by taking more prep questions respectively. This ensures that the candidate can make provision for extra focus on certain sections, without missing out on the overall preparation. After taking up every mock test, be sure to analyze the answers and overall score. Practicing through areas of improvement consistently will sooner than later help in cracking GMAT preparation for the best.
There is no magic potion in the GMAT preparation strategy. As far as every exam is concerned, consistent practice cannot be overtaken by anything else. GMAT preparation strategy is nothing different. While practice helps the candidate with becoming familiar with GMAT as a whole, it also raises confidence. This is because as more and more time is spent on going through the same subject matter, any test aspirant will be able to perform effectively taking lesser time, and performing better.
Effective GMAT preparation strategies can significantly enhance your performance and boost your chances of admission to top B-schools.
Tips to Prepare for GMAT Focus Edition Verbal Reasoning: Critical Reasoning
Tips to Prepare for GMAT Focus Edition Verbal Reasoning: Reading Comprehension
Tips to Prepare for GMAT Focus Edition Quant (Problem-Solving) Questions
Tips to Prepare for GMAT Focus Edition Data Insights
Understanding and practicing the various tools in the computer test mode will come of use
Make sure you read through all the given rules and regulations given for taking up the exam
Logging in comfortably before the test time so as to keep a buffer is efficient
Make sure all the electronic devices, as well as other objects that are not allowed to be used in the exam is removed
Keep in mind that candidate will not be allowed to cancel the test scores received unless in case of any technical issues after confirmation.
A score of 755 in GMAT comes in the 100th percentile, and hence will require the most efforts from the candidate. However, with the right mindset, approach, and practice it is possible.
A general consensus is that a candidate will require a time period of 2-3 months to fully prepare for GMAT exam. However, it is important to note that this depends fully on personal ability, and hence could differ.
With the right coaching and resources, anyone can crack the GMAT exam.
The highest GMAT score is 805.
The GMAT exam fee is US $275.
All GMAT aspirants regardless of their academic stage are invited to take this free GMAT diagnostic test and gauge their level of preparation.
At CL, we offer various GMAT Classroom and GMAT Online Coaching programs to suit the learning needs of every aspirant. Submit your details in the form above and we will reach out to you with all the information you need.
All aspirants get personalised section-wise and overall performance reports. They are advised to understand the analysis thoroughly to identify their weak areas and improve upon them. Consequently, they can also develop a robust test-taking strategy.
Yes, you can get one-on-one counselling from experts on all aspects of your overseas MBA education. This includes guidance on resume-writing, profile-building, college selection and application, scholarship, interview and visa processes, and financing options. You can also get all your queries addressed by our team anytime during your enrollment.
Want to prepare for GMAT but don’t know how to get started? Check out GMAT online classes to fill in your inadequacies and clear GMAT with high accuracy within the comfort of your home.