The GMAT preparation strategy includes a combination of three key elements: a well-structured study plan, high-quality resources, and expert mentorship. By including these essential components in your preparation, you can significantly increase your chances of achieving your desired score on the GMAT exam.
Here's what you need to know:
Remember, good GMAT preparation is not too complicated. In fact, it is quite straightforward when you know the right approach. With dedication and the right strategy, you can achieve your GMAT goals and B-school dreams. Let us now explore how to make the best of the time and effort you invest to prepare for the GMAT exam.
A well-rounded GMAT preparation strategy can maximize your GMAT score potential. Here, we will go through 10 tips and strategies to make sure every aspect of your preparation plan is in order.
Look out for “what to start with” before “how to start with.”
GMAT is different from other management examinations due to its “computer adaptive” nature. Before understanding how to prepare for GMAT, understand its significant parameters: GMAT Paper Pattern, Exam Syllabus, Registration, etc. Importantly, you must know the exam structure (overall and section-wise), the marking scheme, topic-wise weightage, and question types. During this step, seek guidance on topics that should be studied for the GMAT exam.
A GMAT Diagnostic Test, usually a pre-prep test, helps you evaluate where you stand in your GMAT journey. GMAT Diagnostic test questions are similar to the questions in the actual exam. By taking this test, you will get a clear picture of the areas of your strength and areas for improvement. It will help you expand your knowledge base beyond your current capability. After the test, you will get a score report with your current rank, the right solution, different approaches for solving a question, and a percentile evaluation.
To get prioritized by top B-schools, you must seek high-quality mentorship at every stage of your GMAT preparation. A reliable GMAT coaching will help you learn all the credible strategies to ace the GMAT.
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Cracking the GMAT means focusing strictly on its syllabus, designed as per the latest guidelines set by the GMAC. Practice from books that cover all the levels of complexity, i.e., easy, moderate, and difficult. The most preferred GMAT guide is the GMAT Official Guide. The GMAT Test format was revamped in 2023. Buy only the new version of GMAT practice exams.
When considering how to prepare for the GMAT, relying solely on books is not advisable. The GMAT is an online adaptive examination, and taking online mock tests offers several advantages. These practice exams help you manage time efficiently, familiarize yourself with the question format, and build the necessary stamina to face the GMAT confidently. By simulating the actual test environment as part of your GMAT preparation strategy, you'll be better prepared for the real exam day experience.
Familiarizing yourself with the various difficulty levels in the GMAT computer adaptive test is important. This approach ensures that you're well-prepared to tackle all question types effectively. A smart GMAT strategy is to exponentially increase your study hours and practice more often as you get closer to the test date. Additionally, choose an exam date that allows ample time for thorough, planned preparation. This method helps you build confidence and improve your performance gradually.
Setting time goals during your GMAT preparation is vital for success. Aim to answer 20 questions in 40-45 minutes to improve your speed and efficiency. Many test-takers struggle with time management during the exam. This has a strong impact on scores. By setting and adhering to time goals during your practice sessions, you can enhance your pacing and ensure you complete all sections within the allotted time.
While preparing, keep a study journal. Write down the questions you find hard. This helps you track what you need to improve. As you keep practicing, you will see these problem areas get smaller. This shows you are making progress. Keeping a journal not only helps you improve but also boosts your confidence.
During your daily study, spend extra time on your weak areas. Take more practice questions in these areas. While you focus on improving, do not neglect your overall preparation. After each practice (mock) test, review your answers and scores. If you keep working on your weak areas, you'll see improvement soon.
There's no shortcut to GMAT success. Like with any exam, regular practice is key. A well-planned GMAT strategy involves regular study sessions that familiarize you with the test format and question types. Consistent practice helps you get familiar with the GMAT and boosts your confidence. The more you study a subject, the faster and better you'll get at it.
Effective GMAT preparation strategies can significantly enhance your performance and boost your chances of admission to top B-schools.
Embark on your GMAT preparation journey with a strategic mindset.
First, conduct thorough research on your target business schools' median GMAT scores. This data will help you establish a personal score objective. To enhance your competitiveness, aim for a score approximately 30 points higher than the median scores of your chosen schools. If you are seeking scholarships, your GMAT strategy should be to target the 98th percentile. Next, familiarize yourself with the exam's structure and question types to develop a comprehensive understanding of what to expect. Finally, take the GMAT Diagnostic test as an initial assessment. This valuable tool will help you identify your strengths and areas requiring improvement, allowing you to tailor your study plan effectively.
Implement a systematic approach to your preparation.
Make a comprehensive study plan. Allocate sufficient time to each exam section. For high-quality preparation material, you must utilize the official GMAT resources that most accurately reflect the actual exam's content and difficulty level. Furthermore, engage in regular, timed practice sessions to enhance your time management skills. The GMAT evaluates your ability to apply you knowledge under pressure. So, while practicing, aim to complete 20 questions within 40-45 minutes. Alongside, maintain a meticulous error log. In this, write down the challenging questions and concepts, and revisit them regularly to track your progress. Get used to test-day conditions by taking full-length practice exams regularly (you can set aside your weekend for this).
Take practice tests and conduct a thorough analysis of your results
Post-preparation, evaluate your performance across different question types and sections. Pay particular attention to your time management metrics and performance under pressure. When there is just a couple of weeks remaining for the exam, focus on maintaining your mental and physical well-being. Avoid intensive study of new material, which may induce unnecessary anxiety. On the eve of the exam, prepare all necessary documents and materials for the test day.
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.
You no longer need to worry about sentence correction. This is not a part of the new GMAT (Focus Edition).
The right time to take the GMAT depends on the application deadlines of your targeted B-schools and individual circumstances. Ideally, schedule your test at least 2-3 months before the application deadline.
To improve your verbal accuracy, practice active reading techniques that improve comprehension and speed. Expand your vocabulary by reading newspapers, magazines, and online articles. Take expert's help to work on understanding complex sentence structures.
Familiarize yourself with the GMAT exam format, which includes Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights sections. Create a structured study plan and take mock tests while simulating exam conditions so that you can ensure that you complete the test within time.