Last Updated On: July 1st, 2024
The GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) is a standardized assessment test that many master degree programs require applicants to take. Business schools in particular use the GMAT to determine entry into their accounting and finance programs. Today, the GMAT test is conducted in 110 different countries. Follow these tips for studying in preparation for the GMAT.
1. Learn the Content
This tip may seem obvious, but far too often, students think they can attain a near-perfect score by having test taking tricks up their sleeve. Nothing can replace simply knowing your stuff, though. The two areas of the GMAT that you have to be seriously prepared for are “Quantitative” and “Sentence Correction.” Hint: Become a whiz with prime numbers and subject-verb agreement.
2. Set Time Limits
At first, you’ll take practice GMAT tests without any time constraints. Eventually, though, you’ll have to time yourself, and often. If you don’t, you won’t know what hit you come test day since the GMAT is most certainly timed. You’ll need the practice when it comes to proper pacing and time management.
One of the main reasons why you need to practice timing yourself for the GMAT is to make sure you can answer every question on the test. Unanswered questions will cost you more than wrong answers. What happens if you’re down to the wire on test day and you still have a ton of questions left to answer? Fill them in at random – seriously.
3. Choose the Right Format
Sure, you can get your hands on old copies of GMAT-format exams, but you should focus more on the current CAT-format GMAT tests. Otherwise, you’ll be prepping for an antiquated version of the test. While the questions themselves will be helpful, the format could throw you off.
4. Take a Ton of Practice Exams
Practice GMAT tests will help you all-around. You’ll become familiar with the test layout; you’ll know what types of questions to expect; you’ll learn what your weak points are; and you’ll develop the stamina needed to take such a demanding test. It’s best to start taking practice tests a year in advance. That way, you can set an easy pace for yourself without having to take a bunch of tests on top of each other when the GMAT is right around the corner.
