"The will to win is important, but the will to prepare is vital."
Strategizing for the GMAT exam is the foremost concern of a student looking to pursue an international MBA degree. The absence of a solid GMAT preparation strategy can cumber the application process. If a candidate wishes to take admission in schools like HBS, INSEAD, HEC Paris, London Business School, Stanford, Princeton, it is essential to better their GMAT Preparation strategy within the stipulated time frame. GMAT has a wide acceptance rate in over 2300 colleges worldwide. In India, illustrious b-schools like ISB Hyderabad, top IIMs, SPJIMR, XLRI, etc, also accept GMAT scores for admission into MBA programs.
GMAT scores have a validity of five whole years. GMAT Aspirants in the final or pre-final year of graduation have the leverage of strengthening their portfolio by gaining professional experience before applying for a master’s program. However, the GMAT is an examination that tests the heft of the candidate’s willpower as much as any other capability. It is a known fact that applying for GMAT is an expensive deal. Henceforth, any aspirant who decides to prepare for GMAT needs to be serious right from scratch. As GMAT is the most widely used entrant evaluation test by B-schools worldwide, a candidate needs to do his/her part with consistency and devotion.
Let us now find out the necessary steps a candidate should take to know how to gear up for GMAT smoothly. We will go over the following topics that are necessary to get a good grip on the overall GMAT preparation strategy.
Table of Contents
As discussed above, GMAT preparation strategy has the potential to make or break the 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. Some of the most preferred GMAT guides are GMAT Official Guide, Manhattan GMAT Strategy Guides, Kaplan Test Prep, etc.
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.
Analytical Written Assessment
Every test aspirant must make sure they’re aware of the time given for this section, and practice accordingly.
Practice with a focus on question types such as table analysis, interpretation, reasoning, etc.
Make use of the available quality resources that focus on the IR section of GMAT exam.
In case of issues while solving practice questions, make note of the same and be sure to clarify it with mentors or experienced test takers.
Make sure to be aware of the stipulated time, and be ahead of the time clock so that there is no rushing towards the end.
Understanding and knowing information relevant to mathematical reasoning will come of use in this section.
Make sure to practice questions types that relate to data and problem-solving.
In case there is a need for help, reach out to quality available resources such as materials, and coaching centers even if there’s a specific need for only one section.
This section deals with all questions in English. All the candidates will be required to solve question types relevant to English usage, grammar, structure, reasoning, etc.
Make sure that ample time is invested in reading newspapers, magazines, and other editorial content for best practice.
Take help from experienced test-takers, guide books, mentors on how best to tackle different question types.
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.
Similar to other competitive exams, the score that a candidate receives is dependent on how they’ve taken up the actual examination. While thorough and consistent practice, solid preparation strategy can provide a good sense of confidence, it comes down to the candidate’s ability in taking up the actual exam. A score of 780 in GMAT comes in the 99th 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 note that this depends on fully on personal ability, and hence could differ.
Going by the results, an average GMAT score is roughly 70% in the exam. Given this detail, it is highly possible for an average student to crack GMAT.
The perfect GMAT score is found to be 800, which only an approximate of 30 test takers score each year.
The standard GMAT exam fee is US $250.
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. Click on the links above to know more or feel free to get in touch with our career counsellors.
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.