The Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) is an important exam for the application of admission into top business graduate schools. It consists of four main sections, namely, quantitative section, verbal section, integrated reasoning, and one analytical writing essay. GMAT test score ranges from 400 to 800, with 730 and above considered as a good score. Being aware of the right way to study and prepare for GMAT helps elevate the chance of enrolling yourself into the ultimate dream school.
GMAT exam pattern and format
Understanding and adapting to the basic structure of the GMAT syllabus sections, the duration, the number of questions, the scoring system, and more, gives you a crystal clearance of the exam’s mechanism. This way, there will be no room for basic errors.
Starting off with Qaunt and Verbal
Quant and Verbal section constitute the heaviest concentration. Hence, tackling these sections first will give a solid running start in your GMAT preparation strategy.
Strong basic foundation for Qaunt section
Begin with basic quantitative concepts and topic wise break-down. These basic guides are available on GMAT® Official Guide. Once the basics are covered, go deeper and switch to more intense sections (which are the extended versions of basic concepts).
Take personal GMAT mock tests from GMAT® Official Guide, and most importantly, time the test in accordance to the official exam time. In this manner, not only will you able to manage time but also sharpen your preparation and keep track of your mistakes.
One topic at a time for verbal section
GMAT exam more or less equally concentrates on the Verbal Section as much as it does to Quant. When it comes to GMAT verbal section, the way to go is keeping the focus on one area, on one concept at one time. Trying to touch every part at once, such as sentence correction or critical reasoning or reading comprehension, will only pave way for the risk of just shallow grasping. Condense understanding of one topic at a time will give a deeper grip thereby resulting in proper long run progress.
While tackling a particular section of verbal, further pick certain area of the section you begin with. For example, go with argument evaluation for Critical Reasoning or any other comfortable to start off with. And once you’re fairly familiar with it, proceed with the same strategy for the rest of verbal sections. The keystone to remember here is one step at a time. Keep going back to keep the study fresh, and once you’ve covered it all, jump on to practice sets with jumbled sets. This way, you will be prepared for the official GMAT verbal section pattern.
Test practice on a computer
Because of its computer adaptive nature, GMAT preparation is best done on a computer. While the old school method of studying by writing on a book, making notes, etc., are helpful for other platforms, with GMAT prep, computer is definitely the way to go.
Preparation quality, not quantity
It’s tempting to be overwhelmed due to a vast syllabus but the main thing to understand is: follow a smart GMAT preparation strategy. It isn’t so much about the quantity but rather quality. Being selective and focusing sharply on targeted topics. And this is why, as mentioned earlier, understanding the basic exam structure, past GMAT trends, time management and setting the foundation right is crucially mandatory.
Self study or professional help
Crack GMAT with self-study or with professional help or both. Bring together the classroom guidance and self-preparation to tackle GMAT. While taking a time off to sit and prepare for GMAT exam is an option, some do not have the leverage or luxury for that. There is nothing wrong with having a day job and keeping the MBA dream alive at the same time. Normally, most international B-schools look for candidates with work experience, and hence, along with young graduates, professionals preparing for GMAT while working is a popular practice as well. Studying religiously, practicing mocks regularly, and continuing to keep up the dedication and determination will absolutely take you towards your goal of cracking the GMAT exam.
GMAT opens a world of endless fortuity for both students and working professionals. It is a gateway to international opportunities. Wishing you the best of luck!
For information of Career Launcher’s GMAT program, click here.
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