UPDATED 2020
How to Effectively Prepare for the GMAT Test
You’re required to take the GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) if you wish to apply to a business school for an MBA program.
It is a computer-based multiple-choice standardized exam that assesses how well you know basic arithmetic, geometry, algebra, multi-source data analysis, and grammar. In addition to that, it measures your analytical and problem-solving skills.
It consists of four different sections that put your analytical and critical thinking skills to the test.
- Analytical Writing Assessment
- Integrated Reasoning
- Quantitative
- Verbal
Here are some tips on how to prepare for GMAT on your own:
Take a Practice Test
To get acquainted with the exam and see what you need to work on the most, you need to take a GMAT diagnostic test and measure your performance in all the sections. You can use the information you obtain after reviewing your test to develop your study plan.
The test results may also include information that will help you identify the types of questions you excel at and where you struggle the most. The best thing about practice tests is that they help you learn in the least amount of time. When you look for the correct answers, you’ll be able to retain that information and not make the same mistake in the future.
Another thing these practice tests help with is that they allow you to time yourself and see which sections take up most of your time. It’s recommended to take the test under similar conditions as the actual exam to see if you can perform well under pressure.
Create a Plan
You need to have an effective study plan to make the most of the time on your hands before the exam. It’s important to use resources like the GMAT book and free resources on the internet to make sure you’re well-versed in all the sections.
Set up a schedule and divide it into four sections. Set goals for yourself so you can measure your progress at the end of each day and see how much you’ve successfully prepared for. Use your practice test results to prioritize what you need to pay the most attention to and keep the easier topics for last.
Take Online Classes
If you realize somewhere during your preparation that you can’t study from the book and other resources by yourself, there are online classes available. You can sign up for them and prepare for the sections you find the most difficult.
Online classes will not only take care of your study plan, but they’ll also cover areas you didn’t think about focusing on as they’re prepared for a large audience. Take notes during the sessions to remember important tips and go through them in the last few days leading up to the exam.
Final Words
It will only take a little effort on your end every day to get a high GMAT score and get into a graduate business program. Don’t leave your preparation for the last minute as that will only stress you out. It will also significantly affect your performance during the exam because you need to be in the right state of mind to tackle the questions effectively.