Crack GMAT entrance

Eyeing a top-class Business School in abroad?

 

Well, cracking the Graduate Management Aptitude Test (GMAT) with an impressive score will definitely give you an edge over the others. For the starters, The GMAT is a multiple-choice, computer-based and computer-adaptive standardized exam that is developed and administered by GMAC to test the applicant’s level of preparation and intellectual framework for graduate-level academic work on a global level.

Along with your academic records, GPA, work experience, SOP and other supporting materials, a high score on the GMAT will have a direct and stellar impact on your B- school application. With the right mindset, calculated approach and determination garnished with a dash of optimism, pursuing an MBA abroad from a reputed B-School will become a cakewalk for you! Let’s have a look at some of the ways to ace GMAT with the perfect score.

SECTION

NO. OF QUESTIONS

TIME

(in minutes)

THE TYPE OF QUESTIONS

SCORE RANGE

Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA)

1 Topic

30

Analysis of Argument

0-6 (in .5 increments)

Integrated Reasoning (IR)

12

30

Multi-Source Reasoning; Graphics Interpretation; Two-Part Analysis; Table Analysis

1-8

Optional Break

 

8

 

 

Quantitative Section

31

62

Data Sufficiency; Problem Solving

200-800

Optional Break

 

8

 

 

Verbal Section

36

65

Reading Comprehension; Critical Reasoning; Sentence Correction

200-800

 

Wondering what qualifies as a good enough GMAT score? Read this article to get an idea of what is a good GMAT score.

 

Before delving into the preparation strategies, understanding the pattern and format of the examination is highly important

It’s entirely up to you to select the order in which you would like to attempt the sections as per your convenience.

The prospective business schools will not be able to see the order you followed while attempting the various sections and this will not affect your scorecard. As per your own strengths and weaknesses, choose to attempt the section you are very much confident about. This will keep you motivated during the exam. There is no right or wrong way of selecting the order of attempting the sections. However, what matters is that you should attempt all your mock tests in the same section order that you would be selecting on the D-day. 

Apart from this, use only high-quality practice tests containing official questions authored by GMAC, or the questions that adhere to the style and tone of the real GMAT questions, delivered in a computerized adaptive format. Employ only authentic sources to fuel your preparation and abstain from referring too many materials.

1.Create a study Plan, Buck up on your routine!

Create a Study Plan

“Slow and Steady Wins the Race.”

Well begun is half done. So, the early you start with your preparations, the more time you will get to clear your basic concepts and rectify your mistakes. In order to manage your time efficiently and to focus your energy in one direction, it’s important to make a study plan and stick to it. Each study session should have a specific goal to ponder upon. Do not give in to temptations of studying things that are out of context. Also, develop the habit of studying frequently in smaller chunks. This will help you maintain your pace and focus and will assist you in mastering topics one at a time. Try not to be overambitious a particular week and less motivated the other; maintain a balance between your study schedule and leisure time.

 

2.Practice, practice and lots of Practice!

Practice

With the right amount of self-discipline and lots of practice sessions, acing the GMAT would not be tough. To best simulate the GMAT testing conditions, attempt as many mock tests in the official format as you can. The more familiar and comfortable you get with the exam pattern beforehand; it is less likely for you to lose your precious time on the D-day. While taking practice tests, do not take any help from outside sources and try to complete the paper at one sitting without taking too many breaks.

 

At home, while attempting the practice tests, take notes on both sides of the legal pad with a thin marker so that you know how you can use the GMAT scratchpad to your best advantage in the exam.

 

Always break down your test results and analyze your weaknesses. Look at your mistakes and rectify them then and there. Remember you need to hone in on your weak areas rather than wasting time in mastering your strong areas. While taking practice tests look for error patterns and then work on improving yourself.

 

Maintain error logs so that you can review them before a day or two of attempting the examination.

 

3.Throw over-confidence in the bin and get your basics sorted

no overconfidance

To your amusement, the quantitative section of GMAT tests you on high school math. This definitely doesn’t imply that you get overconfident and skip practicing this section even if your basics are clear. Remember that each and every section is equally important and devoting too much time on one section and too little time on the other will only deter your level of preparedness.

 

Before you march towards the advanced topics, ensure that you have your basics crystal clear since GMAT is predominantly a reasoning-based test. In math, brush up your concepts in geometry, trigonometry, statistics, probability, and algebra. Practice 50-60 sums books like Manhattan GMAT question bank daily. Improve your reading skills by reading newspapers like the New York Times, the Atlantic, etc., especially if you are a non-native English speaker. Ensure that you have a stronghold on basic grammar.

 

Apart from this, during your preparations, try and explain to yourself the concepts by using flow charts and diagrams. Practice on old papers, drink plenty of water, take regular breaks, maintain a healthy diet and sleep schedule and do not panic, especially baffling on the D-day will only lead you to spoil the exam. Also, do not try to beat the computerized-adaptive format and focus on the question at hand. Keeping your cool while attempting the paper is very crucial. To sum up, be honest to yourself while tracking your progress. Consistency and hard work are the keys to success.

Best of luck!

 

Author :

Bakhtawar Krishnan

Bakhtawar Krishnan is the Founder & Director of Inspirus Education, leading test-prep institute and study abroad consultancy. Bakhtawar brings with her over 30 years of diverse experience; on both, national as well as international levels. An accomplished professional in the field of higher education abroad, she has helped thousands of students realize their dream of studying at esteemed universities all over the world.

 

 

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