The GMAT is a standardized test that can’t be aced through tips and tricks alone. Tips and strategies may assist you to perform better and feel more confident about your preparation, but you need to actually study properly in order to achieve a high sufficiently.
Here are a few tips that will definitely aid you in preparing for your GMAT test.
1. Choose a Proper Time
You need to figure out when you’ll be available to prepare for your test because you can’t multitask all at once. GMAT preparation is a burden in itself, and if you add in a full-time job with other courses, it will be a tough feat. You’ll need at least need 3 months to solely focus on your preparation, so choose the time wisely.
2. Plan Ahead
If you plan on obtaining a good score, you must plan beforehand. Make a schedule, divide your day into parts, and allocate a good amount of time just to study.
Once you are disciplined about your preparation, you’ll find it easier to take time out and study. You can also do some research to develop a better understanding of how you should plan for the upcoming tests while still in college.
3. Use Adequate Materials
There are tons of study material available, but don’t invest in all of them. Instead, choose the ones that make the most sense to you. Don’t only rely on prep books. Try to also look for online resources and applications to help you prepare and learn things you lack in.
4. Familiarize Yourself with the Test Pattern
Once you’re clear about the structure of the test, you’ll be able to save a lot of time on the test day because the pattern of the test remains the same. The ability to identify test pattern strategies will help you save time.
5. Understand the Timing
This is a computer-based test, and only one question will be visible at a time. So you need to allocate proper time to each question so that you don’t end up spending more time than required and risk losing marks.
6. Focus on the Fundamental Topics
The syllabus tested in GMAT is vast and you should try to study all of it. You might not be able to master all the questions, but you should build some expertise around specific topics to boost your confidence.
7. Work on your Weak Points
You can’t just ignore topics that you don’t like. Challenge yourself and face weak topics head-on so that if they’re given on the test day, you can deal with it confidently. Work on mastering your weaknesses, this will serve you well in the future.
8. Don’t Stop Practicing
One major factor that can help you gain marks is practicing for your test. If you keep on practicing, not only will you become familiar with the topic material, but you’ll also decrease your chances of making any errors on the final day. It’s not uncommon to make mistakes when test anxiety and stress start to kick in.
9. Emphasize on Communication Skills
This section assesses your verbal skills. You will be graded on critical reasoning, reading comprehension, and Sentence correction. Don’t take this section lightly. Spend plenty of time practicing for it.
10. Study Economics and Statistics
Economics and stats are an important part of this test. If you practice this area you’ll be able to develop a better insight towards the business section of the test and it will be easier for you to identify the type of question.
11. Go through the Testing Experience
Find a quiet secluded space and practice the full test. It’s vital for you to quietly sit on a computer somewhere you are comfortable and give the whole practice test a try. Doing this a few times will help put you at ease when you’re actually doing the test.
12. Get Resources Online
There are various sites online, study guides and sample questions that can aid the learners in a better manner. Take the time to look for GMAT resources that suit your learning style.
13. Think Conceptually
Rote learning won’t be of any use. You’ll need to master concepts and learn to apply them in a practical manner because that’s what GMAT is all about.
14. Warm-Up Before Exam
Right before the exam is due, go through the practice questions many times. This will be helpful for when you go into the examination room, as your mind will be ready and you’ll be in the exam mode.
15. Stay Positive
Do not allow anxiety or tension to take a toll over you. Fill your mind with positive thoughts early, and often. Start practicing this right away. You’d be surprised how this can keep test anxiety at bay come exam day.
16. Learn Through Mistakes
When you get an answer wrong, don’t just skip it and move on. Instead, go through it again and understand what mistake you made and try to avoid making the same mistake again.
17. Don’t Be Distracted
If you want to solely focus on your preparation then you must look into avoiding any distraction that may affect your progress. Avoid all electronics if possible. Using cellphones unnecessarily or having the television on can be a major distraction and waste too much of your precious time.
18. Eat Healthy
It’s a fact that there are a few foods that can boost your cognition and other foods that may adversely affect it. So try to avoid eating junk and try eating healthy. It’s also wise to avoid binge eating whenever possible.
19. Form a Pace
Once you’ve allotted a specific amount of time for your preparation daily, try not to overburden yourself with excessive practice. Burning out will just increase stress and will not help you retain that information. In fact, it can do the complete opposite.
20. Sleep Properly
Not getting much sleep is bragging rights for a lot of students. However, sleeping properly the night before your exam is crucial because it will not only help you stay attentive, but your mind will be fresh as well. Avoid staying up all night to review. This is actually a good habit to practice early while you are studying.
For more great educational tips, check out the other blogs on College Basics.
