Preparing for the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) requires a strategic approach and diligent effort to achieve a score of 700 or higher. As an aspiring business school student, you understand the significance of this exam in your admission process. To help you navigate this challenging endeavor, we present ten valuable GMAT preparation tips that can propel you toward success. From understanding the test format to managing your time effectively, these tips will equip you with the necessary tools to excel on exam day.
10 GMAT Preparation Tips to Score 700+
Here are 10 GMAT preparation tips to score 700+ on the GMAT:
- Familiarize yourself with the test format: The GMAT is a computer-adaptive test (CAT) that assesses your skills in verbal, quantitative, and integrated reasoning. Get to know the format of the exam to understand how to best prepare for it.
- Take a practice test: Before starting your preparation, take a full-length practice test to gauge your strengths and weaknesses. It will also help you set realistic goals for your preparation.
- Create a study plan: Make a study plan that suits your schedule and goals. Allocate enough time for each section of the test, and make sure you stick to your plan.
- Focus on improving your critical thinking and problem-solving skills: The GMAT is a skill-based exam, and you need to practice regularly to improve your performance, which includes your critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Use official GMAT materials: The official GMAT study materials are the most reliable and accurate resources. Make sure you use the official GMAT guides and question banks for practice.
- Focus on your weaknesses: Identify your weak areas and focus on them. Spend more time practicing the sections where you need the most improvement.
- Learn from your errors: Review your practice tests and learn from your mistakes. Analyze the questions you got wrong and understand why you got them wrong.
- Manage your time: Time management is critical in the GMAT. Practice timing yourself during practice tests to get a feel for the pace you need to maintain during the exam.
- Don’t neglect your health: Preparing for the GMAT can be an extremely stressful time, so it is important to keep in mind that your health is equally, if not more, important than the exam.
- Keep the motivation high: GMAT preparation can be challenging, but staying motivated is crucial. Set small goals, and reward yourself when you achieve them. Keep your eye on the big picture and stay focused on your long-term goals.
Let’s explore these tips in detail!
Familiarize yourself with the test format
It is important to understand the format of the GMAT test in order to effectively prepare for it. The exam is computer-adaptive, meaning that the level of difficulty of the questions you receive is based on your previous performance. Knowing the test format, pacing, and strategies for each section is crucial for success.
The GMAT consists of four timed sections: analytical writing assessment, integrated reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and verbal reasoning. It is important to note that you cannot skip or go back to previous questions, so having a clear understanding of time management strategies for each section is essential.
To get familiar with the GMAT format, it is recommended to use official GMAT practice tests and materials. These practice tests will help you understand the time constraints and pacing for each section. Additionally, it is crucial to practice using computer-adaptive tests, as they differ from paper-based tests in terms of time management, question order, and scoring.
When practicing for the GMAT, it is important to strictly time yourself in order to simulate the real testing environment. This will help you develop time management skills and ensure that you are comfortable with the pacing and structure of the exam. Utilizing various techniques such as skipping difficult questions, eliminating incorrect answer choices, and utilizing the online calculator will also help you manage your time effectively.
Take a practice test
Practicing for the GMAT exam is a critical step in preparing for it effectively. A practice test can give you a starting point for your skill level, help you understand the test format, and set realistic goals for your study plan.
The GMAT exam can be challenging, and it’s vital to get familiar with its format and question types. A practice test can give you a sense of the exam’s pace and the computer-adaptive testing format. It can also highlight areas where you need to focus more on your studies.
The official GMAT website offers two free practice tests that mimic the actual GMAT exam format and scoring system. These tests can accurately measure your current abilities and help you identify areas for improvement.
Once you complete a practice test, evaluate your performance in each section and identify your strengths and weaknesses. It would be best to set a target score and create a study plan tailored to your areas of improvement, using your score report as a guide.
It’s essential to take practice tests regularly throughout your preparation to monitor your progress, adjust your study plan accordingly, and boost your confidence. Consistent practice can significantly increase your chances of achieving your target score on the GMAT exam.
Create a study plan
Having a study plan is crucial to ensuring that you’re on the right track with your GMAT preparation and that you cover all the essential topics before your exam date.
When creating your study plan, it’s crucial to consider the time you have available and your daily schedule. Allocate enough time to each GMAT section, including Verbal, Quantitative, Integrated Reasoning, and Analytical Writing Assessment. For weaker areas, you may need to spend more time, and for stronger areas, less time would suffice.
It’s essential to set realistic goals when creating your study plan. Avoid cramming everything into your schedule; instead, create a feasible plan that you can achieve. You should also include regular breaks and days off to prevent burnout and maintain motivation.
To guide your preparation, use resources like official GMAT study materials and practice tests. You can also consider taking a GMAT preparation course or hiring a tutor to keep you on track.
It’s vital to stick to your study plan and be consistent in following it. Use a planner or calendar to monitor your progress and keep yourself accountable for completing each study session. By having a well-planned study schedule, you can make the most of your preparation time and increase your chances of succeeding on the GMAT.
Focus on improving your critical thinking and problem-solving skills
The GMAT is not just a test of knowledge but also of your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. To prepare effectively for the exam, it’s important to focus on developing these skills.
One way to do this is by practicing with GMAT-style questions. These questions are designed to challenge your ability to analyze information, evaluate options, and make informed decisions. As you work through them, pay attention to the strategies you use and identify areas where you can improve.
Beyond practicing GMAT-style questions, you can also engage in other activities that require critical thinking and problem-solving. Reading challenging materials, solving puzzles, and engaging in debates or discussions are just a few examples of activities that can help you develop these skills.
In addition to skill development, it’s important to approach the GMAT with the right mindset. Recognize that the exam is challenging but that mistakes and setbacks are opportunities to learn and grow. By adopting a growth mindset, you can approach the GMAT with confidence and a willingness to learn and improve.
Ultimately, by focusing on developing your critical thinking and problem-solving skills, you will not only improve your performance on the GMAT but also set yourself up for success in your future academic and professional pursuits.
Use official GMAT materials
The organization that designs the GMAT offers an array of official practice resources to aid test-takers in their preparation. These resources, which include practice tests, questions, and study guides, can be a powerful tool for achieving success on the exam.
Official GMAT practice materials are created by the same experts who design the actual GMAT questions. As a result, they provide the most authentic representation of what test-takers can expect on exam day. Using these materials can also help test-takers familiarize themselves with the test’s format, question types, and structure.
One particularly valuable resource for GMAT test-takers is the GMAT Official Guide. This comprehensive guide contains a vast number of genuine GMAT questions, accompanied by thorough explanations and strategies for tackling them. Available in both print and digital formats, the Official Guide is widely recognized as an essential component of effective GMAT preparation.
Another helpful resource provided by the GMAC is GMATPrep, a free software program that offers two full-length practice tests. This software employs the same scoring algorithm used on the actual GMAT, providing a precise gauge of test-takers’ level of preparedness. Additional practice tests and other study materials can also be purchased through the GMAC website.
By utilizing official GMAT practice materials, test-takers can sharpen their focus on the specific challenges they will face on the exam. Moreover, they will gain the confidence and familiarity necessary to perform at their best on test day.
Focus on your weaknesses
Having a study plan is crucial to ensuring that you’re on the right track with your GMAT preparation and that you cover all the essential topics before your exam date.
When creating your study plan, it’s crucial to consider the time you have available and your daily schedule. Allocate enough time to each GMAT section, including Verbal, Quantitative, Integrated Reasoning, and Analytical Writing Assessment. For weaker areas, you may need to spend more time, and for stronger areas, less time would suffice.
It’s essential to set realistic goals when creating your study plan. Avoid cramming everything into your schedule; instead, create a feasible plan that you can achieve. You should also include regular breaks and days off to prevent burnout and maintain motivation.
To guide your preparation, use resources like official GMAT study materials and practice tests. You can also consider taking a GMAT preparation course or hiring a tutor to keep you on track.
It’s vital to stick to your study plan and be consistent in following it. Use a planner or calendar to monitor your progress and keep yourself accountable for completing each study session. By having a well-planned study schedule, you can make the most of your preparation time and increase your chances of succeeding on the GMAT.
Learn from your errors
The process of preparing for the GMAT is not without its challenges, and making mistakes along the way is almost inevitable. But instead of getting discouraged, it is important to view these mistakes as opportunities for growth and improvement.
One way to benefit from mistakes is to take the time to review questions that you got wrong. By doing so, you can pinpoint areas where you need to improve, whether it’s related to content knowledge, problem-solving skills, or time management. By noting the types of questions that you find particularly challenging, you can focus your study efforts on those areas where you need the most help.
When reviewing your mistakes, it is also important to understand why you made them. Did you misunderstand the question, use the wrong method or formula, or run out of time? By understanding the underlying cause of your mistakes, you can avoid making similar errors in the future and improve your performance.
Keeping a record of your progress over time is another useful way to learn from your mistakes. Track your practice test scores and the number of questions you answer correctly, and use this information to assess your progress and identify areas for improvement. By monitoring your progress, you can see how far you’ve come and stay motivated to continue working towards your goals.
It is equally important to practice the questions that you got wrong until you fully understand them. Review the explanations provided for each question and try to apply the correct approach to similar questions. By doing so, you can build your problem-solving skills and deepen your understanding of the material.
Finally, it is essential to maintain a positive and growth-oriented mindset. Don’t let mistakes discourage you or make you feel defeated. Recognize that the GMAT is a challenging test that takes time and effort to master. By embracing mistakes as opportunities for growth, you can learn from them, improve your performance, and ultimately achieve success on the GMAT.
Manage your time
To do well on the GMAT, you need to be good at managing your time. The test is timed, meaning you must finish each section within a specific time limit. If you can’t manage your time properly, you may not be able to answer all the questions, and you may lose points.
One way to practice time management is to take practice tests that are similar to the real GMAT. This will help you get used to the pace of the exam and develop techniques to answer questions quickly and accurately. There are also online resources available that can help you improve your time management skills, such as GMAT Club, Beat the GMAT, and Manhattan Prep.
It’s important to understand the structure of the GMAT so that you can manage your time effectively during the exam. The test is adaptive, which means that the level of difficulty of the questions changes based on how you answer them. Therefore, you should spend more time on questions that are likely to be more difficult and less time on easier questions.
There are different strategies you can use to manage your time during the exam, such as guessing, eliminating answer choices, and using the online calculator. If you come across a difficult question, don’t spend too much time on it. Make an educated guess and move on to the next question. You can always come back to it later if you have time.
Finally, keep track of your time during the exam. Use the timer on the screen to ensure that you are answering questions within the allotted time. If you notice that you’re running out of time, change your strategy and focus on questions that are more likely to give you points.
In summary, mastering time management skills is crucial to achieving a high score on the GMAT. By practicing effective time management, you can increase your chances of success and improve your performance on the exam.
Don’t neglect your health
Preparing for the GMAT can be an arduous and challenging task, and it is important to maintain a healthy balance between your academic pursuits and your physical and mental well-being during this time.
To ensure that you are taking care of your physical health, it is essential to focus on maintaining a healthy and nutritious diet as well as engaging in regular exercise. This can help you sustain your energy levels and decrease stress and anxiety levels. Moreover, getting enough sleep is critical for your overall health and well-being and can enhance your cognitive function and retention of information.
To maintain your mental health, it is important to practice stress-reducing techniques such as mindfulness meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises. These techniques can assist you in managing stress and anxiety while improving your concentration and focus.
It is also necessary to give yourself enough time to relax and recharge your batteries. Studying for the GMAT can be mentally exhausting, so it is important to take breaks regularly and engage in activities that you find enjoyable. This can include spending time with your loved ones, pursuing your hobbies or interests, or simply taking some time off to rest and unwind.
Finally, it is crucial to manage your time effectively and prioritize your commitments. It is easy to feel overwhelmed and stressed with the demands of studying for the GMAT, so it is essential to be realistic about your schedule and prioritize your other commitments, such as work, school, and social activities.
By taking care of your physical and mental health, you can ensure that you are better equipped to perform well on the GMAT. Prioritizing your health and well-being can also assist you in managing your stress levels and approaching the exam with a calm and focused mindset.
Keep the motivation high
Maintaining motivation throughout the GMAT preparation process is crucial, as it can be challenging and time-consuming. Staying driven and focused can be difficult, but there are ways to help you stay motivated and on track.
To start, it’s essential to set specific and achievable goals. These goals can be related to score targets, the number of practice tests you plan to complete weekly, or specific study goals. Clear objectives will help you stay motivated and focused, and as you reach each one, you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment and progress.
Another strategy to maintain motivation is to establish a consistent study routine. By dedicating the same time each day or week to studying, you can create a habit and maintain momentum. It’s essential to be consistent to make the most of your study time and avoid burnout.
Tracking your progress and celebrating small successes can also help you stay motivated. Keeping track of your practice test scores, the number of questions answered correctly, or the amount of time spent studying can give you a sense of accomplishment and motivation to continue. Even small successes can make a big difference in your motivation level.
Finding ways to stay engaged and interested in the material is also crucial. Finding ways to relate the material to your interests or career goals can help you stay engaged and motivated to learn. By identifying the sections of the GMAT that are most relevant to your career goals, you can stay interested in the material and feel a sense of purpose.
Finally, connecting with others who are also preparing for the GMAT can provide a sense of community and support. Joining a study group or online forum can help you share tips and strategies and encourage each other through the process. Feeling supported and knowing you’re not alone can be a significant motivation booster.
Overall, staying motivated throughout the GMAT preparation process requires setting clear goals, establishing a routine, tracking progress, staying engaged, and connecting with others. By prioritizing your motivation, you can stay on track and succeed in the exam.
Final thoughts
It is quite clear that taking the GMAT is no walk in the park and that preparation is a must. To perform better, of course, one would need to invest both time and effort. Using the above-mentioned tips can help you maximize your performance.
Scoring a 700+ on the GMAT is an attainable goal with the right mindset and preparation. By following the ten tips outlined in this article, you can enhance your test-taking skills, improve your critical thinking abilities, and effectively manage your time. Remember to focus on your weaknesses, learn from your mistakes, and prioritize your health throughout the preparation process. With determination, a well-structured study plan, and consistent practice, you can confidently approach the GMAT and achieve the score you desire.
If you still think you need a push in the right direction, reach out to us, Admit Expert, and we will help guide you with our incredible top university alum mentors! What are you waiting for? Contact us now.
