How to learn GMAT

The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a critical step in your journey towards a successful career in business and management.

Recognized globally, a good GMAT score can be your ticket to top business schools around the world.

This comprehensive guide aims to navigate you through the intricacies of GMAT preparation, offering tips, strategies, and insights to maximize your performance.

Understanding the GMAT Format and Sections 

The GMAT exam comprises four main sections: Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, Integrated Reasoning, and Analytical Writing Assessment. Each section tests specific skills and has a unique format.

1. Quantitative Reasoning: This section assesses your ability to analyze data and draw conclusions using reasoning skills. It consists of problem-solving and data sufficiency questions, challenging your mathematical skills.
2. Verbal Reasoning: Here, your reading comprehension, critical reasoning, and sentence correction skills are tested. This section evaluates your ability to read and understand written material, reason and evaluate arguments, and correct written material to conform to standard written English.
3. Integrated Reasoning: This section measures your ability to evaluate information presented in multiple formats from multiple sources – skills necessary for a technologically advanced, data-driven world.
4. Analytical Writing Assessment: This section tests your critical thinking and communication skills. It requires you to analyze an argument and write a critique of that argument.

Setting Up a Study Plan 

A well-structured study plan is crucial for GMAT success. Start by assessing your current level through a diagnostic test. This will help you identify your strengths and weaknesses.

Next, set realistic goals. Are you aiming for a 700+ score? Adjust your study time accordingly. A general rule is to dedicate at least two to three months of regular study.

Divide your study time among the various sections, giving extra attention to areas where you are weakest. Remember, consistency is key. Regular, focused study sessions are more effective than sporadic, lengthy ones.

Effective Study Techniques for GMAT

Here are some of the important study strategies you should go after!

Strategies for quantitative problems

Techniques for Improving Verbal Skills

Lets check out all the techniques for improving verbal skills!

• Reading Comprehension: Improve your reading skills by reading a variety of complex materials such as scientific articles, business reports, and literary works. This enhances your ability to understand and analyze complex texts.
• Critical Reasoning: Practice with a variety of argumentative texts. Learn to identify argument structures, assumptions, and conclusions. Regularly practicing critical reasoning questions can significantly improve your skills.
• Sentence Correction: Brush up on your grammar. Understanding fundamental grammar rules is crucial for tackling sentence correction questions. Practice by correcting sentences and identifying common grammatical errors.

Best Practices for Integrated Reasoning and Analytical Writing 

Here are some best practices for the IR and AW section!

Integrated Reasoning:

• Data Interpretation: Get comfortable with interpreting data from various sources like graphs, tables, and text.
• Multi-Source Analysis: Practice synthesizing information from multiple formats to make or evaluate an argument.
• Practice with Real-Life Scenarios: The more you practice with real-world data, the better you’ll become at quickly analyzing and interpreting it.

Analytical Writing:

• Develop a Template: Have a basic template in mind for your essays. This includes an introduction, a few body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
• Practice Writing Essays: Regular practice helps in articulating thoughts more clearly and concisely.
• Feedback: Get feedback on your essays from tutors or through online platforms to improve your writing style and argument structure.

Importance of Practice Tests 

Practice tests are an integral part of preparing for the GMAT for several reasons:

• Familiarity with Exam Format: Practice tests help you become familiar with the format of the GMAT, including the types of questions asked and the testing interface.
• Time Management: They allow you to experience the timing constraints of the actual exam, helping you to develop strategies for time management.
• Identify Strengths and Weaknesses: Regular practice tests provide insight into your strengths and weaknesses, enabling you to focus your study efforts more effectively.
• Reduce Test Anxiety: By simulating the exam environment, practice tests can help reduce anxiety and increase confidence.
• Track Progress: They are an excellent way to track your progress over time, allowing you to see improvements and areas needing further work.

How to Effectively Use Mock Exams in Your Preparation

To make the most out of mock exams:

• Simulate Real Exam Conditions: Take practice tests under conditions as close to the actual GMAT as possible. This includes timing, environment, and even taking breaks as per the exam’s structure.
• Review Answers Thoroughly: After each test, spend time reviewing both correct and incorrect answers. Understanding why you got a question wrong is as important as knowing why you got it right.
• Analyze Performance: Look for patterns in your performance. Are there certain types of questions you consistently struggle with? Use this analysis to adjust your study plan.
• Regular Practice: Incorporate practice tests regularly into your study schedule. This helps in maintaining a steady focus on your test-taking skills alongside your content review.
• Use a Variety of Sources: Don’t rely on practice tests from just one source. Different tests offer varying levels of difficulty and styles of questioning, which can be beneficial for a well-rounded preparation.
• Mind Your Physical and Mental Health: Ensure you’re well-rested and focused when taking mock exams. This will help in mimicking your actual performance on test day.

Time Management Tips for Study Sessions

Effective time management during study sessions is crucial for efficient GMAT preparation:

• Set Specific Goals: Begin each study session with clear, achievable goals. For example, solving a set number of quantitative problems or thoroughly understanding a specific verbal topic.
• Use a Timer: Practice studying in timed blocks, similar to the actual GMAT sections. This helps in developing the ability to focus intensely for specific periods.
• Breaks Are Important: Include short breaks in your study sessions to avoid burnout. This can improve overall productivity and focus.
• Prioritize Weak Areas: Allocate more time to sections or question types where you are weakest, while maintaining a balance with your stronger areas.
• Consistent Study Schedule: Try to study at the same time every day to build a routine. Consistency leads to better time management and study habits.
• Limit Distractions: Create a study environment that minimizes distractions. This might mean turning off your phone or using apps that block distracting websites.

Managing Time During the Actual Exam 

Time management during the GMAT is critical to ensure you have adequate time to answer all questions:

• Understand Section Timings: Be clear about the time allocated for each section of the GMAT. Plan your strategy to divide this time among all the questions.
• Pacing Strategies: Develop a pacing strategy for each section. For instance, allocate a certain amount of time per question and stick to it.
• Skip Difficult Questions: If you find yourself spending too much time on a question, it’s better to make an educated guess and move on.
• Regular Practice Under Timed Conditions: The more you practice under timed conditions, the better you’ll become at managing your time during the actual exam.
• Use Breaks Wisely: Utilize the breaks during the exam to relax and refocus, so you can start each section fresh.
• Stay Calm: Keeping calm during the exam helps in thinking clearly and managing time effectively. Practice relaxation techniques during your preparation.

Dealing with GMAT Anxiety and Stress

Test anxiety is a common challenge for many GMAT aspirants. However, there are effective ways to manage and reduce it:

• Regular Practice Under Exam Conditions: Familiarize yourself with the test environment by taking numerous practice tests. The more accustomed you are to the exam conditions, the less intimidating they will feel.
• Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Incorporate mindfulness practices like meditation or deep breathing exercises into your daily routine. These techniques can help calm your mind and reduce anxiety.
• Positive Affirmations: Use positive affirmations to build confidence. Remind yourself of your preparation and the progress you’ve made.
• Physical Exercise: Regular physical activity, such as jogging, yoga, or even a brisk walk, can significantly alleviate stress and improve mental clarity.
• Adequate Sleep: Ensure you get enough sleep, especially in the days leading up to the exam. A well-rested mind is less prone to anxiety.
• Healthy Diet: Maintain a balanced diet. Avoid excessive caffeine and sugar, which can exacerbate anxiety.
• Seek Support: Don’t hesitate to talk about your anxieties with friends, family, or a counselor. Sometimes, just talking about your fears can diminish their power.

Keeping Motivated Throughout the Preparation Period

Maintaining motivation over a long preparation period can be challenging. Here are some strategies to stay motivated:

• Set Clear Goals: Define clear, achievable goals for your GMAT preparation. Breaking down the process into smaller, manageable parts can make it less overwhelming and more motivating.
• Track Your Progress: Regularly review your progress. Seeing improvement, no matter how small, can be a significant motivational boost.
• Reward Yourself: Set up a reward system for meeting study goals. Rewards can be simple, like treating yourself to a favorite meal or a movie night.
• Visualize Success: Regularly visualize the successful outcome of your efforts, like getting a high score or getting into your dream business school.
• Stay Organized: Keep your study area organized and your study plan structured. A clutter-free environment can lead to a clutter-free mind.
• Connect with Fellow Test-Takers: Join a study group or an online community. Sharing experiences and tips can be motivating and reassuring.
• Remember the Big Picture: Remind yourself why you’re taking the GMAT. Keeping your long-term goals in focus can be a powerful motivator.

GMAT Scoring and Interpretation

The GMAT scoring system can be complex, but understanding it is crucial for setting realistic goals and interpreting your performance.

1. Overall Score: The total GMAT score ranges from 200 to 800, in 10-point increments. This score is based on your performance in the Quantitative and Verbal sections only.

• Section Scores:
• Quantitative and Verbal Sections: Each scored on a scale of 6 to 51. These scores reflect the number of questions you answered correctly and the difficulty level of those questions.
• Integrated Reasoning: Scored from 1 to 8, in 1-point increments. This section tests your ability to evaluate information presented in multiple formats.
• Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA): Scored from 0 to 6, in half-point increments. This section evaluates your critical thinking and communication skills.

1. Computer-Adaptive Test (CAT): The GMAT is a computer-adaptive test, meaning the difficulty of questions adjusts based on your performance. Answering questions correctly leads to harder questions and potentially higher scores.
2. Score Validity: GMAT scores are valid for five years.
3. Score Reporting: You can view your unofficial score immediately after the exam, excluding the AWA score. Official scores, including the AWA score, are available within 20 days.

How to Interpret Your Scores

Interpreting your GMAT scores involves more than just looking at the overall number:

• Benchmark Against Target Schools: Compare your scores with the average GMAT scores of your target business schools. This gives you an idea of where you stand in the applicant pool.
• Balance Between Sections: While the overall score is important, business schools also look at individual section scores. A balanced score across sections is often preferable.
• Integrated Reasoning and AWA: Though less emphasized than Quantitative and Verbal scores, good performance in these sections can showcase your analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Improvement Over Time: If you retake the GMAT, look at the score trends. Improvement in scores can demonstrate your dedication and ability to learn.
• Consider Your Profile: Remember, the GMAT is just one aspect of your application. Your work experience, academic record, and other qualifications also play significant roles.

Tips from Successful GMAT Test-Takers

Gleaning insights from those who have excelled at the GMAT can provide valuable guidance. Here are some key pieces of advice from high scorers:

• Start Early and Be Consistent: Begin your preparation well in advance of your test date. Consistent study, even if it’s for a shorter duration each day, is more effective than cramming at the last minute.
• Understand, Don’t Just Memorize: Focus on understanding the concepts rather than just memorizing formulas or answers. This understanding is crucial for tackling the varied questions on the GMAT.
• Quality Over Quantity in Practice: It’s better to thoroughly analyze a few practice questions than to mindlessly churn through a large number. Focus on understanding why each answer is right or wrong.
• Simulate Real Test Conditions: Regularly take full-length practice tests under conditions similar to the actual test. This includes timing, environment, and even taking breaks as per the GMAT’s structure.
• Use Official Materials: While many third-party resources are beneficial, using official GMAT materials ensures you’re getting the most accurate representation of actual test questions.
• Balance Speed and Accuracy: Develop a strategy that balances quick decision-making with careful consideration, especially in the computer-adaptive format of the GMAT.
• Stay Physically and Mentally Healthy: Don’t neglect your physical and mental health during preparation. Exercise, proper nutrition, and adequate rest can significantly impact your performance.
• Be Prepared for Test Day: Familiarize yourself with the test center location, what to expect on the test day, and what you need to bring.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid 

Even well-prepared candidates can make mistakes. Here are common pitfalls to avoid:

• Overlooking Weak Areas: Don’t ignore your weak spots. Allocate sufficient time to strengthen these areas.
• Neglecting Time Management: Failing to manage time effectively both during preparation and in the actual test can be detrimental.
• Relying Solely on One Study Source: Diversify your study materials. Different resources offer different perspectives and types of practice questions.
• Underestimating the Verbal Section: Non-native English speakers, in particular, should not underestimate the verbal section. It requires as much preparation as the quantitative section.
• Stressing Too Much Over the Exam: Excessive stress can hinder your ability to think clearly. Find stress management techniques that work for you.
• Ignoring Full-Length Practice Tests: Skipping full-length tests can leave you unprepared for the endurance and stamina needed for the actual exam.
• Not Reviewing Mistakes: Simply practicing without reviewing your mistakes and understanding why they occurred will limit your progress.

After the GMAT: Next Steps

This comprehensive guide has covered everything from understanding the GMAT format to effective study strategies, time management, dealing with anxiety, and interpreting your scores.

Remember, a successful GMAT preparation involves more than just understanding the material; it’s about developing the right strategies, managing your time and stress effectively, and maintaining a balanced and focused approach throughout your study period.

For those aspiring to join these prestigious institutions, Enzo Prep offers comprehensive preparation strategies for the GMAT, ensuring that your candidacy stands out in the competitive landscape of MBA admissions.

Connect with Enzo Prep Today!