THE GMAT EXPERIENCE: WHAT YOU REALLY NEED TO KNOW
by Stefano Maffina and Marco Bellin
The GMAT, and the other standardized tests such as GRE and TOEFL, is an important step for every candidate in the process of applying for graduate school. If on one hand acing the exam is not easy, on the other hand it is not impossible. There are many myths about the test, so let us see what it takes to turn the GMAT experience from nightmare to a positive and successful process.
– Practice makes perfect. Take enough time to prepare. I took a few weeks off work, and I prepared for 6-7 weeks. If it is not possible and you only have weekends, it might take at least 3-4 months to prepare thoroughly for the test.
– There are two main parts: quantitative and verbal sections. Definitely work longer on the section that you are less familiar with, or that you feel less confident with, but do not forget to prepare for the other section as well. For instance, given my background I felt extremely confident in the verbal part already, while I was struggling with the quantitative section. As a result, I spent 70% of the time preparing for the quantitative part, but I still spent 30% of the time to get used to the way questions were asked in the verbal part, and the topics that were covered. This is important, because in the end, while I was given an average grade in the quantitative part, the fact that I was in the 99% percentile in the verbal part allowed me to achieve a pretty high grade. Indeed, since the final grade is single, it is not divided between the two sections; it does not matter where you received the majority of your points.
– It is extremely important to get used to the formal appearance of the questions. All these tests, such as GMAT, TOEFL, GRE, tend to have repetitive patterns and extremely similar types of questions. Despite the topics being different, if you are already used to answering questions asked in the same manner and fashion, it becomes way easier, almost automatic, to be able to answer to them quickly and effectively.
– Do not fear to repeat the test. It is expensive, but I have friends who have repeated it twice, and every time they have consistently improved their grades. This is because the first time, despite a long preparation and training, you are still not entirely able to pace yourself, or to envision how a 5-hour-long exam would require in terms of attention and effort.
– It might sound trivial, but definitely go to the restroom just before starting the test, and during the break. Also, carry with you some snack or energy bar, and a bottle of water, to be eaten and drunk during the break.
– You can find several books online that will help you prepare for the test. Use them. I recommend the Kaplan New GMAT Premier, since it is full of complete and to-the-point explanations, and hundreds of questions. Additionally, the official GMAT Review book is also valid, possibly with its two companions for Verbal Review and Quantitative Review.
Good luck!
Stefano and Marco are second-year MBA students in the College of Management.
Adding to remarkable suggestions that Stefano Maffina and Marco Bellin have made, I would add a point from personal experience.
It is really important to give atleast 10 sample tests before giving the GMAT exam. If you are not subscribing to any online teaching service, its hard to find free exams. I would suggest people, who are planning to give the exam, to go to GMATCLUB website. You can find up to 10 free tests and save the GMAC softare tests for the last week. Because they are more accurate.