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GMAT Preparation tips and techniques

Increase your score

As a test taker, you should be familiar with Computer Adaptive structure of GMAT, the types of exam questions asked and their common fallacies and the most important - how to manage your time wisely.

You can improve your GMAT score dramatically by following some preparing tips and techniques.

The Adaptive Structure of GMAT CAT

The computer-adaptive test (CAT) version of the GMAT is designed to get a more accurate assessment of your skills while asking you fewer questions than its paper-based predecessor did. As you take the test, the computer selects questions based on your performance. If you get a question correct, the test selects a more difficult one next.

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Practice

The main way to develop GMAT time management skills is to practice taking the test. You will repeatedly see us return to the theme of practice throughout this website. It is very hard to overstate its importance.

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Give importance to first 10 questions

The GMAT is an adaptive test, which means that the level of difficulty of a question changes depending upon your performance. The weight-age of the first few questions is much higher than the last few questions. Many students make the mistake of treating all questions as equals.

Read the Questions Carefully

An undisciplined test taker will feel the stress of the clock during the timed sections and will try to cut corners to save time, wherever and whenever possible. As a result, he or she often misinterprets questions. GMAT test writers are well aware of this dynamic, and happy to capitalize on it.

Do NOT leave any question unfinished

Penalty for unfinished questions is much higher than incorrect answers. Do not become emotionally involved with any question. Even if you think the questions is disgracefully difficult or outright incorrect, just guess the answers and move on.

Do NOT Guess Randomly

The GMAT CAT does not allow you to skip questions and come back to them later. Consequently, even if you don't know the answer to a particular question, you have to answer it. It is always in your best interest to take an educated guess rather than resorting to random guessing - even if you are running out of time on the section. Usually you will be able to identify at least one answer choice that is clearly wrong. Eliminating even one incorrect choice will improve your odds of answering the question correctly.

Don't Wait Too Long to Take the GMAT

Don't count on taking the GMAT at the last minute. Should you need to retake the exam, you will need time both to register for the test again and to have the new scores submitted to schools in time for the application deadlines. Scheduling the GMAT well into the admissions season is also bound to cause most test takers undue stress. With proper planning and insight, you can spare yourself these negative energies and instead focus on maximizing your GMAT score.

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