This week, I will be taking the GMAT Exam. The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a standardized test commonly required for admission to graduate business programmes, such as MBA (Master of Business Administration) programmes. If you’re planning to take the GMAT, there are some important things to know.
Things to Know: Preparing for the GMAT
I have over the past few months been preparing to take the GMAT. I have learnt so much, and in this post, I share some GMAT exam basics – what worked for me, and what you can utilise. Here are some essential tips and things to know when preparing for and taking the GMAT:
Understand the GMAT Format: The GMAT consists of four sections: Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA), Integrated Reasoning (IR), Quantitative Reasoning, and Verbal Reasoning. Familiarize yourself with the question types in each section and the time allocated for each.
Develop a Study Plan: Create a realistic study plan that covers all sections of the GMAT. Allocate more time to areas where you feel less confident but ensure a balanced approach to cover all sections adequately.
Utilize Official GMAT Materials: Official GMAT materials, such as the Official Guide for GMAT Review and GMATPrep software, provide the most accurate representation of the test. Use these materials for practice questions and tests to get a sense of the GMAT’s difficulty level.
Take Practice Tests: Simulate test conditions by taking full-length practice tests. Analyze your performance, identify weaknesses, and adjust your study plan accordingly.
Focus on Time Management: Time management is crucial. Develop strategies to pace yourself during each section to ensure you complete all questions. Don’t get stuck on difficult questions; learn when to move on to the next one.
Brush Up on Basic Math and Grammar: The Quantitative and Verbal sections assess fundamental math and grammar skills. Review basic concepts in algebra, geometry, sentence structure, and grammar rules.
Understand the AWA Section: The AWA section requires you to analyze an argument and express your thoughts in a coherent manner. Practice writing essays with clear structure and strong arguments.
Enhance Critical Reasoning Skills: Critical Reasoning questions in the Verbal section require logical reasoning. Practice identifying assumptions, weaknesses, and conclusions in arguments.
Master Data Sufficiency: Data Sufficiency questions in the Quantitative section are unique to the GMAT. Practice recognizing what information is needed to answer a question and whether the given information is sufficient.
Stay Healthy Before the Test: Ensure you get a good night’s sleep before the test. Eat a healthy meal, stay hydrated, and arrive at the test center with ample time.
Familiarize Yourself with the Test Center: Know the location of the test center and any specific rules or procedures. Arrive early to minimize stress and ensure a smooth check-in process.
Pace Yourself During the Test: Each section has a fixed time limit. Pace yourself to avoid running out of time on any section. Budget time for reviewing answers, especially if you have extra time left.
Utilize Breaks Wisely: Take advantage of breaks between sections to stretch and relax. Avoid discussing the test content with other test-takers during breaks to maintain focus.
Guess Strategically: If you’re unsure about an answer, use strategic guessing. Remember that unanswered questions receive a more severe penalty than incorrect answers, so try to answer every question.
Review Your Scores: After completing the test, review your unofficial scores and reflect on your performance. Use this information to adjust your preparation strategy if you plan to retake the GMAT.
Remember that effective preparation is key to success on the GMAT. Create a study plan, practice regularly, and stay focused on improving your weaknesses. Additionally, consider seeking professional guidance or using GMAT prep courses to enhance your preparation further.
All my love,
Previously: Things to Know – Applying for Postgraduate Programmes: Msc/MA/MBA/PHD.
As someone who has built several startups and studied entrepreneurship at postgrad level, the question for me has been โwould an MBA be of value to me?โ
To ensure I am well-informed as I am making this decision, I attended not one, but two MBA Tours (February and July) as were hosted by GMAC (the Graduate Management Admissions Council) in NYC.
Featured: Tips and strategies for GMAT success | My Personal Experience
After I am done with the exam, I will share some more tips on the actual experience of the exam. Be on the look out! Don’t forget to subscribe to my channel:
Coming Up: GMAT Official Prep
The GMAT Official Prep is a valuable resource provided by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) to help you prepare for the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT).
I have over the past few months been preparing to take the GMAT. I have learnt so much, and in this post, I share some insights on the GMAT Official Prep – what worked for me, and what you can utilise.
If you are not yet a subscriber, please feel free to subscribe below to get the updates directly in your mailbox.
Spotlight: Juilliard School
Ensemble Connect
A friend of mine invited me to an event at the Juilliard School, where his friend, Thapelo Masita, an alumni, was performing. I was, through the performances introduced to “Ensemble Connect“. Ensemble Connect is a program of Carnegie Hall, The Juilliard School, and the Weill Music Institute in partnership with the New York City Department of Education.
This two-year fellowship program prepares extraordinary young professional classical musicians for careers that combine musical excellence with teaching, community engagement, advocacy, entrepreneurship, and leadership. Ensemble Connect offers top-quality performance opportunities, intensive professional development, and the opportunity to partner with a New York City public school throughout the fellowship.
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