GMAT Strategies
Approaching the GMAT Strategically
Everyone wants to do well on the GMAT Focus Edition, but success on this notoriously challenging exam depends on far more than superior content knowledge. While thorough knowledge of the content is obviously an important part of achieving a high score, it is just one part, as students must be able to demonstrate their knowledge within the constraints of the exam, which is much easier said than done.
One of the most helpful things prospective test-takers can do is to approach the GMAT strategically, which means starting test preparation early and creating a study plan that can be consistently followed. Most test prep experts recommend that students start preparing two to three months before they plan on taking the exam. Daily practice with GMAT materials will help test-takers understand every aspect of the exam, including the structure of the test, the directions for completing each section, and the types of questions typically asked in each of the three sections. The more students answer practice questions and complete practice exams, the more familiar they will be with the overall test, which can help to significantly reduce anxiety on exam day.
In addition to knowing how to effectively answer typical GMAT questions, it is also crucial that test-takers learn to manage their time. This aspect of the test often proves more stressful for test-takers than mastering content, so it's imperative to employ time-saving strategies. Those taking the test must also learn to be comfortable making educated guesses, whether because they are facing difficult questions or because they find themselves running low on time but still have several questions left to answer. Utilizing test-taking strategies with a proven track record of success can be the difference between an average score and an impressive score. Since strategic approaches to the GMAT can easily make a significant difference in business school admission prospects, students would do well to be purposeful in their test preparation and treat studying for the GMAT as a very high priority.
Practice and Preparation
Students preparing for the GMAT should take full advantage of all available practice assessments. The GMAC regularly updates and publishes The Official Guide for GMAT Review, which is available from bookstores and includes access to an online question bank that can be used to create custom sets of practice questions, as well as access to exclusive online diagnostic evaluations to help test-takers discover their unique test-taking strengths and areas that need greater focus. Additionally, this guide includes detailed explanations to help test-takers understand the reasoning behind answers to particularly challenging problems, plus access to digital flashcards.
When taking practice tests, students should attempt to recreate the conditions of the actual GMAT as closely as possible. That means setting a timer and following strict time limits, working without music, working without taking unscheduled breaks, and not referring to phones, computers, or test booklets for difficult questions. The more closely actual testing conditions are mimicked during practice exams, the less stressful students will likely find the official GMAT to be.
Most students will have some anxiety while taking the official GMAT. This is normal and to be expected. Test-takers should anticipate this stress and practice techniques for reducing its effects, such as deep breathing or relaxation exercises. Testing anxiety is a well-documented phenomenon, and its symptoms vary from student to student. While preparing for the GMAT, test-takers should make every effort to determine how anxiety affects them and identify which strategies most effectively help them manage it.
Time Management
There are as many different approaches to managing exam time as there are students who take the GMAT, but the best strategy for time management is to maintain as consistent a pace as possible throughout the test. Students have 2 hours and 15 minutes to complete the GMAT. This breaks down as follows:
- Quantitative Reasoning consists of 21 questions, and students are given 45 minutes to complete this section. This comes out to a little over two minutes per question.
- Verbal Reasoning consists of 23 questions, and students are given 45 minutes to complete this section. This comes out to a little under two minutes per question.
- Data Insights consists of 20 questions, and students are given 45 minutes to complete this section. This comes out to a little under two and a half minutes per question.
There is also one (1) optional break during the exam. Students may choose to take this break after completing the first section of the GMAT, but they will not receive a second break after completing the second section.
When students are preparing for the GMAT, the most effective approach to time management is to try and stay close to the average time allotted for each question. Test-takers should have the section time limits, number of questions, and average time for each question memorized, and it's best to practice with these numbers in mind.
Guessing Answers
Since each question on the GMAT must be answered before the test-taker is allowed to move on to the next question, guessing answers is a crucial aspect of effective time management. Guessing is a skill that should be practiced frequently during the preparation process. Unlike some other standardized tests, there is no penalty for guessing on the GMAT, since points are not deducted for incorrect answers.
With five answer choices for each multiple-choice question, pure guesswork results in a 20% chance of a correct answer. With sufficient practice, students can develop their skills in educated guessing, which greatly increases the odds of a correct answer. Careful study of typical answer choices and official answer explanations (such as those found in the Official Guide for GMAT Review) during the preparation phase will reveal patterns of answers that are helpful when it comes to making educated guesses. All students taking the GMAT should assume they will be required to do at least some guessing on the exam, and devote ample time and effort to developing this ability.
General Tips
The importance of physical comfort on the day of the official GMAT should not be underestimated. Test-takers should make sure to get the proper amount of rest in the days leading up to the exam. Students should also do their best to eat a good meal the night before the test, as well as a sustaining breakfast and/or lunch the day of the exam. Test-takers would also do well to avoid excessive alcohol intake the night before the exam; a hangover or headache will only make it that much harder to achieve a high score.
Comfortable clothing is preferable to business attire on test day. There is no need to wear a suit to the exam, and experts recommend clothing that isn't too tight, allows for easy movement, and doesn't distract you during he test.
Physical health, vigor, and comfort can go a long way toward building confidence, reducing stress, and improving cognitive function while undergoing the demanding task of completing a lengthy and difficult exam.
If students are taking the GMAT at a testing center, they should familiarize themselves with the location and typical traffic conditions at the time of day they're taking the exam, ensuring that they arrive at the test center on time. If students are taking the GMAT online from the comfort of their home, they will want to remind anyone who lives with them about their plans to ensure a quiet and uninterrupted environment during the exam.