Get Prepared for the GMAT

Get a Great GMAT Score

Take the stress out of the process by developing a plan. Here is a simple strategy for getting the highest score you possibly can on the GMAT.

1. Know What to Expect on the Test

   1. Know What to Expect on the Test

   The GMAT, or Graduate Management Admission Test, is an English-language standardized test required for admission to many MBA programs. The test is managed by the Graduate Management Admission Council, or GMAC, but is delivered by Pearson.

   The GMAT is a computer-adaptive test (CAT), scoring is more complicated than paper-based or computer-based linear tests. Since the test is on computer, test-takers are provided laminated writing surfaces for notes and scratch work. Scaled scores range from 200-800. Additionally, you will receive a raw score of 0-6 on the Analytical Writing Assesment (AWA) section, raw scores of 1-60 in the Quantitative and Verbal sections, and your percentile ranking in each section.

   A common misconception is that early questions count more than later questions on a CAT; this isn't the case. The difficulty level of the question is the sole determinant of the value the question has in each test-taker's final score. Essentially, each time you get a question right, both your score and the difficulty of your next question will increase; conversely, each time you get a question wrong, the next question will get a bit easier but your score will suffer. Because of this adaptive element, it is not possible to skip any questions on the test. You should also know that there's an added penalty for not finishing a section: in addition to getting questions you didn't attempt marked wrong, you are assessed an additional penalty for not finishing the test.

   Upon accepting your score you will be given your "unofficial" score immediately. Your official score complete with your score on the writing section will be mailed to you in a couple of weeks.

   Adapted from an article posted by Heather Gilchrist
   in the Grockit GMAT Forums

2. Master the Skills Covered on the 3 sections of the GMAT (Quantitative, Verbal, and Critical Writing)

   2. Master the Skills

   The Quantitative section contains 37 questions and test-takers are given 75 minutes to complete the section. There are two question types in the Quantitative section: Problem Solving (multiple choice questions much like you've seen on many tests before) and Data Sufficiency (a uniquely GMAT question type and one that is typically the toughest question type for newcomers to the GMAT to master). Problem Solving comprises about 3/5 of the section and Data Sufficiency the remaining 2/5.

   The Verbal section contains 41 questions and test-takers are given 75 minutes to complete the section. Among the Verbal section's questions, you'll see Reading Comprehension (much like the reading comprehension you've surely seen on other tests), Sentence Correction (similar to grammar/style questions you might recognize from the ACT or new SAT), and Critical Reasoning (similar to the LSAT's Logical Reasoning questions). The breakdown of each of the three types is relatively similar, but there are a few more Sentence Correction and a few less Critical Reasoning questions.

   There are some "experimental" or unscored questions (included because they're undergoing testing by the GMAC and Pearson) embedded in the Quantitative and Verbal sections of the GMAT CAT, but there is no way to tell which questions they are are, so try to do your best on each question.

   Adapted from an article posted by Heather Gilchrist
   in the Grockit GMAT Forums

3. Develop a GMAT Study Plan

   3. Developing a GMAT Study Plan

   2.5 months away. Ideally this is when your GMAT preparation should begin. Once you know your application deadlines, choose a GMAT test date that gives you a comfortable window in case you want to re-take it. Buy a white-erase wall calendar and write your test date in big letters, then begin to schedule study time for yourself by working backwards. Aim to study at least 45 minutes a day or 5-6 days a week. You'll need to strike a balance between studying and the rest of your life. Don't try to cram 20 hours of studying in a week or else you'll burn out. Slow and steady wins the race!

   2 months away. Gather as much information as you can about the GMAT by collecting your study materials. Take the "Sample GMAT Questions" on www.mba.com and get started with some Grockit games! Don't worry if you get a lot of questions wrong at first; right now you want to familiarize yourself with the test content so you can begin to build strategy. If you can, buy a GMAT Prep book that contains extra practice sets. Read up on strategy for each question type in the Grockit forums and on www.beatthegmat.com. Make a "Strategy Sheet" and have it next to you as you study. Focus on process, not performance. Read the explanations for every question you get wrong. Buy index cards and begin to build your vocabulary by making flashcards of any unknown words. Review Math concepts and keep a "Formulas to Know" paper. Refer back to it until it's memorized.

   1 month away. Take a practice test. Once you've worked on strategy for awhile, you'll want to try out your new skills on a full-length test so you can get a feel for pacing. Don't worry if you don't finish your first practice test. Afterwards, think about where you got bogged down and what you can do to increase your pacing. Review any questions you answered incorrectly. Take a pen-and-paper one first and save the two official GMAT CATs for closer to your test date. Make sure to write the two practice essays as well. Give them to a friend to read or ask a Grockit tutor to look them over. Wait at least a week before you take another practice test.

   2 weeks away. Take one of the Official GMAT Prep CAT's available at www.mba.com. At this point, you are ready to build up your endurance with one of the online CATs. Keep a careful watch on the timer on the screen. Your goal should be to finish, not get every single question correct. Hone in on your weak areas and try to target them as much as possible in the next week.

   1 week away.Reinforce your strengths. After spending the last two months focusing on what you don't know it's time to focus on what you do! Try and answer the hardest questions in your strongest areas. You'll want to get as many of those points as possible on test day. Take the second Official GMAT Prep CAT. Review your flashcards.

   The day before the test. Do not cram. Do a few questions if you'd like, but don't belabor every wrong answer. Now is the time to congratulate yourself on how far you've come. Go to bed early and get a good night's sleep.

   Test Day. Make sure to eat a healthy breakfast. A little exercise can also help to get the brain moving. Plan to arrive at your testing center early. Review your "Strategy Sheet" and remember to take a little extra care in answering the first few questions. Start strong but don't rush. Schedule lunch with a friend or another fun activity to reward yourself when the test is over!

   Information written by Grockit instructor, Vivian Kerr

The Business School Application Process

• Part 1: Building Your To-Do List
• Part 2: Managing the Application Process
• Part 3: Test Preparation
• Part 4: Transcripts and Paperwork
• Part 5: Recommendations
• Part 6: Essays and Personal Statements
• Part 7: Making it Official - The Applications
• Part 8: Applying for Financial Aid

Get the most out of your GMAT lessons

GMAT Resources

There are several official sites and active communities with great resources.

Official Resources:

• MBA
• GMAT (on Wikipedia)
• MBA (on Wikipedia)
• www.gmac.com/gmac/thegmat/

Active communities:

• www.beatthegmat.com
• GMATclub.com
• www.urch.com/forums/gmat/