GMAT Test Prep
GMAT Test Preparation: In order to get into a top business school, students need to get a good score on the GMAT. It's that simple. Preparing to take the test can also be simple if it's done right. A certain amount of determination and discipline is necessary in order to do well on the test, and it is important for students to view the test as a welcome challenge, one that can be overcome if they develop a focused approach. But it is crucial to focus on the right things. In general, steady practice and expert help are the student's two greatest tools in the quest for the best score.
Many students wonder just how much time they should spend preparing for the GMAT. The answer is different for everyone, because it depends on the student's current abilities. The GMAT measures proficiency in math and English, both skills which are taught and learned over long periods of academic training. The amount of preparation needed will depend on where the student stands in terms of mastery of these subjects. A good rule of thumb is to start preparing at least 4 months in advance - 2 months to focus on foundational GMAT knowledge and 2 months to take practice tests.
In 1997, the GMAT became a computerized test. This step has improved the GMAT by making it more demanding and by enabling each test to be tailored to the individual student's skill level. The test is highly competitive, and students need to practice on the computer if they want to have any hope of achieving a high score. Pacing has become an even more important issue than it was when the test was administered on paper. In order to score high on the test, students must accelerate as the test progresses, finish on time, and avoid getting stuck on questions. It is very important to start off strong by getting the first few questions right. This will make the computer follow those questions with harder ones which are worth more. The only effective way to learn the correct pacing is to practice on computer tests beforehand.
Students should start the preparation process by identifying where the they stand and assessing their strengths and weaknesses. The best way to do this is to take a computer practice test that will generate a score. That score will tell the student which area of foundational knowledge they should focus on the most. A good way to improve foundational knowledge is to review high-school textbooks and work through problems. After the foundational knowledge has been brought up to speed, students should then focus on taking practice tests that mirror actual test questions and scores. It usually takes a few tests before students pick up the rhythm necessary to succeed. It is also important to get professional feedback on the practice tests so students can learn from their mistakes.
The following are some useful things to avoid during preparation for the GMAT:
- Negative Attitude - most students are able to substantially improve their scores through preparation
- Narrow Focus - preparing for all sections of the test is important
- Over-Preparation - after initial effective preparation, too much can become ineffective
- High Expectations - don't go for perfection, just the best you can do
