What is GMAT Exam?
The Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) administers the GMAT 2023, which stands for Graduate Management Aptitude Test (GMAT). It is a national level examination aimed at admitting qualified candidates to MBA programs offered by various institutions in India as well as foreign universities.
Check Out: GMAT Exam 2023 Eligibility
Preparing for the GMAT: Tips and Strategies for Students
If you're a student planning to apply for graduate business programs, you're likely aware of the importance of the GMAT exam. The Graduate Management Admission Test, or GMAT, is a standardized test that measures your abilities in various areas such as quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning, and analytical writing. Scoring well on the GMAT is crucial for gaining admission to top business schools, so it's essential to prepare thoroughly for the exam. In this article, we'll provide you with some tips and strategies to help you prepare for the GMAT as a student.
Understand the Exam Format
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The first step in preparing for the GMAT is to understand its format. The exam consists of four sections: Analytical Writing Assessment, Integrated Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Verbal Reasoning. The total time for the exam is three and a half hours, with two optional breaks. It's essential to familiarize yourself with the exam format and the types of questions that will be asked in each section.
- Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA): this section assesses your ability to think critically and communicate your ideas.
- Integrated Reasoning (IR section): assesses the ability of the test-taker to analyze data and interpret information presented in various formats.
- Quantitative Reasoning (Quant section): assesses the ability of the test-taker to solve quantitative problems, reason mathematically, and interpret graphic data.
- Verbal Reasoning (Verbal section): this section assesses your editing abilities, reading comprehension skills, and ability to understand written arguments.
- GMAT scores range from 200 to 800. Only the Quantitative Reasoning and Verbal Reasoning sections are included in this score. AWA is scored out of 6, whereas Integrated Reasoning is scored out of 8.
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Create a Study Plan
- Creating a study plan is essential to ensure that you cover all the material you need to know for the GMAT. Start by setting a target score and then work backwards to determine how much time you need to dedicate to studying. It's recommended to start preparing for the exam at least three months in advance. Divide your study time into manageable chunks and assign specific topics to each day or week. Make sure to incorporate practice tests into your study plan to track your progress and identify areas that require more attention.
Utilize Study Materials
- There are various study materials available to help you prepare for the GMAT. The Official Guide for GMAT Review, published by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), is a great resource for practicing exam questions. There are also many online resources, such as GMAT prep courses and practice tests, that you can utilize. Make sure to choose study materials that are reputable and up-to-date.
Also Read: GPAT Syllabus 2023
Practice, Practice, Practice
- Practicing exam questions is crucial to preparing for the GMAT. The more questions you practice, the more comfortable you'll become with the exam format and the types of questions that will be asked. Try to practice questions from all sections of the exam to ensure that you're well-prepared. Set aside time each week to take practice tests and review your answers. This will help you identify areas where you need to improve and adjust your study plan accordingly.
Focus on Weak Areas
- As you practice exam questions and take practice tests, you'll likely identify areas where you need to improve. Focus on these areas by dedicating more time to studying and practicing questions in those sections. Don't neglect your strengths, but make sure to prioritize your weak areas.
Manage Test Anxiety
- Test anxiety is a common issue for many students preparing for the GMAT. To manage test anxiety, try to maintain a healthy lifestyle leading up to the exam. Make sure to get enough sleep, exercise regularly, and eat a healthy diet. Take breaks when studying and engage in relaxing activities such as meditation or yoga. Remember to breathe deeply and stay calm during the exam.
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Best Books for GMAT Preparation
There are many great books available to help you prepare for the GMAT exam. Here are some of the best books for GMAT preparation:
The Official Guide for GMAT Review
- The Official Guide for GMAT Review is considered the most authoritative guide to the GMAT exam. This book includes hundreds of practice questions, detailed answer explanations, and test-taking strategies. It's an excellent resource for anyone preparing for the GMAT exam.
Manhattan Prep GMAT Strategy Guides
- Manhattan Prep is a well-known test prep company that offers a comprehensive set of GMAT study materials. Their GMAT Strategy Guides cover all aspects of the exam, including math, verbal, and integrated reasoning. Each guide includes practice questions, detailed answer explanations, and test-taking strategies. This series is an excellent choice for students who want a thorough review of the exam.
Kaplan GMAT Premier
- Kaplan is another well-known test prep company that offers a range of GMAT study materials. Their GMAT Premier book includes practice questions, test-taking strategies, and online resources. The book also includes a diagnostic test to help you identify your strengths and weaknesses.
Veritas Prep Complete GMAT Course Set
- Veritas Prep is a test prep company that offers a complete set of GMAT study materials. Their Complete GMAT Course Set includes 12 books that cover all aspects of the exam, including math, verbal, and integrated reasoning. Each book includes practice questions, detailed answer explanations, and test-taking strategies. This set is an excellent choice for students who want a comprehensive review of the exam.
GMAT Prep Plus 2021
- GMAT Prep Plus 2021 is published by Kaplan and includes online practice tests, video lessons, and test-taking strategies. The book includes hundreds of practice questions with detailed answer explanations. This book is an excellent choice for students who prefer to study online and want access to additional resources.
Also Read:
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- MCA Course (Duration, Fees, Syllabus, Eligibility, Entrance Exams)
GMAT Exam Day Guidelines
As exam day approaches, it's essential to prepare yourself mentally and physically. In this article, we'll provide you with some guidelines on what to expect on exam day and how to prepare yourself.
Confirm Your Test Center and Time
- A few days before your scheduled exam, make sure to confirm your test center location and time. Double-check the address and make sure you know how to get there. Plan to arrive at the test center at least 30 minutes before your scheduled exam time. This will give you enough time to check in and get settled before the exam begins.
Gather Your Required Documents
- On exam day, you'll need to bring two forms of identification, one of which must be a government-issued photo ID. Make sure to check the GMAT website to confirm which forms of ID are acceptable. You'll also need to bring your confirmation email or appointment confirmation number.
Dress Comfortably
- On exam day, it's essential to dress comfortably. You'll be sitting for several hours, so wear comfortable clothes that allow you to move freely. Avoid wearing jewelry or accessories that could be distracting or uncomfortable.
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Pack Your Bag Carefully
- Before you leave for the test center, make sure to pack your bag carefully. Bring a snack and water to stay hydrated during the breaks. You can also bring a jacket or sweater in case the test center is cold. Make sure to leave your phone and other electronic devices at home or in your car, as they're not allowed in the testing room.
Stay Calm and Focused
- During the exam, it's essential to stay calm and focused. If you feel yourself getting anxious or stressed, take a deep breath and try to relax. Remember to read each question carefully and answer to the best of your ability. Don't spend too much time on any one question, as you'll need to pace yourself to complete the exam within the allotted time.
Review Your Answers Carefully
- After completing each section, you'll have the option to review your answers before moving on to the next section. Make sure to take advantage of this feature and review your answers carefully. Double-check your work and make sure you've answered all the questions. Don't rush through the review process, as this is your last chance to make any changes.