What’s on the GMAT test?
The GMAT exam is divided into four sections.
- Verbal Reasoning is the language section, and it determines your ability to read critically and analyze text.
- Quantitative Reasoning is the math section, and it measures your understanding of number properties, logic, statistics, algebra, and geometry.
- Integrated Reasoning assesses both verbal and quantitative skills by asking you to use logic to interpret data.
- The Analytical Writing Assessment is the essay portion and it’s used to determine your ability to analyze a problem, organize your argument, and demonstrate concise logic.
The GMAT is a computer-adaptive exam, which means questions are selected for each test taker based on their unique ability level. Each time the student answers a question incorrectly, the computer follows up with an easier question. For each correct answer, the computer serves a more difficult question.
This allows the test to provide a more precise measure of each individual’s ability than a paper test which asks the same set of questions to every examinee.
Due to the computer-adaptive nature of the GMAT, you must answer the questions in order and can’t return to previous questions to change your answers.
How to study for the GMAT
The best way to study for the GMAT is little and often, but it’s important to lay the groundwork for a successful study strategy. Here are five tips for successful GMAT prep.
1. Take a GMAT prep test
A GMAT diagnostic test can help you identify your weakest skills so that you know which ones to focus your study hours on. It can also help you determine how long to study for the test and create an efficient study schedule. You can find many diagnostic tests online, such as the free Manhattan Prep GMAT practice exam, or the mini quiz from the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), which is the official test administrator.
If possible, try to take your diagnostic test under ‘exam conditions’. Find a quiet space, time yourself, and resist the temptation to refer to study materials to help you. This will give you the most accurate understanding of your current ability level, and will be valuable practice for the real test.
2. Create a GMAT study plan
GMAT test preparation can be self-led or you can join a class. Some people feel that investing in an online or in-person prep course can help them stay committed to their studies and optimize their chances of achieving a high GMAT score. Some courses offer minimum score guarantees as testament to the quality of their instruction and study materials.
If the bulk of your preparation will be self-led, it’s helpful to create a schedule that outlines what you’ll study and when so that you remain focused in the countdown to the exam.
How long you should study for GMAT exams depends on how well you’ve performed in the diagnostic tests. You could spend as little as one month or as much as six months preparing for the test, but try to give yourself at least eight weeks.
3. Invest in a GMAT study guide
Study guides can help give your self-led preparation more structure. They usually include reference sheets to help you understand key concepts and common formulas, and hundreds of practice questions with detailed answers so you can understand the reasoning behind each solution. Some study guides include access to additional online resources such as digital flashcards and diagnostic evaluations to help you track your progress.
One of the best prep resources is the GMAT Official Guide from the GMAC, but there are plenty of alternatives available. You can also look out for dedicated Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning study guides if you feel you need extra study in one or both of these sections.
4. Make use of free GMAT study material
Studying for GMAT exams can be expensive if you opt for a course or private tutor, but you can save money by utilizing free resources. The GMAC has a host of free prep strategies and information about the skills you’ll need for the exam so that you know where to focus your studies.
A great way to prepare for the GMAT is to share knowledge with other students, so consider setting up a study group with friends. You can access free study documents created by fellow test preppers from all over the world when you use Studocu.