Preparing for the GMAT requires a lot of effort and hard work since it is one of the most challenging exams. Several students attempt this exam in hopes of pursuing their MBA degree from some of the top B-schools in the world. Each university has its score cutoffs, hence, if you are planning to get into the best business schools, you will need to give your 100% while preparing so that you reach your target scores. Let us look at some effective strategies to help you in your preparation.

Preparation Strategies

First and foremost, we would recommend that you draft a study plan that covers all the important topics of the syllabus. The GMAT has 4 sections – Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, Integrated Reasoning, and Analytical Writing, hence, your study plan should cover all these sections thoroughly. This plan will help you keep track of your progress and how much time and effort is required by you to cover all the topics. 

Benefits of GMAT Model Papers

Next, you can begin solving sample questions to understand the question pattern of the GMAT exam. Another important part of your preparation should be investing time in solving GMAT model papers. The GMAT model paper has the same exam pattern as the actual exam. It has questions that are similar to questions from previous years. Practicing these papers will familiarize you with the structure of the exam and the pattern in which the questions will be asked in each section. You will also get acquainted with the varying difficulty levels of every question and section, solving mathematics problems without the help of a calculator, and answering questions within the given time period. You will be able to strategize on how to solve questions in each section and come up with a good study plan. There are several sources online that offer such model papers but we would suggest that you download them from verified and authentic sources such as mba.com (the official GMAT website) itself. 

In addition to the above, you can also start attempting mock exams to help you reach your desired scores in the GMAT exam. The GMAT mock exams simulate the actual test-taking experience for candidates. The mock exam has questions from the updated syllabus which is very helpful during your preparation. The tests can be attempted both online and offline. Let us learn more about the various benefits of attempting a GMAT mock exam.

Advantages of Mock Exams

• The GMAT is a computer-adaptive exam. This means the difficulty level of the next question is dependent on your performance in the previous question or set of questions. Attempting mock exams help you get accustomed to this pattern of testing.
• The mock exams help you understand your strengths and weaknesses so that you can modify your preparation accordingly.
• Another significant advantage of attempting mock exams is that you learn how to manage your time effectively.
• Mock exams also help in understanding the score range you are likely to achieve with your current level of preparation.

Mock exams are available in different formats — sectional and full mock tests. You can select the one most suitable for your requirements. Before you proceed to choose a mock exam, ensure to check if the standard of questions asked is the same as the actual GMAT exam and it has the same format. 

All the best for your preparation!