Best GMAT Prep

Preparing for the GMAT is not tricky. First, it is crucial to understand each exam section and what those sections are testing. And then create a GMAT preparation strategy. 

Here are 15 Top strategies and steps to help you prepare for the GMAT overall

1. Understand the GMAT Format
   Familiarize yourself with the format, sections, and question types of the GMAT. Knowing what to expect will help you plan your study strategy.
2. Set a Realistic Study Schedule
   Plan your study schedule well before your test date. Consider your strengths and weaknesses, and allocate more time to challenging sections.
3. Use Official GMAT Materials
   Utilize official GMAT study materials on the official GMAT website, such as the GMAT Official Guide, GMATPrep software, and other resources.
4. Take a Diagnostic Test
   Begin your preparation by taking a diagnostic test to assess your baseline performance. This will help you identify areas that need improvement.
5. Focus on Weak Areas
   Concentrate on your weaker areas and maintain regular practice in all sections. Allocate more time to topics that you find challenging.
6. Utilize Test Prep Resources
   Explore other reliable test prep materials, such as review books, online courses, and practice exams. Many commercial providers offer GMAT prep courses.
7. Create a Study Plan
   Develop a study plan that covers all sections of the GMAT. Break down your study sessions into manageable time blocks and set specific goals for each session.
8. Practice Time Management
   Since the GMAT is a timed test, practice time management during your study sessions. Simulate test conditions to improve your pacing.
9. Take Full-Length Practice Tests
   Take full-length practice tests to simulate the actual testing experience. Analyze your performance, identify patterns of mistakes, and adjust your study plan accordingly.
10. Review Mistakes Thoroughly
    After each practice session or practice test, review your mistakes carefully. Understand the underlying concepts and develop strategies to avoid similar errors in the future.
11. Build Mental Stamina
    The GMAT is a lengthy test, so build your mental stamina by taking practice tests in a distraction-free environment.
12. Seek Additional Help if Needed
    If you find specific topics challenging, consider seeking additional help. This could be through tutoring, online forums, or study groups.
13. Stay Healthy
    Maintain a healthy lifestyle during your preparation. Get enough sleep, exercise regularly, and eat well to ensure optimal cognitive function.
14. Take Breaks
    Incorporate breaks into your study sessions to prevent burnout. Short breaks can help you stay focused and maintain productivity.
15. Stay Positive
    Stay positive and believe in your ability to improve. Consistency and a positive mindset are crucial to success.

We will walk you through particular GMAT sections, provide sample questions, and how to tackle these sections.

Analytical Writing

Analytical Writing is a section in which you are tested for your analytical abilities to read a given argument and develop your analysis. You will be presented with one argument, and you have 30 minutes to perform that analysis and type up your analysis. The scoring range is 0-6. Your analysis should include your thoughts on what the argument lacks, loopholes in that argument, and how to improve that argument, or provide an alternative way of that argument. 

You will be given one argument and have 30 minutes to write your critique. Your response should be well-organized and justify the points in your analysis with well-written support. Your critical-thinking abilities and communication analysis are tested and scored.

GMAT Sample Questions – Analytical Writing

Source: ExamFocus.com

See the answer here.

Source: MBA.com

See the answer here

How to prepare for Analytical Writing?

The best way to prepare for the Analytical Writing section is by understanding the intent of the Analytical section. And how this section is scored. The Analytical Writing section is not intended to test your opinion on the topic or which side you might want to take on the provided argument. But the intent is to check your analyzing skills and how you communicate your analysis. 

It is important to note that whichever side of the argument you are on, you should frame your answer to support that side only and not flip-flop in your analysis. We recommend that you follow the below steps. 

• You should first read the provided argument thoroughly
• Clearly understand the argument 
• Write down the strengths and weaknesses in the argument
• Write down 
• Create a structure of your answer following this format
  • Introduction
  • State each critique point and a case supporting your critique (like why, how, etc.) 
  • See if you can poke a hole in the presented argument by highlighting what points the argument is missing and what can add value to the given argument 
  • Provide your analysis of what would have strengthened the provided argument.
  • Conclusion
• Proofread your answer for the following
  • Grammatical mistakes
  • Typos
  • Effective organization of your answer
  • Check direct/indirect communication
  • Finally, make sure that your answer follows the format mentioned above, which is. Introduction> Your critique and support of your critique > Holes in the presented argument and how that argument can be strengthened > Conclusion

It is essential to practice a lot. Follow the above method dozens of times before your exam day, and you will score a perfect 6.0 in the Analytical Writing section.

Integrated Reasoning

Integrated Reasoning is a section that tests your ability to read and understand all the provided data and solve a problem using that data. The data can be provided through graphics, tables, graphs, numbers, or text. You will have to answer 12 questions within 30 minutes. The scoring range is 1-8. 

There are four types of questions that you will face.

1. Multi-source Reasoning
2. Table Analysis
3. Graphics Interpretation
4. Two-part analysis

GMAT Sample Questions – Integrated Reasoning

How do I prepare for Integrated Reasoning?

The Integrated Reasoning section aims to see how well you can integrate all the provided data and interpret that data to solve problems. Your ability to see relationships between different data points will be tested. 

• You need to read carefully and digest all the presented data. 
• The data might be using different units of measurement, and you need to keep an eye on it and quickly convert all the data to be in the same units. 
• When the data is presented in a table form, you can use the sorting functionality on the top, which might save you some time. 
• You should practice reading graphs. Keep an eye out for the accompanying text.
• Look if there is any relationship between various data points and see if there is any trend.
• You can use an on-screen calculator. 
• Look for the labels used on the graphs. 
• Always remember to look for individual numbers and percentages.
• And finally, just like other sections, remember to practice a lot before the exam.

Quantitative Reasoning

In the Quantitative Reasoning section, you will be tested for your ability to solve problems mathematically, interpret data, and use quantitative skills. This section needs some math knowledge, especially in algebra, geometry, and basic arithmetic. The math is not that difficult and is not the section’s emphasis. But the real test is how you use the provided data and your quantitative skills to solve a given problem. There are 31 questions in this section, and you have 62 minutes for this section. There are two main types of questions –

1. Problem Solving
2. Data Sufficiency

GMAT Sample Questions – Quantitative Reasoning

Here are a couple of sample questions and answers for the Quantitative Reasoning section

How to prepare for Quantitative Reasoning?

The Quantitative Reasoning section can look daunting for a lot of people, especially for people who don’t have a math background. However, it is essential to note that this section will be scored based on your quantitative ability. But if you are good at high school math, it will help save time on exam day. Note that calculators are not available during the exam. So, brushing up your math knowledge long before the exam and practicing the math questions is essential. 

We recommend reading, understanding, and practicing algebra, geometry, and graphical calculations. We also recommend that you develop a process for solving each problem. Many people create their own method of going through a quantitative problem. 

Here is one helpful procedure in solving quantitative problems

Read- the provided data.

Understand – Is there anything you can see more than what is stated from each piece of data?

Normalize – Convert all data into the same types of units (e.g., all time can be in seconds instead of some variables using hours, or all lengths can be in meters instead of a mix of units)

Standardize – Convert all language and data into one type. For example – if there is any mention of time taken in language, like “Person B took half of what Person A took,” convert that into an equation. B = A/2

Imagine – look at the provided visuals and data. Imagine how the visual would look for that data or how the visual would look in data form. This way, you get a perspective of what fits where.

Solve – Attempt to solve the problem.

Other tips

• Use the elimination method to eliminate possibilities and narrow down the correct answer
• Establish dependencies within the provided data
• Evaluate each statement separately
• Calculators are not allowed. So, it is essential to practice basic math to save time in the exam.

Verbal Reasoning

The verbal Reasoning section tests your ability to read, understand, evaluate arguments, and communicate effectively using proper English. It is essential to note that the section does not look to test your knowledge on a given topic, sentence, or subject matter expertise on issues. But this section only tests your ability to grasp the given text’s meaning and fix the sentences. You have 65 minutes for this section. 

The section contains 36 questions, which are split into the following areas. 

A) Reading Comprehension 

• You will be presented with a passage, and you will be given questions about the passage. 
• You will be asked to summarize the passage and describe the author’s tone, or you will be asked to draw inferences based on the provided text. 
• The subject of the passage varies from social issues, humanities, business-related topics, etc. 

B) Critical Reasoning

• In this type of question, you will be given an argument or set of statements.
• Questions are intended to test your ability to make/evaluate arguments, present your case, or assess a presented situation.

C) Sentence Correction

• These types of questions test your language skills
• There are two types of questions within this.
  • Correcting sentences for grammar and structure.
  • Modifying sentences for better and concise communication, grammar, and structure.

GMAT Sample Questions – Verbal Reasoning

How to prepare for Verbal Reasoning?

One of the best ways to tackle this section is to read and understand the meaning of the provided text thoroughly. There is a difference between merely reading and understanding. When you spend time understanding the provided text, you can easily infer other things from that text, and this is where the focus of the section is. 

After this step, all your language skills will let you rephrase a given sentence for concise communication or a better structure. Language skills can be improved by reading a lot of formal writing – newspapers, technical journals, etc. It is important to note that your vocabulary is not a test, but it is your grasping power. It is being tested.

You should expect some sentences to be very long and complicated. Breaking down these sentences into smaller parts will help you understand them quickly. You will need to practice the process of breaking down before the exam. 

Finally, just like other tests or sections, you must practice much for the verbal reasoning section. Read a lot of material with elaborate descriptions, learn to spend less time on shorter sentences, and use that saved time on long and complicated sentences.

Best way to prepare for GMAT

Methodically preparing for the GMAT yields the best results. Every person has different abilities, strengths, and weaknesses. There is no secret way to prepare for the GMAT. However, studies have shown that if you devise a plan for designing and implementing that plan, it will make a lot of difference. 

Here is a 6-step plan that we recommend. 

Step 1 – Set a GMAT target score

Be realistic about your goal. The GMAT score requirements might vary from school to school. So, set up a real goal depending on which school you want to apply for. Many people do that more than six months before the exam date. This gives you ample time to prepare to meet that goal.

Step 2 – Take mock GMAT tests

Sign up for at least three complete GMAT tests. Take the tests and analyze your results. The average of 3 tests is where you can expect to score without accurate preparation. 

Step 3- Measure the gap

Measure the gap between your target score and the average score for each section of the GMAT. Now you know where you stand versus where you want to be.

Step 4 – Set preparation goals and timelines

Based on your schedule, determine how many hours per week you can allocate toward prepping for the exam. Note that studies have shown that there is a correlation between the number of hours spent on the exam and the achieved score. 

The Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) studied test-takers and found that 21% of total test-takers spent 20 hours or less in preparation. 23% percent spent between 21 to 50 hours of preparation. 28% spent between 51 to 100 hours. And another 28% spent 101 hours or more. See the below chart from MBA.com. 

Also, the GMAC found a direct correlation between hours spent and achieved scores. See the below graph from MBA.com.

Source: MBA.com 

Given all this, you must allocate appropriate study hours for the GMAT. You can use the interactive tool provided for the GMAT exam by providing your desired GMAT target score, the hours per week you can dedicate to the GMAT exam, and the region from where you are applying for GMAT, and get an estimated required study time and also receive s study plan tailored with accordance to your available time. Check out more information on how to study for GMAT.

Step 5 – Sign up for the exam.

By now, you already know how many days/weeks/months are needed to achieve your GMAT goal. Sign up for the exam based on that timeline and available GMAT dates.

Step 6 – Start executing the preparation plan

Start executing the plan by allocating calendar time toward the preparation. Don’t forget to take more mock tests at regular intervals to measure your progress.