what to do before you start your gmat prep course

by Max Labadie DDS 8 min read

The first step to starting your GMAT preparation is getting yourself registered and scheduling your examination dates. To schedule your GMAT dates, you have to register and create an account with GMAC. You will have to provide all relevant information such as first name, last name, email address, date of birth and contact details.

First, let's review some key facts about the GMAT that you should know before you start your GMAT preparation.
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  • Step 1: Learn What is Tested and How It's Tested. ...
  • Step 2: Try Some Practice Questions. ...
  • Step 3: Get Your Baseline Score. ...
  • Step 4: Select the Right Study Materials. ...
  • Step 5: Create a “Foolproof” Study Schedule.
Dec 4, 2020

Full Answer

How early should I start GMAT preparation?

  • TAKE A MOCK TEST EVEN BEFORE YOU BEGIN PREPARATION
  • The score you get in this mock will give you an indication of where you can end with preparation.
  • A rule of the thumb is,
  • With upto 2 months of preparation, you would raise your score by approximately 100. ...

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What are the best strategies for preparing for the GMAT?

Top 10 Study Tips for the GMAT™ Exam

  1. Develop a GMAT study plan early. MBA and business master’s applications have many components—including essays , letters of recommendations, resumes, and more—and the last thing you want is to ...
  2. Know the test sections and consider them in your study plan. ...
  3. Pick your GMAT prep materials wisely. ...

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What to do before taking the GMAT?

“A good way to prepare for the GMAT is to take a practice test when you begin studying, one half way through your process, and one close to test day.” Taking at least three practice tests lets you chart your progress and shows you areas where you need improvement.

How do I start my GMAT preparations from scratch?

  • Mark your presence at least 30 minutes before the scheduled exam time.
  • Remember to bring your passport and all the important documents required.
  • Do not skip on your breakfast. Have a light refreshment.
  • Start with a few easy verbal questions to gain a bit of motivation.
  • Look at the brighter side. ...
  • Do not let any question dull your rhythm.

How should I start my GMAT prep?

GMAT Preparation Best PracticesStart your GMAT exam process at least six months before your test results are due. ... Review and study one section of the test at a time.Review basic math skills.Practice pacing, because time management is critical to completing the GMAT exam.More items...

How early should I start studying for the GMAT?

I recommend you start studying around five months before your earliest business school application deadline. This will give you about three months to study and prepare before the GMAT, and plenty of time for your official score reports to be sent out to your MBA programs of choice.

Is 3 months enough time to study for GMAT?

A: Three months is a sufficient amount of time to prepare for the GMAT, if done so consistently. You will have sufficient time to attempt mock exams, understand your strengths and weaknesses, practice with sample question papers, etc. You will be able to reach your target score with 3 months of dedicated preparation.

Are 2 months enough for GMAT preparation?

A 60-day GMAT study plan is not too short: two months gives you enough time to both study and breathe a little, so it prevents the over-stressing caused by high-intensity 30-day study plans. It's also not too long: you won't have enough time to start forgetting the material you learned at the beginning of your studies.

How do I get a 750 on the GMAT?

How To Get A 750+ GMAT Score—In 4 Simple StepsCommit 60-to-100 hours of your time. The most fool proof way to improve at the GMAT is to put a serious number of hours into prep work. ... Relearn all the relevant content. ... Practice and review. ... Consider tutoring.

How many hours is 700 GMAT?

In short, the higher your target score, the more hours you will need to spend on your study. For a 700+ score you are looking at around 120 hours of prep time, which is around 16 weeks or 4 months of prep time with 10-15 hours of study time every week.

Can an average student get 700 in GMAT?

If you practice on a daily basis, take the mock tests regularly and refer to the excellent quality of content then a 700+ GMAT score is not a tough nut to crack! Can an average student crack GMAT? Yes, with practice, dedication, and expert guidance at Leverage Edu, any student can get a high GMAT score.

How can I score 700 in GMAT?

How to Get a 700+ GMAT ScoreTake the GMAT exam seriously. ... Official guides and GMAT test prep software are a must. ... Keep an error log. ... Pace yourself. ... When taking a practice test, take it entirely. ... Adapt your study. ... Rest is everything. ... Schedule the GMAT exam for the time of the day when you are at your best.More items...

What percentage of people score 700 on GMAT?

A 700 GMAT is the 88th percentile according to the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC). In other words, just 12% of every test taken – or roughly 1 in every 10 – ultimately yield a score of 700 or above.

How can I improve my GMAT score from 500 to 700?

To boost your score, make sure you have your fundamentals covered and that you are spending time learning as much as you can from every question you practice. As always with GMAT prep, don't get bogged down on the theory without understanding how the GMAT tests it in practice.

How is the GMAT 760 scored?

GMAT Strategy: How to Think Like a 760-ScorerGMAT Strategy 1: Approach GMAT as a test of application, not knowledge.GMAT Strategy 2: Know that GMAT is a test of specific skills.GMAT Strategy 3: Understand that the GMAT score matters even after the MBA.GMAT Strategy 4: Prepare for the GMAT like its a marathon.More items...

Can I prepare for GMAT by myself?

Self-study is an option many GMAT test-takers employ and it requires a significant amount of dedication, discipline and focus. With the tools and resources mentioned above, you can be on your way to being fully prepared for the GMAT!

Can you schedule your GMAT if you already have a school?

If you already have a particular school or program in mind then you have to schedule your test based on the deadlines the school has specified. Nevertheless, it is good to keep in mind how long GMAT scores are valid for if you are uncertain about when you will apply to schools.

Can you use a calculator on the GMAT?

The GMAT exam doesn’t allow calculators on the quant section. This may sound tough, but in actuality, it is for the best since you need to train your mind and mental math to solve the problems. It may also indicate that the problems aren’t that complex and that you can solve them without using a calculator.

What is the key to GMAT prep?

Staying organized is a key aspect of your GMAT prep. That starts with a study plan.

What is the first step in GMAT preparation?

The very first step in your GMAT preparation is to make a study plan. Studying methodically and effectively requires organization; starting to prepare blindly or in a disjointed way won’t maximize your score increase.

How to analyze weaknesses in GMAT?

To analyze your weaknesses, read the answer explanations of the questions you struggled with on your diagnostic test. Figure out where you went wrong. Organize your GMAT prep around your weakest links, and schedule accordingly. You should allot more time to drilling your weaknesses and reviewing the relevant skills than on anything else.

How long should I study for the GMAT?

Before we get into how to start studying for the GMAT, let’s establish when to start GMAT preparations. I recommend you start studying around five months before your earliest business school application deadline. This will give you about three months to study and prepare before the GMAT, and plenty of time for your official score reports ...

What math skills are tested on the GMAT?

Alternatively, you might need to review the fundamental math skills tested on the GMAT, such as algebraic equations or statistics and probability. Our guides to GMAT fractions and decimals, GMAT percentages , and GMAT statistics questions are helpful starting points for your math review.

Who built the GMAT prep program?

We have the industry's leading GMAT prep program. Built by Harvard, MIT, Stanford, and Wharton alumni and GMAT 99th percentile scorers, the program learns your strengths and weaknesses and customizes a curriculum so you get the most effective prep possible.

Is PrepScholar GMAT good?

We believe PrepScholar GMAT is the best GMAT prep program available, especially if you find it hard to organize your study schedule and don't want to spend a ton of money on the other companies' one-size-fits-all study plans.

How many questions are asked in a module test?

Once you’re done with each module (SC, CR, RC for example), take a module test having 15-20 questions and identify areas in which you’re scoring less than 70% questions right. Revisit that area until you improve your understanding.

Is it important to plan your goals?

Pursuing a goal without a plan will take you nowhere. Therefore, planning your preparation is very important. There are multiple factors that must be considered during the planning phase –

How to overcome a low GMAT score?

To overcome a low GMAT you should first analyze your ESR and pin-point your weaknesses. Then create a study plan and follow it diligently. Here is a detailed article on how you can overcome a low GMAT score

What is the GMAT test?

GMAT is a standardized test that is submitted with your MBA application. GMAT score gives an indication of your academic readiness to the business school.

What is the ESR on GMAT?

An essential part of a successful GMAT retake is to analyze your Enhanced Score Report (ESR). The ESR gives a detailed description of your last attempt. Therefore, it’s important how to interpret the data and leverage it to improve your score. Here is an article which will teach you to analyze an ESR in three steps.

Is there a GMAT 2021?

Yes , there are. Here are the 6 GMAT preparation best practices for 2021:

Can you ace the GMAT if you don't score?

Well, sometimes life does not go as we had imagined. If you somehow weren’t able to score as you had desired then don’t worry. You have the potential and you will ace the GMAT. So, keep calm and read this article on a 5-step GMAT retake strategy.

Is it hard to get started on the GMAT?

Most probably that ‘tomorrow’ never came for the person. Getting started is always difficult and requires extra effort. Therefore, before starting your GMAT preparation you have to beat the biggest GMAT score killer i.e. Procrastination.

Can you choose a GMAT date based on a hunch?

You just don’t choose a GMAT exam date based on a hunch. It’s important that you have relevant information with you to make an informed decision. This article illustrates a ‘thinking backward’ approach to choosing a GMAT exam date.

How long does it take to prepare for the GMAT?

The GMAT is a tough exam, and a lot of the questions aren’t very intuitive. To do well on it, most people spend several months and over 100 hours preparing. As you study, you’ll find the GMAT becoming more and more manageable.

What is the best study plan for GMAT?

The best study plans involve plenty of self-reflection. You should think about your weaknesses and mistakes, as well as your strengths and successes, and use them to make adjustments as you go. Most people preparing for the GMAT have the extra challenge of working or going to school full time.

How long does it take to get your GMAT score report?

When you take the GMAT, you can enter up to five score recipients for free. These schools will get your official score report about 20 days after you test as long as you don’t cancel your scores.

What to bring to the break after Integrated Reasoning?

Bring snacks to boost energy and water to stay hydrated during the two breaks after the Integrated Reasoning and Quantitative sections.

What to wear to a sex test?

Along with mapping your route, you should plan out what you’ll wear to the test. Wear comfortable clothes so you’re not distracted by feeling too cold, too hot, too itchy, or any other physical irritation that could mess with your head.

Is the GMAT easy?

No one ever said the GMAT was easy. In fact, it’s considered so tricky (and so important) that most would-be MBAs spend two to three months preparing for it. The majority of students spend over 50 hours studying, and the highest scorers average 121 hours of study time!

Is it safe to take the GMAT?

It’s a pretty safe bet that you’re taking the GMAT to apply to business school and not just for the love of taking timed, computer-adaptive tests. Because the GMAT has a very specific purpose, you should start your preparation by doing some research on business schools.

1. Get to know the exam

Each of the four sections of the exam represent a different percentage in your final score, so it is important to dedicate time to come up with the best study process for you. A good place to get to know the exam is by visiting the official website gmac.com. Make an account and read about test-taking strategy and prep tools.

2. Take a mock exam

The diagnostic test should be as similar as possible to the GMAT (full length, timed and computer adaptive) and give you a complete score report, including the amount of time spent on each question. Really simulate this exam: don’t pause it in the middle of sections, don’t check your phone during it, and follow the instructions.

3. Get an idea of where you stand

Once you have taken the exam, it is important that you go over your score report and identify your strengths and weaknesses across question categories. Find patterns, common mistakes, question types and concepts that might need special attention. This will let you know where you are standing now and what you need to work on.

4. Consider options for study plans

The best option is to schedule regular study sessions. It is recommended to start focusing on your biggest weaknesses in the sections of the exam that represent the highest percentage in the overall score. Also, do not “cram” a lot of concepts in one study session, focus on one or two at a time and then set some time aside for a review and a quizz.

What is GMAT prep?

GMAT prep courses give you the resources and tools to succeed on the Graduate Management Admission Test, or GMAT. GMAT prep courses come in several formats, including in-person instruction, online courses, and book-based study courses. GMAT prep courses may help you prepare for your first GMAT attempt or help you improve your score for a retest.

Which is the best GMAT prep course?

Magoosh is our choice for the overall best GMAT prep course due to reasonable pricing for a full year of access to an extensive set of GMAT prep resources with a 50-point score increase guarantee.

Why do we use TestMasters?

We picked TestMasters because it includes an impressive score improvement guarantee of 100+ points, the biggest guarantee of reviewed GMAT course providers.

How many questions are in the GMAT starter kit?

We like that the GMAT Official Starter Kit gives prospective test-takers access to two full-length GMAT practice exams and 90 practice questions for free and is made by the company that makes the Graduate Management Admission Test.

How many hours are in the 700+ GMAT?

The GMAT 700+ course includes 47 hours of instruction and course content with a maximum class size of 12. That consists of 27 hours of regular classroom instruction and four hours of one-on-one instruction, plus about 20 hours of video-based lessons. In addition, students get the official GMAT guidebook bundle, among other resources, adding up to 4,800 practice questions and 10 practice tests.

Which is better, Princeton or GMAT?

The Princeton Review is a major exam prep company covering many more courses than the GMAT, and its GMAT courses stand out as a top choice for in-person exam prep. While it is a bit pricier than the GMAT Fundamentals course, the GMAT 700+ course, which guarantees you a score of 700 or higher if you start with a score of at least 620, is likely the best choice for most.

Is Magoosh a good test prep company?

Magoosh is our top choice because it includes an extensive set of online study resources, an impressive 50-point score improvement guarantee, and a price point that’s far below top competitors. While you don’t get as many resources as some big- name test prep companies, the value here is tough to beat.

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Step 1 – Understand The GMAT

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To understand the GMAT exam, you need to first familiarize yourself with the structure of the test and identify what the GMAT will test. The best way to do so is to simply take a mock test. You do not need to take the score too seriously as you haven’t prepared anything yet. The only objective of this should be to understand t
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Step 2 – Create A Study Plan

  • Pursuing a goal without a plan will take you nowhere. Therefore, planning your preparation is very important. There are multiple factors that must be considered during the planning phase –
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Step 3 – Start Executing

  • Once the plan is ready you need to start executing the plan. Now a lot of students get stuck at this point because they have to decide which resource should they refer to for an effective GMAT preparation. While you may be referring to multiple resources in the initial stages of prep, it is highly recommended that you filter out the best resource of the lot and stick to it to ensure consi…
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Step 4 – Assessing Your Performance

  • Assessing your performance is a very important part of your preparation. While most people assess their performance based on their Time taken and Accuracy, what they fail to realize is that none of the 2 metrics is adequate or sufficient. Let’s understand why –
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Step 5 – Optimizing Your Performance

  • Once you’re done with each module (SC, CR, RC for example), take a module test having 15-20 questions and identify areas in which you’re scoring less than 70% questions right. Revisit that area until you improve your understanding. Once you’re done with the learning phase, keep aside around 15-20 days for fine tuning. An effective way to do so is to create 7 day drills in which you …
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and Lastly..

  • In this phase, you should take a few mock tests too to learn the right test taking strategy and identify the right sequence of attempting the various sections. Make sure you follow the final strategy that you’re going to stick with in at least 2 mocks before writing the GMAT. For more queries related to GMAT prep, write to us at – [email protected]
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