GMAT study tips | Navigate common mistakes for top scores

Preparing for the GMAT can feel like an overwhelming task, but it becomes much more manageable with the right approach. Whether you’re just starting your prep or refining your strategy, using common GMAT study tips can make all the difference. From selecting the right study material to mastering key areas like reading comprehension and data analysis, each step matters. If you’re a beginner, GMAT study tips for beginners will help you build a strong foundation, while GMAT Focus tips guide you in fine-tuning your skills for peak performance. Let’s dive into some proven strategies that can help you succeed!

The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a globally recognized exam that assesses the skills needed for success in business school. With its distinct sections and specific question types, the GMAT requires strong preparation and understanding of exam strategies.

Exam Name	GMAT
Full Form	Graduate Management Admission Test
GMAT Exam Fees	$300 (online) and $275 (test center)
GMAT Exam Dates (2025)	Online: Available anytime, 24/7 Test Center: Open most days; book 2-3 months ahead to get your ideal date and time
Score Range	205-805
Question Format	Multiple-choice
Test Sections	Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, Data Insights
Test Duration	150 minutes
Skills Needed	Problem-Solving, Data Analysis, Critical Thinking
Tips and Tricks	Master Time Management: Learn how much time to spend on each question type Accuracy Over Speed: Focus on getting it right, not just fast Take Full Practice Tests: Experience the real deal with timed practice Stay Positive and Calm: Trust your prep and keep nerves in check on test day

 

Do’s and Don’ts for GMAT Exams 2025

Preparing for the GMAT exam requires more than just hours of study. It’s about strategy, focus, and avoiding common pitfalls that could derail your performance. Follow the key Dos and Don’ts below to guide your preparation and set yourself up for success on test day.

Do’s	Don’ts
Create a Structured Study Plan: Build a detailed study plan covering all test sections.	Don’t Skip Making a Study Plan: Avoid preparing without a clear roadmap.
Manage Your Time Efficiently: Practice pacing to finish each section confidently.	Don’t Rush Through Questions: Skimming can lead to errors; read carefully.
Get Sufficient Sleep and Eat Well: Sleep and a balanced diet enhance mental clarity.	Don’t Neglect Time Management Practice: Avoid “winging it” with timing on test day.
Read Questions Carefully: Take time to understand each question to avoid mistakes.	Don’t Sacrifice Sleep and Nutrition: Health impacts focus, so rest and eat well.
Use Process of Elimination: Narrow down choices to increase your odds of correct answers.	Don’t Rely Only on Memorization: Focus on understanding concepts, not just recall.
Understand Concepts, Don’t Just Memorize: Know how to apply principles to various formats.	Don’t Overlook Your Mistakes: Review errors to refine your approach and avoid repeats.
Review Your Mistakes: Learn from errors to improve your performance.	Don’t Ignore Weak Areas: Balance prep by addressing challenging topics.
Address Your Weak Points: Focus on weak areas to improve your overall score.	Don’t Let Anxiety Take Over: Use relaxation techniques to keep nerves in check.
Stay Calm on Exam Day: Practice deep breathing and visualization to stay focused.	Don’t Overuse Shortcuts Without Understanding: Apply shortcuts only with solid knowledge.

Find Out More: Your One-Month GMAT Study Plan

Uncover more details: A handy guide to creating a personalized GMAT study plan

Top 10 GMAT Mistakes to Avoid for Success

Here are the 10 most common GMAT mistakes that could hurt your score—make sure you don’t fall into these traps:

1. Ignoring the Data Insights Section– The new Data Insights section is important, but many test-takers underestimate it. Don’t skip practicing with charts, graphs, and data sets—it could make a big difference!
2. Neglecting Adaptive Question Strategy– The GMAT adjusts to your answers, but don’t stress over every difficult question. Just focus on doing your best, and remember, the test will adjust to your skill level.
3. Relying Too Much on Calculators– The Quant section can slow down if you over-rely on calculators. Sharpen your mental math skills to solve problems quicker and with more confidence.
4. Forgetting Test Day Logistics– It’s not just about the exam—prep for the whole test day experience! Know the test center location, plan your route, and be sure you have your ID and any required documents ready.
5. Skipping the Final Review– Don’t leave your last review for the day before the test. Take time in the days leading up to the GMAT to refresh your key strategies, formulas, and concepts.
6. Obsessing Over Score Predictions– Don’t get too caught up in the results of practice tests. Focus on improving your skills, and the score will follow—stress over predictions won’t help you perform better.
7. Overlooking Official GMAT Prep Materials– While third-party materials can help, make sure to use the official GMAT resources. They give you the best idea of what to expect on test day.
8. Underestimating Scratch Paper Strategy– Make sure to practice using scratch paper during your prep. Organize your thoughts and calculations clearly—it helps you stay efficient during the exam.
9. Studying Without a Plan– Aimless studying can lead to burnout and little progress. Set specific study goals and create a solid plan that targets your weak areas.
10. Not Getting Enough Rest– Your mind and body need rest too! Avoid cramming the night before, and make sure you sleep well before the big day to stay sharp during the test.

Avoiding these mistakes will help you maximize your GMAT performance and boost your chances of success!

Discover More Insights: GMAT Study Mistakes to Avoid

3 GMAT Section Mistakes to Avoid

Here are the 3 most common mistakes in GMAT sections—and how to keep them from affecting your score:

• Skipping Over Answer Choice (A) in Sentence Correction– On GMAT sentence correction questions, option (A) is the “no error” choice, as it repeats the original sentence. Test-takers often assume it must be wrong, but that’s not the case! Don’t overlook it—(A) can be just as correct as any other option.
• Calculating Data Sufficiency Problems– Data sufficiency questions aren’t about solving equations; they’re about figuring out if there’s enough info to solve a problem. Many spend too much time on unnecessary calculations. To avoid this, practice recognizing what’s needed to answer each question without actually solving it.
• Making Assumptions on Critical Reasoning Questions– When tackling critical reasoning, only use the information given in the argument. Avoid extreme assumptions. If an answer choice includes words like “always,” “only,” or “never,” it’s often incorrect. Stick to what’s directly supported by the argument!

Gain deeper insights: Ace the GMAT exam | Navigate quant & verbal difficulties!

Common GMAT Study Tips to Boost Your Score

Preparing for the GMAT can be overwhelming, but using common GMAT study tips can help streamline your preparation and improve your chances of success. These tips, when applied strategically, can make a big difference in your performance on test day.

• Get Comfortable with Computer-Based Practice

The GMAT is now a 2-hour and 15-minute test, entirely on a computer. Practicing on a screen is essential to building stamina and avoiding discomfort like eye strain. Start with the free GMATPrep software, which includes two full-length practice exams. Track how you feel during the test to improve your focus and comfort.

• Apply Process of Elimination

When unsure of the correct answer, focus on eliminating wrong choices first. This approach can make it easier to identify the best option. Practice dismissing choices you know are incorrect and select the one that’s hardest to refute.

• Limit Time Per Question

If you’re stuck on a question for more than 2.5 minutes, make a strategic guess and move on. Spending too much time on one question can drain your energy for the rest. Try to solve questions efficiently with shortcuts or elimination tactics. Review time-consuming questions later to learn faster solutions.

• Create Your Study Plan Early

Start your GMAT preparation early to avoid last-minute stress. A structured study plan, like the Official GMAT Exam 8-Week Study Planner, helps balance GMAT prep with other application tasks. An early start will keep you organized and on track for test day.

• Choose Trusted Prep Materials

With so many resources available, stick to official GMAT materials whenever possible. Official GMAT prep tools, made by the test creators, closely match the real exam’s format and scoring. This ensures you’re practicing with realistic questions and the same scoring system you’ll see on test day.

By following these common GMAT study tips, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the exam and achieving the score you desire.

GMAT Tips and Tricks for Each Section

Preparing for the GMAT requires a strategic approach to each section. To help you navigate through the Verbal, Quantitative, and Data Insights sections with ease, we’ve compiled essential GMAT Focus tips to boost your performance and help you achieve your target score.

GMAT Verbal Section

1. Sentence Correction

• Go Short for Concision: Grammar is key, but concise and clear sentences often lead to the correct answer. When in doubt, check the shortest option for errors—if it’s clear and grammatically correct, it’s likely the answer.

2. Reading Comprehension

• Read the Passage First: Instead of reading questions first, read the passage to gain a holistic understanding. This approach reduces bias toward specific details and allows you to better answer all questions related to the passage.

3. Critical Reasoning

• Read the Question Stem First: For critical reasoning questions, review the question stem before the argument. Knowing what’s being asked (e.g., to weaken, strengthen, or infer) allows you to read the argument with focus, targeting the right aspects of the argument.

GMAT Quantitative Section

1. Use a Scratch Pad

• Get Comfortable with GMAT Tools: During the test, you’ll have a laminated scratch pad and a wet-erase marker. Practice using a similar setup (e.g., a yellow grid legal pad and thin marker) to become comfortable with the limited space and unique writing surface.

2. Plug in Numbers

• Simplify Complex Problems: Substitute simple numbers into equations rather than solving them fully. Ensure that chosen numbers meet any conditions specified in the question and avoid unique cases (like 1 or 2) that could lead to exceptions.

3. Data Sufficiency

• Work Methodically Through Choices: Data sufficiency questions follow a consistent answer format. Test each statement independently, eliminating options that don’t fit, and combine statements only if neither alone is sufficient. This structured approach saves time and minimizes errors.

4. Problem Solving

• Look at All Answer Choices Before Solving: Reviewing choices can reveal shortcuts or patterns to solve problems efficiently. For instance, if answers are in exponent form, approximate values rather than calculate exact answers. The GMAT rewards efficiency over lengthy calculations.

GMAT Data Insights Section

1. Familiarize with Question Formats

• Know the Structure: DI questions are complex, with some questions divided into multiple parts. Familiarity with the formats helps reduce time spent interpreting the question structure and increases speed.

2. Prioritize Time Management

• Strict Pacing: There’s no partial credit for multi-part questions in DI, so timing is essential. Practice with timed sections to develop a sense of pace and avoid missing parts of questions.

3. Adopt an Executive Mindset

• Practice Strategic Thinking: Executive skills, like prioritizing and strategizing, are critical for DI. Reading resources like The Wall Street Journal or The Economist can enhance these skills, helping you evaluate information quickly.

4. Develop Visual Literacy

• Master Graphs and Charts: Visuals are central to DI questions. Practice interpreting and analyzing graphs and charts in context. Breaking down visuals, such as those in news publications, will improve your analytical skills.

By following these targeted GMAT tips and tricks, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle each section of the test with confidence and accuracy, ensuring your best performance on test day.

Explore further: GMAT study strategies | Top 7 techniques for visual learners

GMAT Test Day Tips

To perform at your best, keep these practical GMAT test day tips in mind! With some final-day preparation and a focus on essentials, you’ll be ready for success.

1. Pack Ahead of Time

Preparation is key to reducing stress! Pack everything you need the night before, including:

• Your photo ID
• Snacks and water (for breaks)
• Any other essentials like eyeglasses or a small jacket

This small step prevents any last-minute panic and saves your energy for test performance. Check out our GMAT test-day packing list to ensure you’re fully ready!

2. Plan to Arrive 15-20 Minutes Early

Arriving early helps you feel calm and in control. Use your phone’s map app to calculate travel time, then add an extra 20 minutes. This buffer will help you avoid last-minute stress from traffic or unexpected delays.

3. Use Your Breaks Fully

The GMAT is a long test, so your two eight-minute breaks are essential for refreshing and recharging. Even if you feel fine, stand up, stretch, visit the restroom, and enjoy a quick snack or sip of water. This will help reset your focus and stamina for the sections ahead.

4. Set a Test Strategy

Go in with a clear plan for managing your time in each section. Identify which types of questions you find easiest or most challenging and allocate your time accordingly. Don’t spend too long on any single question—it’s better to make an educated guess and move forward than to risk losing valuable time.

5. Stay Positive and Focused

Test-day nerves are normal, but try to maintain a positive outlook. If you feel anxious, take a deep breath and remind yourself of all the preparation you’ve done. A positive mindset can keep you sharp and focused, allowing you to give your best performance.

Read more: GMAT test day tips | A stress-free approach to test day

Remember, with the right mindset and by following common GMAT study tips; you can approach the test day with ease, ensuring you’re fully prepared for each challenge the exam throws your way.

5 GMAT Prep Books to Help You Score Big

Preparing for the GMAT? Here are five of the best GMAT study materials to help you sharpen your skills and boost your score. These essential prep books cover everything from foundational concepts to advanced strategies, ensuring you’re fully ready for test day.

1. The GMAT Official Guide

The GMAT Official Guide is a must-have for any GMAT test-taker. Packed with real GMAT questions, this book gives you insight into the types of questions you’ll face on test day. The detailed explanations help you understand not only the correct answers but also the reasoning behind them. There’s no substitute for practicing with real GMAT questions to build your intuition and fine-tune your strategy.

2. The Critical Reasoning Bible (PowerScore)

If Critical Reasoning is your weak spot, the PowerScore Critical Reasoning Bible is the perfect resource. This comprehensive guide provides detailed strategies for solving all types of Critical Reasoning questions. With theory explanations, mini-drills, and practical tips, it’s a powerful tool to help you master these tricky questions and improve your score.

3. All the GMAT Guides (Manhattan Prep)

Manhattan Prep’s All the GMAT Guides are highly regarded for their in-depth coverage of all test sections. From verbal reasoning to quantitative skills, these guides break down each topic and provide clear, easy-to-follow explanations. Recent updates ensure the material is aligned with the newest GMAT format, making it a reliable resource for any test-taker.

4. Total GMAT Math (Jeff Sackmann)

For those who need to strengthen their math skills, Total GMAT Math by Jeff Sackmann is an excellent choice. It dives deep into math concepts, offering thorough explanations and practice questions. However, if you’re not already comfortable with math, this book can be a bit intimidating. For a solid math foundation, consider pairing it with Foundations of GMAT Math by Manhattan Prep to fill in any gaps before tackling advanced strategies.

5. GMAT Prep Plus (Kaplan)

GMAT Prep Plus by Kaplan is an excellent all-rounder. This book covers every math topic with drills, concept checks, and helpful tips. It also comes with six computer-adaptive practice tests, simulating the real exam experience to build your confidence. Kaplan’s structured approach ensures you’re well-prepared and ready for all sections of the GMAT.

Get additional information: GMAT preparation | Tips to score 750+

 

Key Takeaways 

• The GMAT assesses key skills such as reading comprehension, critical thinking, and data analysis. Effective preparation with a well-structured study plan and reliable resources like the GMAT Official Guide is one of the most common GMAT study tips to enhance comprehension and performance. 
• The 2-hour and 15-minute format requires careful pacing. Aim for about 2.5 minutes per question, and prioritize accuracy over speed to maximize score potential.
• Mistakes like ignoring the Data Insights section or over-relying on shortcuts can impact scores. Practice with real GMAT question formats to build familiarity and avoid errors.
• Arriving early, using breaks effectively, and staying positive are essential for optimal focus and stamina, supporting the best performance possible on test day.

Preparing for the GMAT is more than just studying—it’s about understanding your strengths as a learner, using the right GMAT study material, and seeing how your score can impact your future. Avoiding common mistakes is just as important as mastering the content. By staying aware of potential pitfalls and following common GMAT study tips, you can create a well-rounded, personalized study plan and approach GMAT prep with confidence. We hope this blog was helpful! Feel free to comment below with your thoughts, and reach out if you have any questions.

Enjoyed this blog? Check out more: GMAT exam preparation for business professionals

FAQs

Ques 1: How much time should I spend preparing for the GMAT? 

Answer 1: The amount of time needed to prepare for the GMAT varies by individual. On average, dedicating 3 to 6 months of focused study is ideal. Start by taking a practice test to assess your strengths and areas for improvement, then adjust your preparation time accordingly.

Ques 2: Can I retake the GMAT if I’m unhappy with my score?

Answer 2: Yes, you can retake the GMAT if you’re unhappy with your score. You are allowed to take the exam up to 5 times in a year and a maximum of 8 times in your lifetime. After a test, you can retake the GMAT 16 days later. It’s recommended to book your test 2 to 3 months in advance, though you can register as late as 24 hours before the exam.

Ques 3: How can I balance the preparation for different sections of the GMAT?

Answer 3: To balance GMAT preparation, allocate time based on section difficulty and your strengths. Focus on Quantitative Reasoning for problem-solving and data sufficiency. Improve Verbal Reasoning with reading comprehension and critical reasoning practice. For Data Insights, practice analyzing data and graphs to enhance accuracy and speed.