GMAT Study Mistakes to Avoid

Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) can be the gateway to prestigious business schools worldwide. However, the path to a high GMAT score often has potential pitfalls. Many test takers inadvertently make GMAT study mistakes that prevent them from realizing their full potential. In this article, we’ll shed light on these common GMAT study mistakes and guide you to avoid them to maximize your GMAT prep and aim for your desired score.

Common GMAT study mistakes: Overlooking the exam’s structure

One of the first GMAT study mistakes you might make is underestimating the importance of understanding the GMAT’s structure. The GMAT is a computer-adaptive test, meaning the difficulty level of questions is based on your answers. This unique feature can significantly influence your exam strategy.

Mistake: Many students plunge into GMAT prep without a firm grasp of the GMAT’s format, leading to inadequate time management strategies and, consequently, lower scores.

Solution: Invest time in understanding the GMAT’s structure and pattern. Familiarize yourself with the four sections – Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA), Integrated Reasoning (IR), Quantitative, and Verbal –understand the type of questions, the number of questions asked in each section, and the time allocated.

Biggest GMAT study mistakes: Lack of a personalized study plan

Many students make the mistake of diving into GMAT prep without a tailored study plan. A well-structured, personalized study plan is a must-have tool for efficient GMAT preparation.

Mistake: Students often adopt a one-size-fits-all approach by following a study plan that worked for their peers without considering their strengths, weaknesses, and schedules.

Solution: Craft a personalized study plan that takes into account your diagnostic test scores, areas of strength and weakness, study hours, and target GMAT score. Regularly review and adjust your plan as needed based on your progress.

Not practicing under real test conditions: A common GMAT study mistake

Merely solving problems isn’t enough for GMAT prep. A significant part of GMAT preparation involves simulating the real test environment.

Mistake: Students often spend countless hours solving GMAT prep mistakes without timing themselves or mimicking the real test conditions, which doesn’t help in building the necessary exam temperament.

Solution: Dedicate a portion of your study time to take full-length, timed practice tests. According to GMAC, students who took the GMAT exam between 2017 and 2019 and scored above 700 practice with an average of six full-length tests. This practice will help in managing the time pressure, understanding the test flow, and building stamina for the 3.5-hour long test.

GMAT study mistake: Neglecting the Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) and Integrated Reasoning (IR) Sections

GMAT comprises four sections: Quantitative, Verbal, Integrated Reasoning (IR), and Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA). Often, students don’t pay enough attention to the AWA and IR sections, focusing instead on Quant and Verbal.

Mistake: Neglecting the AWA and IR sections during preparation is a common GMAT mistake. Though these scores don’t contribute to the total 800 GMAT score, many top business schools look at these scores to assess a candidate’s analytical writing and reasoning skills.

Solution: Include AWA and IR practice in your study plan. For AWA, practice writing essays on various topics and get them reviewed for coherence, structure, and grammar. For the IR section, develop your skills in synthesizing data presented in multiple formats.

Underestimating the power of mock tests: A GMAT study mistake

Mock tests are essential tools for gauging your GMAT preparedness, understanding the exam pattern, and improving time management.

Mistake: A GMAT prep mistake often made by students is underutilizing mock tests or only taking them towards the end of their preparation.

Solution: Incorporate mock tests throughout your preparation. According to a GMAC survey, candidates who scored 700+ took an average of 6.6 mock tests during their preparation. It’s important to analyze your performance after each test to understand your strengths and weaknesses.

Neglecting the official GMAT materials: One of the biggest GMAT study mistakes

GMAT official guide and GMAT Prep software are invaluable resources that often get sidelined by aspirants.

Mistake: Relying solely on commercial test prep material and not using the official guide is a GMAT mistake that can limit your exposure to the type and style of questions asked in the actual GMAT exam.

Solution: The GMAT official guide provides real past GMAT questions, giving you insight into what to expect on the exam. Integrating it into your study plan is crucial to familiarize yourself with the question styles and complexities. As per GMAC, test takers who scored above 700 spent an average of 121 hours using GMAT prep materials and leveraged the official guide more than any other resource.

GMAT study mistake: Ignoring time management

Time management is crucial in the GMAT exam. Given the adaptive nature of the GMAT, answering initial questions correctly is important as it sets the difficulty level for the rest of the test.

Mistake: Many test takers make the GMAT mistake of spending too much time on early questions, leaving less time for subsequent ones.

Solution: Practice pacing strategies such as spending an average of 2 minutes on quantitative questions and 1.75 minutes on verbal ones. This will help you attempt all the questions in each section without running out of time.

Key takeaways

1. Understanding the GMAT’s structure and adaptive nature is fundamental to crafting an effective study strategy.
2. A personalized study plan, which takes into account individual strengths, weaknesses, and schedules, can drastically enhance the efficiency of GMAT prep.
3. Simulating real test conditions by taking full-length, timed practice tests is crucial for building test-taking stamina and improving time management skills.
4. Utilizing official GMAT materials gives insight into the style and complexity of actual GMAT questions, helping to better prepare for the exam.
5. Time management is key during the GMAT exam. Practicing pacing strategies can help ensure all questions are attempted without running out of time.

Avoiding these GMAT study mistakes can significantly enhance your GMAT preparation and potentially increase your GMAT score. Remember, effective GMAT preparation is not just about studying hard but studying smart. Tailor your study plan, practice under real test conditions, utilize official materials, and manage your time wisely to ace the GMAT exam.

Know everything about GMAT exam preparation- GMAT sample test. Reach out to us at +91 9145 332 283 to get the best study abroad assistance.

FAQs

Q1: How long should I study for the GMAT exam?

A: The study duration can vary depending on your starting level and target score. However, GMAC suggests that those who scored 700 and above spent an average of 121 hours on GMAT prep.

Q2: What are the resources I should use for my GMAT prep?

A: In addition to commercial test prep materials, it’s crucial to use the GMAT official guide and GMAT Prep software. These official resources provide real GMAT questions and practice tests that mimic the actual exam environment.

Q3: How can I improve my time management skills for the GMAT exam?

A: Time management skills can be improved by consistently practicing under timed conditions. Allocate an average of 2 minutes for quantitative questions and 1.75 minutes for verbal questions during your practice.

Q4: Is it necessary to take full-length practice tests for GMAT prep?

A: Yes, taking full-length, timed practice tests helps you understand the flow of the test, build stamina for the 3.5-hour long exam, and hone your time management skills. GMAC data suggests that high-scoring test takers practiced with an average of six full-length tests.