Unveiling the GMAT Preparation Guide

Coffee in hands, daydreaming about walking out of Standford University with books in one hand and bag in the other. Sounds amusing, right? Getting an MBA degree from the best university in the world is a dream that many have but how many really work towards pursuing one?

Dreams that big need to be structured and streamlined. We need to allow them the space to breathe and construct a path, brick by brick, to live them in reality as well. Clearing GMAT, the Graduate Management Aptitude Test, is one such brick which will take you closer to living your dreams. We, thus, bring to you the ultimate GMAT preparation guide, to help you achieve your goal. 

1. 
   

   Create a study plan

Before starting the preparation, it's essential to know the intricate details about the exam and then curate a study plan. To ensure that you prepare in accordance with your weaknesses, start with giving a GMAT diagnostic test. A mock test of sorts, this computer adaptive test will help you identify your vulnerabilities and weak areas. Once that’s noted, it’ll be easier for you to prepare a plan, assigning more time to the topics where your weaknesses lie. 

Your diagnostic test score will also help you visualize a target score and set your time frame accordingly. The initial score will make you realize how far away you are from your goal. Then create a detailed study plan, allotting a certain number of hours per week and setting short term goals.  

2. 
   

   Learn the format

Once you step into the shoes of a proper GMAT aspirant, with a study plan in place, get familiar with the GMAT pattern. The sooner you get used to it, the more it’ll help in figuring out the ways to crack the exam with a better score. Identify the type of questions in each section and what sort of answers are required out of you. This will help in creating better strategies as you prepare for your GMAT exam. 

3. 
   

   Identify your strengths and weaknesses

The GMAT preparation guide will be incomplete without the mention of your weaknesses. After giving a practice test, your strengths and weaknesses come into the picture. You can identify the areas where you need to work more and the ones you have command over. After a few more, you’ll notice a pattern in the errors you’re making and the topics you’re struggling to understand. Analyze your weaknesses then and recognize where and how your approach went wrong. Devote more time to drill your weaknesses than on the others. 

4. 
   

   Work on the basic skills

Once you understand your weak areas, it is time to work on them. You need to figure out the underlying cause for your weakness. Did you forget the concept behind remainders or do you need to re-start reading to increase your speed? Often, the basics are what we need to go back to improve our fundamentals and thus our weak spots. Review your grammar skills and basic arithmetic. You might need to add a few extra hours to one of these according to where your dead areas lie. 

5. 
   

   Edit your study plan accordingly

After you’ve reviewed yourself on the basis of your test scores, your strengths and weaknesses, the final step is to edit your initial study plan. Re-set your plan. Re-analyze the time you’ve devoted to each subject. See if you’re able to finish the test within the given limit. If not, set goals of finishing certain number of questions in a set time limit. Increase those questions as you near the date of your GMAT exam. Stick to the basics of your initial plan but keep modifying it as and when you make progress. 

This GMAT preparation guide can help you in getting a good score which can be the entry ticket to your dream college abroad. Not only this, you might as well get admission into some of the top business colleges in India like IIM Calcutta, IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, XLRI and ISB. 

Remember, you’re always one step away from achieving your goal i.e., the effort. Hard work pays ultimately and that is the only path to success. There are no shortcuts and no side routes. This is your time to set afloat on the journey to success. All the best!