The GMAT (Focus Edition) is a standardized test that holds significant weight as an admissions requirement for MBA programs, with a specific focus on management skills. You can take this computer-adaptive assessment up to five times per year. It’s important to keep in mind that B-Schools look for more than just a good GMAT score when scheduling the examination to fit your schedule. They expect applicants to meet additional requirements.
Admissions criteria for B-Schools typically involve a few steps. These include filling out an online application, obtaining reference letters from current and previous employers, submitting essays and other required documents, and of course, providing your GMAT score. Many students often apply to multiple B-Schools, sometimes with deadlines that coincide with each other. When aiming to gain admission into a B-School through the GMAT, it’s important to keep in mind that the application process will demand an equal, if not greater, amount of effort. In this blog, we will guide you through the four essential steps of GMAT preparation that have proven effective in helping numerous students achieve impressive scores of 645+ on the GMAT Focus.
Steps for the Study and Prepare of Gmat
Step 1: Get familiar with the format and content.
Step 2: Make a study plan
Step 3: Select the appropriate GMAT practice materials for your needs.
Step 4: Practice Tests
Step 5: Control your test-day nerves.
Step 1: Get familiar with the format and content.
The GMAT Focus Edition 2024 is a 2-hour 15-minute adaptive test designed to evaluate your quantitative, verbal, and data analysis abilities. Each exam taker is given a score ranging from 205 to 805. This test is divided into three components. The time of each segment, number of questions, and question types are as follows:
| GMAT Focus Edition Sections | No. of Questions | Types of Questions |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 21 | Problem Solving, Algebra and Arithmetic |
| Verbal Reasoning | 23 | Reading Comprehension, Critical Reasoning |
| Data Insights | 20 | Data Sufficiency, Multi-source Reasoning, Table Analysis, Graphics Interpretation, Two-Part Analysis |
Step 2: Make a Study Plan
An excellent technique is to use a resource, such as a GMAT book or GMAT course, to acquire certain strategies or subjects, followed by practicing what you’ve learnt with test-like problems. Applying what you learn straight away to the types of challenges you’ll encounter on Test Day can help you cement your knowledge and ensure it sticks with you.
What should you study? That is contingent on the outcomes of your practice exam. For the first month, concentrate on materials that are
A “weakness opportunity” for you, frequently tested.
A “weakness opportunity” is something you are currently suffering with but believe you can improve on. Perhaps you know how to accomplish it, but you take longer than necessary. Perhaps you performed well on this topic in school, but you need to practice to regain your skills. Don’t concentrate on your “worst” weaknesses; instead, go after the low-hanging fruit first.
In the Quant portion, for example, linear equations and exponents are more commonly assessed than quadratic equations. Furthermore, you must learn how to handle the first two before attempting the third. So, begin with linear equations and exponents; worry about quadratics later.
Statistics subjects are common on the GMAT. Average and median are significantly more typically tested than standard deviation, therefore begin with the content that is most commonly tested.
In the final week before your second practice test, include a broad review of qualities that you may not have worked much in the previous weeks. For example, if you excel in Critical Reasoning (and haven’t prioritized it in your study), work through some CR problems this week to consolidate your technique before your practice test.
Step 3: Select the appropriate GMAT practice materials for your needs.
Before diving into the process of selecting the appropriate resources for your GMAT study, it’s important to have a clear grasp of the various steps involved in preparing for the exam. At QDS Pro, we have developed a 3-stage learning process that has been highly effective for numerous students in achieving a score of 700+ (GFE Equivalent 645+).
Phase 1: Understanding Concepts and Methodologies
This step involves acquiring an extensive knowledge of all the concepts inside a specific subsection and mastering the methods of solving the associated questions.
Phase 2: Building
In this part, we build on what we’ve learnt by answering first a little hard questions and then more difficult ones. We start with loose timing and work our way up to regular timing. The speed at which you’ll be asked to take the real GMAT is standard timing.
Step 4: Practice Tests
Take a detailed, realistic GMAT practice test to determine your current Quantitative, Verbal, and Data Insights scores. Along with your scores, your practice test results will show you what kinds of questions you did well on and which ones you had trouble with.
Another good thing about taking a GMAT practice test is that it will help you get used to the style and timing of the real test. Looking over each question again will help you figure out what you need to work on most to get better. You’ll know exactly how to use what you’re learning to do well on tests as you study.
It’s important to take your GMAT practice tests in settings that are as close as possible to the real test. You shouldn’t take longer breaks than you need to (on the real test, you’ll only get one 10-minute break), and you shouldn’t eat or drink anything except during your break.
Last but not least, plan to spend at least three hours going over your test again and again within two days of taking it. Take the time to look over the great facts that will help you with your studies.
Step 5: Control your Test-Day anxiety.
It is understandable to be nervous about taking the GMAT exam, considering the high stakes and the fact that your GMAT score will have a significant impact on your career path and earning potential in the coming years. While you prepare for the other components of the exam, make sure you mentally prepare to deal with the stress and nerves of test day so you don’t become overwhelmed.
