How to prepare for a high GMAT score

GMAT (Graduate Management Admission test) forms an important element of the MBA application. A prospective MBA candidate’s journey usually begins with the GMAT. Again the time taken for the GMAT preparation and planning for the test dates can be more time-consuming than the other aspects of the MBA application like MBA essays, resume, recommendations and interview preparation. Hence it’s worth getting started well in advance with enough time for each of the above aspects and completing the whole process as per the schedule. rnGMAT format: rnThe GMAT is a computer adaptive test which means that there is no fixed question paper and the questions are selected from a huge pool of questions and the level of difficulty gradually goes on increasing depending on your ability to answer correctly. A wrong answer means a simpler question than the previous one and vice-versa. rnGMAT structure: The GMAT consists of three main sections. The first section is the analytical writing assessment comprising of two 30-minute essays and the scores given are on a scale of 0-6. The second section is the quantitative section and the third is the verbal sections. The quantitative and verbal section has a time of 75 minutes for each with a total score of 800 for both the sections. GMAT preparation and study: It would be advisable to leave 1-3 months for GMAT preparation depending on your verbal and quantitative basics, the amount of devoted study time per day you are able to set aside from your busy schedule and the rate at which you are able to grasp the various new concepts. In addition to self-study, some prefer external help, either classroom-based or online GMAT coaching. You may also read about GMAT preparation tips that have worked for other candidates. rnOnce the GMAT is taken, you can choose up to five schools where they wish to forward their scores. If you have this list of five B-schools ready, you would be at an advantage because for every additional school to which the official GMAT score needs to be sent, you’ll have to spend $28 per school. You need to consider at least a three-week period as the time taken for forwarding your official scores to these colleges. rnAt the end of the GMAT test, you would have an option of viewing your scores or cancelling it if you feel your performance was not up to the mark. If a previous attempt at the GMAT was a disappointing one, you can retake the test after leaving a gap of 31 days. The highest GMAT score is considered for the application. Taking the GMAT: The GMAT can be taken anytime throughout the year. The GMAT test can be taken at any of the test centers throughout the world. One needs to find out the test center at a convenient location and find out if a test date and time slot of our choice is available. While choosing the test dates, you need to see if there’s enough buffer for the test scores to reach the business schools before the college deadlines. A good GMAT score can act as one of the important element to be considered for admission in a reputed business school.