Proper GMAT Preparation is Time Well Spent?
The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a standardized
test used by most business schools to measure an applicant's
verbal, mathematical, and analytical and writing abilities. The
test does not feature questions that gauge an applicant's business
knowledge, but rather it is an all around test to determine an
applicant's qualifications for a career in business and
management.
The GMAT consists of three main parts: math, verbal, and
written. These skills are typically developed through a grammar
school to college education. The test is in English and is taken in
GMAT test centers all over the world, 52 weeks a year, six days a
week. However, if you fail to pass the first time, the test can
only be taken once every 31 days and up to five times a year.
Scores are kept for five years and are used by graduate programs
when determining an applicant's application for advanced studies in
business and management.
The computerized test figures your score based on a fixed set of
questions. Typically, the computer will ask a general question;
then, based on the applicant's answer, the computer will give a
more difficult question on the same topic. The questions will
become easier or more difficult based on each answer. In other
words, the GMAT questions are not predetermined. This is how the
GMAT hones in an applicant's ability level and provides the
corresponding score. The GMAT test differs from other exams because
applicants will only see one question at a time; they cannot move
onto the next question until the first question is answer; they
cannot review a previous answer to a question; and each question is
timed. However, the questions are balanced. For example, applicants
will receive a generally equal number of algebra questions to
geometry questions when taking the math portion of the test.
Taking the GMAT test is one thing; preparation for the GMAT is
another. Most educators recommend studying for the GMAT on your own
for two or three months before taking the actual test. This will
help give potential applicants plenty of breathing room to study
and balance everyday life events, such as work and family. The
Internet is first and foremost the ideal place to find GMAT
tutorials, tutors, and study guides. Simply type "GMAT preparation"
into Google or any other search engine, and GMAT resources will
abound.
Another common tool for GMAT preparation is the "Official Guide
(OG) for GMAT Review, 11th Edition," which is available through
Amazon and at most book stores. OG math and verbal supplemental
materials (available through the Internet and book stores) are also
valuable resources. Educators advise to practice the problems
presented in these materials as much as possibleand, to not only
review the explanations to the problems carefully, but to practice
answering the problems again. Careful study of OG will reveal
certain patterns and concepts to the test questions, which will
help applicants better prepare themselves.
Free software to prepare for the test is also available. This
software offers tests that simulate the official GMAT exam, mostly
with real GMAT questions that are no longer used in the test.
GMATPrep, for example, is free software that emulates a real GMAT
environment; taking a test with this software is give a clear
indication of how well an applicant will do on the real GMAT. The
best overall advice for taking the GMAT? Don't wait until the last
minute to study.