Test tips for GMAT preparation and exams
You can proactively work to improve your GMAT exam score.
1) Practice- Test takers who score well on the GMAT exam spend a significant amount of time practicing all of the test questions, and in particular, those test questions they tend to struggle with. Practice test questions using the traditional pencil and paper method, online using test simulation programs and even by working through a full length exam. The more practice that you get, the more comfortable you will be both with the actual GMAT exam environment and the test questions you will be presented with.
2) Focus on the First five Questions- Due to the CAT format of the GMAT exam, the initial questions within each section are critical. Difficult questions are weighted more heavily than easier questions. Since the initial questions of each test section are used to determine the level of question difficulty the computer thinks you can manage, it is important you answer these pivotal questions with care. Spend time double checking the answers of these initial questions as it will set the stage for the remainder of the exam and your overall exam score.
3) Prepare to Finish the Test- You must learn how to pace yourself when completing each component of the GMAT exam. You will be penalized if you do not complete sections of the GMAT exam. So, work through several full length exams in order to modify your test taking pace if required.
4) Don’t Waste Time- While this would seem like common sense to many test takers, unfortunately, many test takers waste valuable time when they are actually in a live test scenario. Don’t review help screens, requesting extra things or even organizing as the test clock will not stop for you while you get settled. Make sure you have everything necessary and you are prepared to begin the exam the moment you sit down.
5) Read Questions Carefully- Don’t allow the stress of the clock to rush you. Read through each question carefully, ensuring you fully understand what is being told to you or asked of you before you begin to read the available answer choices. If you rush, you run the risk of misinterpreting what you are reading, leading to the selection of incorrect answers.
6) Avoid Random Guessing- Random guessing will penalize you when taking the GMAT. You cannot skip questions, mark questions or come back to questions later using the CAT format. You must answer every question before moving onto the next question. Since the level of difficulty is determined by the answers you give on the previous questions, it is important to give your best guess every time. If you are unsure of a question, begin to work through the possible answers slowly, eliminating answers you know are incorrect. Then, your risk of guessing will be reduced.
7) Eliminate Choices- Many GMAT exam questions will include deliberately incorrect answer choices. With practice, you will gain the skill set to notice these questions while you are taking the test. Read through the answers first and eliminate by writing notes to yourself on your scrap paper, which are deliberately incorrect. This process will work to proactively improve your overall score.