5 Mistakes made by a GMAT Test Taker
The Graduate Management Admission Test GMAT is a computer adaptive test (CAT) intended to assess certain analytical, writing, quantitative, verbal, and reading skills in written English for use in admission to a graduate management program, such as an MBA.
Students, who are aspiring for GMAT exam, make a lot of mistakes while preparing for it and end up with low scores. Out of all of those mistakes we have listed down 5 most common mistakes done by GMAT test taker in their exams.
Let’s take a look at it
Using all the materials available
Since, there is no shortage of materials in the market to prepare for GMAT. Here is one of the most common mistakes students make; they refer to all the materials available and try to study from everywhere. But they forget that GMAT is an adaptive exam which focuses on skills and understanding of the concept of a particular topic. Hence, practicing from all the materials available will not be fruitful for them. Instead, for GMAT, they just need to practice from 2 sets of materials so that they can have a variety of questions. Click here for an online guide to GMAT
Memorizing Vocabulary and Concepts
The second major mistake made by GMAT aspirants is that they focus on memorizing and mugging up the vocabulary, concepts and formulas. We know that a GMAT exam tests you on the understanding of your concepts, which needs to be ingrained in a student throughout the preparation. Hence, it is advisable to avoid learning concepts by rote, learn vocabulary through root words and understand the idea behind the formula so that a student can use the same formula in different relevant topics.
Click to download the vocabulary App – http://bit.ly/2n2JEHY
Making Assumptions in Critical Reasoning
Critical Reasoning (CR) is an extremely pivotal topic for GMAT. And the most common mistake made in CR is that students make their own assumptions. Critical Reasoning has its own set of rules and logic which needs to be followed while tackling questions from this particular topic. For example, when the question is about identifying the assumption on basis of which conclusion is made; you are required to look for the premises and conclusion to answer. And most importantly the assumption should support the conclusion and not your own knowledge about that topic. Here are few important tips that you need to keep in mind while solving the Critical Reasoning questions:
- The Assumptions should always support the conclusion given in the passage.
- The Assumptions are always unstated in the passage.
- If you find an option which is mentioned in the passage then it is premise and not assumption.
Click here to read about yet another topic of GMAT
Focussing only on the content in Analytical Writing
If you want to write like a pro, you have to approach the Analytical Writing task like a professional. The preparation of analytical writing of GMAT requires Critical Thinking and Analytical Skills. The assessment is done on the basis of the ability to evaluate argument and coherent discussion on the given topic. Students need to practice the Analytical writing keeping all the above mentioned points in mind. It is also important for a GMAT aspirant to practice Analytical Writing. Incorrect spelling and/or grammar which will work against your score even if the content of the writing is good. Click here to maximise your verbal ability.
Cramming at the last minute
GMAT is an exam which cannot be prepared in a short period of time and with dedicated cramming. It requires the understanding of the topics and skill to write an argument. GMAT does not test you on knowledge, hence all the GMAT aspirants needs to start their preparation at least 5 to 6 months before the exam day. Students have to make sure that they have a strategy for the preparation and exam to crack GMAT.
