Self Preparation for GMAT Examination

The GMAT is a challenging, yet intriguing examination that tests your logical, reasoning, and your analytical skills. The process of preparing for the GMAT can sometimes be an arduous one. Have you ever thought about why only a handful of students are able to drastically improve their test scores? The variation in scores is primarily due to the differences in methods of preparation between the two groups. As a student, both the self-preparation for the GMAT and tutoring are important. Apart from the basic preparation methodologies, a student needs to engage in a stage wise and a periodical analysis to find out where he or she stands on the ladder to a better final GMAT exam total marks.

Let us, briefly, go over the framework of preparation for the GMAT:

1. Understand what the examination is testing you on
2. Review where you stand
3. Consistency and Self-Analysis
4. Key analytics before the exam

• UNDERSTANDING THE GMAT Examination:

The Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) tests you across various skills, but can primarily be split into 4 different sections: Verbal, Quant, Integrated Reasoning and Analytical Writing. The best method to understand what the GMAC is testing you on is to take a ‘Diagnostic Test’.

Mock tests will enable you to understand the overall context of the subject areas involved in the GMAT. Apart from the mock tests, read the contents of the Official Guide; browse through the different sections of the GMAC website; and lastly, whatever your performance on the GMAT mock tests, do not underestimate or overestimate yourself. Give yourself enough time for adequate preparation, review and analytics.

• REVIEW WHERE YOU STAND:

The diagnostic tests will help you analyze approximately where you stand with respect to your foundations in both the Verbal and the Quantitative sections. Honest feedback and analysis could go a long way in establishing your strong and your weak points. A SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) framework would again accurately enable you to prepare your process-path towards a better GMAT score.

• CONSISTENCY AND SELF-ANALYSIS:

GMAT Self-preparation is key to a better GMAT exam total marks, and when a person is into a self-preparation mode, he or she must be consistent with the steps of preparation. Remember that the GMAT examination is all about momentum; do give yourself sufficient time to understand the nuances of the examination. Make a schedule and adhere to it, however difficult it might be. As the famous saying goes, ‘Rome was not built in a day’. Hard work and dedication are key to your success.

• KEY ANALYTICS BEFORE YOUR EXAM:

A few points to note before your examination are:

1. Overconfidence after taking the mock tests: Do not be over-confident and arrogant after taking a mock test. At times, students neglect their preparation schedule and deviate from it after scoring well in one or two mocks. Remember that this is a big fallacy; whatever your score on your mocks, do not get complacent and lackadaisical.
2. Lack of confidence in picking answers: Be confident about the answer choices you pick. Read carefully, and understand the different options. If you shortlist your answers to the last two-three, and cannot pick an answer confidently, review our process in that particular topic/ question type.

Also Read : GMAT Tips to follow on the day exam

Following this well-founded process of: Understand→ Review → Analyze will go a long way in helping  you achieve your score. Be consistent with your GMAT preparation, and feel free to contact CATKing for all your examination requirements, and more!