The GMAT exam is one of the first and most crucial steps in the journey of pursuing a graduate degree. As you gear up for this challenging exam, effective planning and preparation are key to success.
Registration
The GMAT exam is offered year-round, giving you the flexibility to choose a date that aligns best with your schedule. However, be sure to choose your date a few months in advance to ensure the availability of the desired slot. Registration for the exam is to be done on the official GMAT website; you will need to create an account and then proceed. The website is user-friendly, and the registration process is straightforward.
GMAT test centers are located worldwide. Choose a location that is convenient for you, and make sure to familiarize yourself with the location and the route, especially if you are taking the exam in a new city.
Preparation
The time needed to prepare for the exam varies per person, along with the amount of time you can dedicate to it on a daily/weekly basis. Typically, it takes candidates between three to six months. Begin your prep with a mock test, taking it as if you were taking the actual test. The results of the test will help you assess your strengths and weaknesses and determine which sections of the exam require more time for preparation. However, ensure that a good score in a particular section does not demotivate you when dedicating time to prepare for it. Scoring well in a section in a mock test does not mean it does not require effort. We are all naturally better in certain areas, and it’s about finding yours.
The verbal section of the exam takes the most amount of time to prepare for, due to the vastness of the vocabulary that is tested. It is advised to buy flashcards, easily available on Amazon, and dedicate 15-20 minutes every single day to learn a few words. This is something that takes a lot of time, and many candidates find it challenging, so start as early as possible.
Although one can be successful in cracking the GMAT exam through self-study, which would require utmost discipline, if you are someone who likes structure and learns better in a classroom environment, there are multiple online classes (Magoosh, for example) that can be accessed from any part of the world. Alternatively, you can choose to attend in-person classes, depending on the availability in your current city.
A month before your exam, start revision. Taking one mock test every week can be helpful in determining which areas require more focus during revision.
The GMAT is a challenging and competitive exam, but it is a challenge that can be overcome with discipline, dedication, and lots and lots of practice. All the very best!
Featured image by Kari Shea on Unsplash
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About the Author
Spoorthi Manjunatha Prasad is a commerce graduate from St. Joseph’s College of Commerce, one of India’s top colleges. She brings valuable experience having been a summer intern at Goldman Sachs and a Public Accountant at Deloitte and Touche for Fortune 500 firms in the United States. She demonstrates a keen interest in case competitions, having also served as the spirit captain for the BC MBA games.