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You may already know that a great GMAT score is a prerequisite for getting into a good business school. And you’re probably aware that the GMAT is challenging. In addition to studying hard, you need to study smart! This article provides some GMAT study tips for mastering the GMAT and how to be at your best during your preparation time and on test day.
Here are the topics we’ll cover:
- Tip #1: Know the Structure and Format of the GMAT
- Tip #2: Know What’s Covered in the Verbal Reasoning Section
- Tip #3: Know What’s Covered in the Quantitative Reasoning Section
- Tip #4: Determine Your Baseline GMAT Score and Your Target GMAT Score
- Tip #5: Make Your Practice Exam as Realistic as Possible
- Tip #6: Get First-Rate GMAT Prep Materials
- Tip #7: Topical Studying, Your Go-To Study Method
- Tip #8: Practice, Practice, Practice!
- Tip #9: Fix Your Weaknesses
- Tip #10: Memorization Is a Necessity
- Tip #11: Review Is Paramount!
- Tip #12: Don’t Skip Your Scheduled Studying
- Tip #13: Schedule Practice Tests for the End of Your Prep
- GMAT Study Tips: In Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Let’s begin with the basics: learning about the structure and format of the GMAT.
Tip #1: Know the Structure and Format of the GMAT
Before you begin your GMAT preparation, you need to know some basic facts about the GMAT. Let’s take a look.
Verbal Reasoning: You have 45 minutes to answer 23 questions. You’ll be presented with 3-4 Reading Comprehension (RC) passages with a total of about 13 questions. In addition, you’ll be presented with about 10 Critical Reasoning (CR) questions.
Quantitative Reasoning: You have 45 minutes to answer 21 questions. All of the math questions in the Quantitative section are Problem-Solving (PS) questions with 5 answer choices.
Data Insights: You have 45 minutes to answer 20 questions. There are 5 question types: Data Sufficiency, Multi-Source Reasoning, Table Analysis, Graphics Interpretation, and Two-Part Analysis.
The GMAT takes 2 hours and 15 minutes, including one 10-minute break.
KEY FACT:
The GMAT includes 3 sections: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Data Insights.
Next, let’s discuss the GMAT Verbal section.
Tip #2: Know What’s Covered in the Verbal Reasoning Section
There are two types of Verbal Reasoning questions: Reading Comprehension (RC) and Critical Reasoning (CR).
An RC passage can range from 200 to more than 350 words long, and each of the 3-4 questions about the passage is a multiple-choice question with 5 answer choices. Specifically, RC questions may ask you to:
- state the main idea
- draw an inference
- analyze specific details
- understand the organization of the passage
- identify the tone of the passage
A CR question begins with a short passage, typically 100 words or fewer, that presents an argument. Generally, the single multiple-choice question about the passage is logic-based, focusing on one of the following:
- drawing an inference
- resolving a paradox
- identifying the logical flaw
- identifying an assumption on which the argument depends
- weakening or strengthening the argument
TTP PRO TIP:
Become familiar with what’s tested in the GMAT Verbal Reasoning section before beginning your GMAT preparation.
Let’s now discuss the GMAT Quant section.
Tip #3: Know What’s Covered in the Quantitative Reasoning Section
Don’t assume that just because you got an A in Algebra or Calculus you are ready to ace the GMAT Quant section! There are several math topics tested on the GMAT that you have probably never encountered. Thus, you’ll need to put forth a concerted effort to get a great Quant score.
There are roughly 19 major GMAT Quant topics:
- Basic Arithmetic
- Linear Equations
- Quadratic Equations
- Exponents and Roots
- Number Properties
- Inequalities
- Absolute Value
- General Word Problems
- Rates
- Work
- Unit Conversions
- Ratios and Proportions
- Percents
- Overlapping Sets
- Statistics
- Combinations and Permutations
- Probability
- Coordinate Geometry
- Functions and Sequences
TTP PRO TIP:
Become familiar with what’s tested in the GMAT Quantitative Reasoning section before beginning your GMAT preparation.
Next, let’s discuss establishing your baseline and target GMAT scores.
Tip #4: Determine Your Baseline GMAT Score and Your Target GMAT Score
After you have basic knowledge about the GMAT, you will be ready to take your first practice exam. Don’t stress about how well you are doing when you’re taking the test. Your main reason for taking the practice test is to establish your baseline score, which will help you estimate how much time you may need to prepare for the real thing!
If you don’t know how far you are from your target score, you’ll have a hard time estimating how much study time you’ll need for the GMAT. Thus, it’s imperative that you research the schools to which you wish to apply to determine your target GMAT score. Generally, you can base this score goal on the mean or median GMAT scores of students who have been admitted.
Now, compare your target score to the baseline score to determine the score improvement needed. Next, calculate how close you are to reaching your score goal and devise a general timetable for your GMAT preparation.
TTP PRO TIP:
Compare your baseline score to your target score to help determine how much time you’ll need to study for the GMAT.
Let’s next address taking that first practice test.
Tip #5: Make Your Practice Exam as Realistic as Possible
It’s important to maximize the value of taking your first practice GMAT exam. Hence, you should take one of the six official practice exams provided by GMAC, the organization that owns and administers the GMAT. To obtain reliable results, you should make sure to follow all rules in place for test day. Take only the authorized break, don’t use a calculator on the Quant section, and turn off your phone.
Generally, you should strive to create a test-taking atmosphere that is as close to the test day conditions as possible. Take your practice test in a quiet location, such as a library, if you plan to take the GMAT at a testing center. If you intend to take the online GMAT, try to take the practice test at the same location, using the same computer, as you will on test day.
TTP PRO TIP:
Make taking your practice exam as realistic as possible.
Next, let’s discuss the importance of your prep materials.
Tip #6: Get First-Rate GMAT Prep Materials
So you know your target score and you’ve established your baseline core by taking a practice test. Great start! So what do you do now? You might jump the gun by buying a GMAT test prep book and diving in with some random practice questions. Resist the temptation! Instead, you should do some research on the GMAT study resources available to select a comprehensive resource that will give you the best prep possible.
Notably, an online GMAT prep course is the choice of a huge number of successful GMAT students. To find the course that is best for you, make sure you do your homework. Ask people you know who have successfully prepared for the GMAT. In addition, browse course reviews written by former GMAT students; you can find their honest, verified reviews at the GMAT subreddit or the GMAT Club website. From there, you can enroll in several free or low-cost trials and test out a few different courses. Then, after you have become familiar with each course, choose the one that is the best fit for you.
TTP PRO TIP:
Invest time to find the best GMAT prep resource for you.
Let’s now discuss the best way to prepare for your GMAT.
Tip #7: Topical Studying, Your Go-To Study Method
Consider the huge amount of material you need to learn for the GMAT. First, you have to face the monumental task of mastering 19 major math topics. Even if you are talented at math, you know that keeping on top of all this material is a feat in itself. Next, add to this the intricacies of Reading Comprehension and Critical Reasoning. Even if you consider yourself experienced at answering RC questions, you probably have not learned the ins and outs of the logic of CR questions. Finally, it is quite likely that you have never encountered the types of questions contained in the Data Insights section, most notably the Data Sufficiency question type, which is unique to the GMAT.
Keep in mind that having only a passing acquaintance with the material tested on the GMAT is not sufficient. You must master each topic. Thus, you need to use a learning technique that allows for gaining mastery of a large number of topics: topical learning.
Topical learning is one of the most effective techniques for learning the huge amount of material tested on the GMAT. Namely, you’ll focus on just one topic at a time, learning all aspects of the topic and answering practice questions, until you have attained mastery.
For example, when you study problems involving probability, you will study only probability: the addition rule, the multiplication rule, conditional probability, mutually exclusive events, and independent events. You should learn every aspect of probability. Before moving on to the next topic in your study schedule, you will make sure that you have a solid understanding of probability.
TTP PRO TIP:
For best results, set up your study schedule to master one topic at a time.
Next, let’s discuss the importance of practicing what you’ve learned.
Tip #8: Practice, Practice, Practice!
We’ve just discussed that topical learning is a great way to master GMAT concepts. Of course, learning the concepts is one thing. Making sure that you retain what you’ve learned is another! So, to ensure that what you learn sticks, you must answer many practice questions. Therefore, each time you learn a new topic, answer practice questions on just that topic until you’ve mastered it.
It’s important to note that it’s not enough to just read the material and answer a few questions. In addition, you’ve got to answer a wide variety of questions about a topic before you have truly mastered it. You won’t hit your target score unless you have a solid understanding of the topics. Whether it’s math questions or Critical Reasoning questions or Table Analysis questions, you need to be confident in your ability.
TTP PRO TIP:
Once you learn a topic, confirm your mastery by answering lots of practice questions.
Let’s now discuss addressing your weaknesses.
Tip #9: Fix Your Weaknesses
To be prepared for whatever comes your way on test day, you must work to identify and address specific weaknesses. For example, saying “I struggle with Critical Reasoning” is not as helpful as identifying the specific aspects of CR questions that cause trouble for you. Perhaps you’re good at “resolving a paradox” questions, but you have trouble with “strengthening the argument” questions. As a result, by determining exactly which concepts you struggle with, you can more efficiently resolve those issues.
So, how do you identify your weaknesses? One excellent way is to enroll in a GMAT prep course that features a built-in error log. For example, the TTP GMAT error log allows you to track why you missed each question and to categorize each question by type. Notably, by using the error log, you can easily pinpoint your weak areas and identify your most common errors. By doing so, you can clearly see the types of errors you tend to make and can take steps to avoid making them.
TTP PRO TIP:
Track and identify specific weaknesses by using an error log.
Next, let’s discuss memorizing crucial information.
Tip #10: Memorization Is a Necessity
Efficiency in learning is critical when you’re preparing for the GMAT. There are so many concepts and topics to master! One proven way to learn (and remember) formulas, shortcuts, and concepts is to memorize them! And the best way to memorize them is to use flashcards.
TTP PRO TIP:
Memorization of key concepts and formulas is made easier by using flashcards.
Creating and Using GMAT Flashcards
You have options for making your flashcard deck. You might choose to create your flashcards by hand, using index cards. Or you might instead use an app to create a digital set. No matter which method you choose, recording the important information needed for test day is a necessity. For example:
- Difference of squares
- a^2 – b^2 = (a – b)(a + b)
- The definition of mutually exclusive events in Probability
- Two events that cannot happen at the same time
- Strengthen an Argument needs:
- Support for the conclusion given in the argument
These are just a few examples, but they show you the versatility of flashcards. Of course, they can be used for formulas. But they can also be used for definitions or concepts. Create a flashcard for any formula or concept that gives you trouble. Also, review your error log periodically and create flashcards that will help you from making those mistakes in the future.
You can check out the Quant flashcard decks available in the Target Test Prep GMAT course. They can give you a jump start on your flashcard making.
TTP PRO TIP:
Create a flashcard deck of formulas and concepts to help with memorization.
Let’s now discuss the importance of reviewing what you’ve learned.
Tip #11: Review Is Paramount!
You already know that both topical learning and answering practice questions are critical when you’re studying for the GMAT. However, as time passes and you learn more and more concepts and formulas, keeping everything ready for quick recall will be challenging. Thus, you must incorporate weekly review sessions into your study plan.
One fantastic and flexible review method is to use your flashcards. Flashcards are great because you can fit in a study session even if you are not sitting at your desk. Indeed, you can flip through your flashcard deck anytime, anywhere. Use them while you’re waiting for an appointment, commuting to work, or in line at the grocery store.
No review is more effective than doing mixed problem sets on previously learned topics. So, for example, let’s say it has been several weeks since you studied functions and inequalities. It makes sense that completing a 20-question quiz on those two topics would be a great idea. The results will clearly show you whether any knowledge gaps in functions or inequalities have occurred. As can be seen, bringing older topics back into the spotlight is important to limit the knowledge deficiencies that occur as you move through your study plan.
TTP PRO TIP:
Reviewing previously learned topics should be a built-in activity in your study plan.
Next, let’s discuss why it’s important to stick to your study schedule.
Tip #12: Don’t Skip Your Scheduled Studying
Every GMAT student agrees that studying can be grueling! Understandably, you might want to choose other aspects of your life over GMAT studying. Here’s the thing. Your daily level of dedication, motivation, and discipline will either contribute to or detract from your GMAT success.
Stick to your study plan! However, it’s understandable that if you study hard for a few weeks straight, you might want to give yourself a cheat day. That’s okay, as long as you change your study schedule to reflect your day off. Just don’t let one day off from studying turn into two or three. Alternatively, if you can’t bear the thought of a full study session, at least flip through your flashcard deck or do a 20-question mixed review. The key idea is to keep your forward momentum even on days when you would rather flip burgers for the rest of your life than study for the GMAT.
Keeping your GMAT prep as your most important daily activity will get you through those tough days. Remember, it’s only for a couple of months, and it will pay big dividends for the rest of your life.
TTP PRO TIP:
Even when you lack motivation, make sure to study a little each day.
Let’s now discuss the importance of practice tests.
Tip #13: Schedule Practice Tests for the End of Your Prep
You’re done! You’ve studied every topic, taken every chapter test, and memorized every last flashcard! Now it’s time to take your GMAT!
Whoops. Not so fast, buddy! One more step, and for many students, the most critical one. You’ve got to take practice exams to prepare for the special challenges of test day. Notably, you might uncover a few concepts that have slipped through the cracks.
It’s time to take the remaining 5 mba.com practice exams. After completing each practice exam, carefully analyze the questions you missed or those you guessed on. Certainly, if you discover any knowledge gaps, review your notes or prep materials. Ideally, your scores on these tests should be close to your target GMAT score. After you’ve completed taking these practice tests, you will be ready to rock the GMAT!
TTP PRO TIP:
Take the remaining 5 mba.com practice exams before test day.
GMAT Study Tips: In Summary
In this article, we have given you a lot of GMAT tips and tricks and test-taking strategies to help you study and prepare for the GMAT so that you will earn your best score possible. Here are the 13 tips that we covered:
- Know the Structure and Format of the GMAT
- Know What’s Covered in the Verbal Reasoning Section
- Know What’s Covered in the Quantitative Reasoning Section
- Determine Your Baseline GMAT Score and Your Target GMAT Score
- Make Your Practice Exam as Realistic as Possible
- Get First-Rate GMAT Prep Materials
- Topical Studying, Your Go-To Study Method
- Practice, Practice, Practice!
- Fix Your Weaknesses
- Memorization Is a Necessity
- Creating and Using GMAT Flashcards
- Review Is Paramount!
- Don’t Skip Your Scheduled Studying
- Schedule Practice Tests for the End of Your Prep
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the best way to study for GMAT?
The tips presented in this article give you a solid introduction to the best way to study for the GMAT. Follow them and you’ll have a great start to your GMAT preparation.
How long should you study for GMAT?
There is no single answer to this question, as there are so many variables that affect how long you will need to study. Some of these may include your academic background, the amount of time you can devote each week to your prep, and the score difference between your baseline and target scores. Generally, study times can be between 1 month and 6 months, and the average is approximately 4-5 months.
Make sure you have a solid study plan in place.
What’s Next?
You are well aware of the importance of an impressive GMAT for securing acceptance at a great business school. In this article, we’ve given you some key tips for your GMAT preparation, but there are other actions you can take! Check out these articles with 25 tips for increasing your GMAT Quant score and 10 strategies for scoring high on GMAT Verbal, and you’ll be ready to nail the Quant section!
