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Fiona, a part-time account manager, has registered for the GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) exam and hopes to get a high score in order to get into an MBA program at a top school.
Fiona doesn't know what GMAT exam preparation strategies to use to help her study.
TIME TO GET READY!
Fiona can successfully complete the GMAT exam with a "can do" attitude, a positive mindset, and by applying learning preparation strategies.
1. Get to know the GMAT Structure
Worried about the GMAT? Get to know the format and contents.
covers four subject sections which are time-scored
takes approximately 3.5 hours to complete
scores are allocated for subjects within each section
Learn how the GMAT exam is scored.
Did you know?
2. Take a GMAT Diagnostics Test
Decide what you need to help you develop a strategic study preparation plan.
Take a free GMAT Diagnostic Test to:
measure your abilities & gauge your motivation
identify which subjects are your strengths & weaknesses
compare your test score to your GMAT target score
Use your Diagnostics Test results to identify your:
goals for completing the GMAT
learning style
learning preferences
Choose the study method and materials that work best for you.
self-study with the GMAT Official Guidebook
attend live classes in person or online
work one-on-one with a private tutor
use a self-paced GMAT course
Quiz
What information will help Fiona decide how to prepare for studying? Select all that apply.
A list of apps and books will not generally be helpful. Fiona needs to evaluate her goals and motivation for wanting to take the GMAT, which is a challenging commitment. She'll need to familiarize herself with knowledge of the GMAT's format and contents. Fiona will use the information from these areas to decide how she wants to prepare to study. She'll be able to create a plan and select a study method, including the tools and materials she'll want to use, based on her learning style and personal preferences.
3. Create a Study Plan
Develop your study plan with your GMAT target score and exam date in mind.
add your study plan to your calendar with target dates
decide which sections & subjects will be your main focus
allocate weekly/monthly time slots for specific subjects & tests
Fiona's GMAT preparation study plan
Fiona decides she needs 3 months to prepare, a total of 120 hours. She'll alternate weeks studying. Here's what her plan looks like:
2 hours each day, 5 times a week, weekends off (10 hours)
3 hours each day, 5 times a week, and 5 hours on weekends (20 hours)
4. Practice Key Study Principles
You can apply key principles of deliberate practice to your GMAT prep!
1. Time-focused concentration
focus intensively in 30-minute intervals
build up extended time-focused study habits
get comfortable performing under time pressure
build endurance to track & manage your progress
2. Microlearning techniques
work systematically & methodically through sections
break down sections into bite size chunks
learn each component before moving to the next step
3. Visualization systems
learn to read graphs, charts, tables & symbols
create a visualization system to identify graphs, charts, & symbols
apply visualization techniques for quick recall & interpretation
4. Mental math techniques
create a system for math, algebra, & geometry concepts
practice basic arithmetic & equations in your head
apply these concepts & terminology to solve problems
Get immediate feedback from your class teacher or tutor!
Review skipped questions and wrong answers, and address anything you don't understand.
⚡Knowledge Quiz
Fiona has finished some practice test questions in the Integrated Reasoning section of the GMAT. She needed to evaluate data trends shown on a pie chart and line graph.
Math and chart data analysis are not Fiona's strong subjects. She had to skip several questions because she didn't know the answers.
Quiz
Which practice principles would help Fiona improve her math and chart analysis skills? Select all that apply.
Fiona can learn to read and interpret pie charts, bar charts, and line graphs to develop visualization techniques to improve her proficiency. Learning how to memorize basic and higher-level math concepts, equations etc., will strengthen Fiona's ability to tackle math problem questions and increase her proficiency in completing the GMAT successfully. A friend's study plan might not be personalized for Fiona's specific needs or learning style.
5. Complete Mock Test Simulations
Sit and complete a full 4-hour practice test approximately every three weeks that simulates real exam conditions.
As you move through the GMAT test questions:
keep track of time, don’t get stuck on a question, & move on
answer all questions to avoid deductions from your total score
apply visual literacy & mental math techniques to save time
push your limits & attempt hard questions
Check out these Free GMAT Practice Tests
Did you know?
6. Get Ready for Test Day
Plan a few days ahead for exam day. Whether you're taking the GMAT online or at a test center, you'll want to avoid any last minute logistical or technical hiccups.
Get any additional information about the test. Learn about the registration documents that you must have before you can log on and take the GMAT exam.
GMAT Online
GMAT Test Center
Take Action
This Byte has been authored by
Mary Mills
eLearning Designer & eLearning Design Editor