Sign in with Google
Sign in with Apple
Don’t be a fool about what to expect on Test Day. Credit: CollegeDegrees360 via Flickr cc
Some students find the GMAT prep intimidating. Others underestimate the challenge of this important component of their business school application. To be sure, there’s plenty of misconceptions out there about just what to expect on Test Day and how to achieve the score you need to launch your journey into business education.
You want to be careful to separate fact from fiction when it comes to your GMAT prep. Don’t fall for these common myths and misconceptions that so many test-takers are led to believe:
1. The GMAT tests intelligence
False. The GMAT tests your ability to recognize patterns in a highly predictable format. Prepare and practice, and your GMAT score will improve by Test Day.
2. The GMAT is easy and doesn’t require prep
Not true. While the GMAT is a beatable test, those who actually manage to score in the 99th percentile are students who have given it the respect such an exam deserves. Some of the questions on the test can be extremely challenging, and unless you’re scoring perfectly in all sections, there’s always room to improve and benefit from a focused GMAT prep plan.
3. You can’t prep for the essay section
Wrong. In addition to testing critical thinking and content knowledge, the GMAT is a test of endurance. Although the essay and Integrated Reasoning sections may seem less concrete than the rest of your GMAT prep, you can still greatly improve your strategy. Additionally, taking a four-hour test in one sitting is tiring—so practice enough to get used to the physical demands of Test Day.
4: You can wait until the last minute to prepare
Think again. The GMAT is NOT a test you can cram for. It’s true that the concepts and question types are predictable and repeated, but it takes consistent practice to master the strategies needed to excel and achieve a high score.
5: All you need is the minimum required GMAT score
Not really. While lots of business schools post minimum GMAT score requirements for their MBA programs, that doesn’t mean that a program will accept you simply because you hit that score. To become a more competitive applicant, you’ll want to score well above the minimum requirement. On top of that, great GMAT scores can help earn you scholarships and grants.
Don’t fall for the common misconceptions. Start your GMAT prep off on the right foot with a free 20-minute workout plan.
The post Top 5 Misconceptions About GMAT Prep appeared first on Business School Insider.
