The GMAT can often be complex. The goal is simple: to get a score that is well above 700, but the journey to the best Business Schools in the world is not always that easy. Even though there have been volumes written on the best way to prepare and things to keep in mind to ensure success, there are still mistakes made by candidates - even some of the best.
Here is a look at 6 such mistakes, and guidelines on how to avoid them and the suggested course of action in each case:
- Not starting early enough: People who give the GMAT are usually very busy, and their attention is often diverted by work pressures, other applications, and physical tiredness. The only way to solve this problem is to start months – possibly even a year – in advance.
- Not finding a coach right off the bat: You always need a coach to keep your preparation on track. Many candidates start off thinking that they will do it on their own, and then decide to change their minds. Why do it alone when you can work with someone who has succeeded a thousand times? Spending too much time on one topic: If you are not improving at one kind of question after repeated work, the marginal utility of spending more of the same kind of time probably is not too high. It is best to take a short break and come back with a new and improved strategy.
- Listening to uninformed people: The GMAT is an accessible examination, but it is also something that you should learn about from experts only. It is important to filter out voices which do not have proven success at this test, and to listen only to those that are credible because of past successes. In general, listen to a small circle of people, who know much more than you do about the GMAT, and drown out the rest of the noise.
- Not practising enough: This is true at two levels: some candidates just do not work out enough questions, and this adversely affects their performance. However, some GMAT aspirants work out far too many problems, and still fall short – this is because their simulations are often not realistic. Till you have given a mock test that is exactly like the real thing, you cannot be confident that you are ready for the big day. Make sure that you get access to as many realistic simulations as possible through your coach.
- Not staying motivated: The best way to spur yourself further is to keep your eyes firmly fixed on the big prize – the big global MBA that stands at the end of the road.
Now that we have discussed what mistakes you should avoid so as to get to the global Business School of your dreams, why don’t you schedule an appointment at the nearest Jamboree center, and get on the fast track?
All the best!
