1. “I am good with maths, so I can handle the maths section myself!”
CORRECTION: If you are good with math then make sure to get 51 in every mock test. There is big difference in 48/49 and a perfect 51
2. “I will first finish the course, then I will take the tests successively”
CORRECTION: Every test needs to be analysed and mistakes need to be worked upon. Between two tests keep 40-50 hours of practice. Take tests after each module completion.
3. “I am not good with Reading Comprehension”
CORRECTION: I am lazy enough to read stuff out of my comfort zone. I wish there was a shortcut to RC!
4. “This question seems weird and hard, must be an experimental question!”
CORRECTION: You are overthinking! There is no way you can judge in the exam if a question is experimental and in fact you shouldn’t.
5. “I will take a break from my job, sit at home and study and only study for 20 days to nail the test.”
CORRECTION: You will only pressurize yourself and create a lot of self-guilt. GMAT is best managed with an alternative option at hand: say your job. GMAT is not the end of life.
6. “I will take tests on specifically the last 2 days before the test to ensure best results.”
CORRECTION: It is best to not take any test on the last day, even sometimes on the second last day and only revise some rules.
7. “GMAT tests only a specific grammar topics, which can be mastered very quickly”
CORRECTION: If I have never paid attention to basic grammar in my life, its time I must.
8. “I am targeting only a 700.”
CORRECTION: Target a 740 to reach to 700. Up the preparation!
9. “I need a good score, around 700+, to get the college of my choice.
CORRECTION: I need a good application too. A good SOP and a few good LORs.
10. “Let me get the score first, then I will start working on applications.”
CORRECTION: A score should be the last thing to fill in the application. Reaching a target score takes a few months and so does the application. Do them simultaneously.
Sonal Darra
GMAT-GRE Verbal Expert
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sonaldarra/