Hi,
I scored a 730 on the GMAT (49Q/40V) last week, after studying for ten weeks. The experience has been a valuable one. It's taught me how to learn- but also how to let go. I want to share some of the lessons I learned along the way, to save you some of the pain and allow you to get the score you want more easily.
One of my main take-aways has been that studying is only a part of the preparation you need to undertake for the GMAT. Your mindset is every bit as important!
Here are my five main lessons:
1) Know the basics backwardsYou think you understand percentage change, exponents and standard deviation? That's not enough. You need to understand it the way the GMAT tests it.
This is not a memorization test: its a test of your reasoning and analytical skills. Do you understand why the formula of the volume of a cylinder is what it is? You can't analyse a question and accurately solve a question in under two minutes if you can't clearly explain the basic concepts the test assesses to someone else.
Make sure you do the practice problems in the
OG- do the medium ones too. You won't get to the hard questions, if you can't solve the easy ones.
2) Understand the testThe content the GMAT tests is very simple. It's the way the GMAT phrases questions and gives you the information you need to solve the question that's confusing.
Understand what the test is testing: executive reasoning skills, logic, decision-making ability, concentration and stamina. Understand the common ways questions are phrased/made confusing, the common traps and the rules they expect you to know.
This is a standardised test: the rules don't change over time.
3) Develop your guessing and pacing strategySelf-awareness is key to doing well on the GMAT. Understand your strengths and weaknesses. Find your own pace. Decide which questions you will skip. Make sure you get the questions you know how to answer right. Carelessness is not an option.
You have to learn to let go to get a top score. Mediate beforehand if you need to. Get the easy and medium questions exactly right, but let go of the harder ones on quant. Your time is your most important resource.
Do 3-5 practice tests before-hand. Make sure you do the free exams made available by GMAC- they are the closest thing to the test.
4) Nail the verbal sectionThe verbal section makes or breaks your score. You can get over 90+ without studying if English is your first language- but don't neglect it.
You will be tired in the last hour of the test- use your break snacks wisely to keep yourself going.
5) Relax during the test
Breathe. Take your time. Spend time 'seeing' and understanding the questions. The solving will take you no time if you understand what the test is asking you to do. Make sure you use the shortcuts outlined in the
Manhattan Prep guides.
Don't take yourself or the test too seriously- the test will punish you for your overanalysis of questions. Plan to give the GMAT twice if you need to- the first time is always the hardest.
Hope this helps- and good luck!