It is understandably challenging for B-School candidates to manage multiple priorities related to work, life, and admissions.
From my experience in mentoring B school candidates, I have observed some of the most common mistakes that are repeated every year. Candidates' biggest regrets are that
(1) they did not start GMAT prep early enough and
(2) that they did not move on to the GRE soon enough. Test mentors and admissions experts advise applicants to use targeted strategies to tackle the GMAT, but often applicants fail to reach their target GMAT score in time for applications. The older version of the GMAT was a tedious experience, and to some degree this is related to the side effect of our diminishing attention span across ages, resulting in an inability to focus on processing a long exam for two to three hours.
The original article is posted by the author at
GMAT vs GRE for MBA Admission: What's the Right Strategy? (mbaguideconsulting.com)GMAT Old Edition to Focus EditionGMAC, the parent company behind the GMAT, had to shorten the test to the Focus Edition, which is much more manageable in terms of completion rate. We often cite studies about the side effects of sitting too long and the diminishing returns of working on a task without a break. But the real challenge with a psychometric exam like the GMAT isn't just about stamina, or lack thereof.
We're surrounded by digital distractions — emails, browser tabs, messaging apps and news alerts- that interfere with our ability to focus. Add this lack of focus to a test like the GMAT, which isn't a simple problem-solving test, and you have a major challenge when competing with your peers. When applying to M7 and T20 schools, the challenge becomes even more apparent, and the level of preparedness isn't the same for everyone. In the past, GMAC published GMAT scores by undergraduate degree, and the degrees that ranked at the top of the GMAT averages were physics, math and engineering. At the bottom of the table were Marketing and Education degrees. Graduates from art and history also tend to be lower than average.
These are important points to consider for MBA applicants who started with GMAT preparation: 1. Keep an open mind for the GRE: The GRE test is generally easier and should be strongly considered by those who haven't significantly improved their GMAT score by the
second attempt.2. Set Improvement Targets on the GMAT if you are starting with GMAT: If you are set on taking the GMAT, aim for at least a 20 to 30-point improvement with each attempt.
3. All top B schools accept GRE: The GRE is becoming increasingly popular, with an estimated 30 to 40 percent of scores sent to top schools now being GRE scores. If your GMAT score doesn’t improve after the second attempt, switch to the GRE.
4. Avoid Delaying GMAT Attempts: A common mistake is delaying the GMAT test date for round one applications.
Many applicants set their first attempt in August, which is too late. Ideally, R1 candidates should target the second week of July for their first GMAT attempt. This timeline allows at least one month to pivot to the GRE after a second GMAT attempt, ideally a week or two after the first attempt.
If there is no significant improvement (20-30 points), August should be dedicated to GRE preparation and application essays for schools planning to apply in round one.5. Round Two Timing: For those targeting round two, the GMAT should be taken no later than
the second week of October. This allows for a retake by the last week of October and gives November to pivot to GRE preparation, ensuring readiness for January deadlines. Following these guidelines will help streamline your test preparation and application process, maximizing your chances of success in MBA admissions.
Feel free to reach out for a complimentary discussion to get your profile evaluated.
Best wishes
Aanchal Sahni (INSEAD MBA alumna, former INSEAD MBA admissions interviewer)Founder, MBAGuideConsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aanchal-sahni-83b00819/ |WEBSITE:
https://mbaguideconsulting.com/| Message(WA): +91 9971200927| email-
mbaguideconsulting@gmail.com