GMAT Test Taking Tips And Strategies
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Best GMAT Test Taking Tips And Strategies

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Arijit Dutta

Study Abroad Content Writer at Collegedunia | Updated On - Jun 24, 2024

Highlights:

  • The important GMAT test-taking tips include smart guessing, doing back calculations for mathematics, outlining the essay, using scratch paper, etc.
  • The things you need to carry to the test center are GMAT appointment confirmation, ID proof, academic documents, etc.
  • On the main test day, you must follow certain tips such as not overstraining yourself, arriving at the exam center early, contacting the invigilator in case of any queries, etc.
  • Earplugs, Backpacks, Wallets, Purses, and Mobile Phones are not allowed in the exam room.

In order to qualify for the GMAT exam, proper planning and execution are required. The best GMAT test taking strategies include taking mock exams, proper time management, solving previous year questions, etc. As past students suggest, the only way to succeed in GMAT is by reading consistently. Some tricks or measures that we would like to convey to you are smart guessing, outlining your essay, doing back calculations for numerical, etc. Before arriving at a GMAT test center you must ensure that you are carrying the significant documents such as an approved GMAT appointment, valid ID proof, and other test requirements (if asked). However, you must restrict yourself from carrying earplugs, backpacks, wallets, or purses in the exam room. Mobile phones are also strictly prohibited in the examination hall.

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GMAT Prep Strategy

To ace the GMAT test, you need to go over several last-minute GMAT study tips. GMAT tips and tricks help you maximize your performance and make sure you learn proper GMAT time management.

Here are some last minute GMAT tips and tricks that you can include in your GMAT study plan to get through the questions in the exam:

  1. Smart Guessing

It is essential to complete the exam on time, hence you can’t afford to waste time over a single question for long. Here is a trick to deal with the question. You can eliminate the answer choices which you are sure won't fit the question. Then it is easier to guess the right one. Don’t hesitate to take a guess. Then move on to the next.

  1. Choose the shortest ones in Sentence Correction Answers Options

In case you’re stuck on a GMAT sentence correction question and need to guess, choose the shortest one. This generally prefers concise options to longer ones.

  1. Do Back Calculation for Math Problems

For GMAT quant problem-solving questions, you can often work backward to save time. You might have heard of these GMAT tricks as “plug and chug.” For example, if the answer choice D is 25 and it’s too low, you can eliminate answer choices A and C if they’re, say, 16 and 18.

  1. Make use of Scratch Paper

During the test, you will be provided with a double-sided laminated GMAT scratch paper to write on with a marker. This will help you to remember important details from reading comprehension passages or math problems. This would help you remember small details.

  1. Outline Your Essay

Outlining your GMAT AWA essay beforehand will save your time and will help you produce better results. It makes sure that you organize your ideas and express them more cogently and effectively. And also you can refer back to it as you write, so you won’t forget any initial thoughts you had while reading.

GMAT Test Day Tips

You must follow certain tips after arriving at the GMAT test center. Given below are the GMAT test day tips:

  • Don't overstrain yourself on the day before your test.
  • Do finish studying early. Take the evening off to do something relaxing.
  • Do get a good night’s sleep.
  • Do wake up early and have breakfast.
  • Arrive at the GMAT test center at least half an hour before your scheduled exam time.
  • Take your passport as a photo ID
  • You are allowed two eight-minute breaks between the GMAT sections. It is advised that you take them. You should spend at most 5 minutes outside the testing room.
  • Carry little food like protein bars and water bottles, which will help you to rejuvenate yourself during the break.
  • While selecting the GMAT Section order, choose the one which you are most confident about.
  • To stay focused for four hours during the GMAT exam is tough. Thus, during GMAT preparation distribute your study time evenly.
  • If you come across difficult and unknown questions, do not hesitate to skip them and come back later. Staying calm is the best way to get through and ace the GMAT.
  • If you face any problem during the exam with the computer or other things, raise your hand to get the attention of the invigilator.

Things to carry on the GMAT exam day

For admission in the GMAT accepting colleges, you can apply for the exam both offline and online. However, there are a few necessary things you will need to carry with you on the GMAT test day.

  1. Approved ID which matches all the local ID requirements, otherwise, your registration fee might be forfeited.
  2. Your name and date of birth must be mentioned on the ID, and match with the information given during registration.
  3. You must carry your GMAT appointment confirmation.
  4. You must carry a 1-liter bottle of water and/or an energy drink, healthy snacks.
  5. You Must not carry watches, notebooks, or phones inside the testing room.
  6. Do not carry earplugs, backpacks, wallets, or purses in the exam room.

GMAT Verbal Tips

The GMAT verbal questions are complicated and proper tricks are needed to solve GMAT verbal questions. Questions of these sections are Sentence Correction, Reading Comprehension, and Critical Reasoning.

GMAT Tips Sentence Correction Opt for the most precise answer
GMAT Tips Reading Comprehension The questions may confuse you – so read the passage first Don’t hurry in finding the answers Check all the answers before marking
GMAT Critical Reasoning Tips Notice the stem of the question before proceeding, Understand the question types and stay logical

GMAT Quant Tips

The GMAT quant section is very tricky with the data sufficiency and Problem-Solving questions and the following tips can help you here:

GMAT Tips Conjunction of the Number Plugin the numbers to make the questions easier.
For questions, use the 12TEN trick to solve the question easily. In this question, the options look much similar, so check the options twice before marking them.
Problem-Solving Tips Estimate the closest answer where answers are given in the form of exponents.
Use divisibility rules for large numbers

GMAT Tips for Integrated Reasoning

The exclusive test-taking strategies for integrated reasoning include:

  • Calm down even if you get a very critical graph or image
  • Fetch the data wisely
  • Don’t skip any information even if it appears unimportant
  • Work on your graph reading skills.
  • Develop a timed practice test habit.
  • Try answering realistic sample questions.
  • Practice using the on-screen calculator.

GMAT Essay Tips

The best way to prepare for GMAT analytical writing assessment is to:

  • Structure a template to have a smooth flow of writing
  • Plan the essay in five minutes and have a clear thought
  • Write in connecting paragraphs
  • Try to use your own words
  • Focus on outline
  • Keep in mind the common flaws of AWA essays
  • Practice writing

One of the main advantages of GMAT is that it does not involve any negative marking. You won’t be penalized for any wrong answer. In case you are taking GMAT online, you must have a proper and stable internet connection at home. It is also recommended to use a white board for the scratch work. GMAT home test costs around 300 USD (INR 24,978.51) for the aspiring applicants.

FAQs

Ques. What is the best way to prepare for GMAT?

Ans. The best way to prepare for GMAT is consistent practice of the study materials. The important GMAT test taking tips include smart guessing, doing back calculation for mathematics, outlining the essay, using of scratch paper, etc.

Ques. What is the GMAT syllabus?

Ans. GMAT syllabus includes Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, Analytical Writing Assessment, and Integrated Reasoning.

Ques. Is GMAT very tough?

Ans. It entirely depends upon your merit and preparation. The more effort you put in for the exams, the better result will arrive. The test lasts for 2 hours and 15 minutes.

Ques. Is GMAT easier for Indian students?

Ans. It can be challenging for the Indian students as it tests math, reading, and writing skills. However, solving previous year papers and mock study materials can help the students.

Ques. What is the hardest part of the GMAT?

Ans. Integrated Reasoning is considered the hardest part of the GMAT exam. You need proper practice for solving this section.

Ques. Can I get 700 in GMAT without coaching?

Ans. Yes, it is possible to get a score of 700 without coaching. Make sure that you have a proper study plan, along with time management skills for achieving such scores.

Ques. Does GMAT have a lot of math?

Ans. GMAT includes the basics of mathematics such as arithmetic, algebra, statistics, and more. High school mathematics skills are required for the exam.

Ques. Is GMAT negative marking?

Ans. No, GMAT does not involve any negative marking. You won’t be penalized for any wrong answer.

Ques. How rare is 770 on the GMAT?

Ans. A score of 770 determines that the candidate has achieved above 99th percentile. It is quite rare to achieve such high scores.

Ques. Is trigonometry asked in GMAT?

Ans. No, GMAT does not involve any calculus or trigonometry questions. It has basic mathematics questions of algebra, statistics, etc.

*The article might have information for the previous academic years, which will be updated soon subject to the notification issued by the University/College.

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