GMAT Preparation: Tips, Strategies, Books, and Sample Papers
Content Curator | Updated On - Apr 4, 2024
GMAT Preparation helps candidates enhance their scores and stand out among all applicants. GMAT preparation coaching allows candidates to develop an effective study plan for the examination. Candidates can start their GMAT preparation by reading books, and regularly solving sample papers. There are many best GMAT online coaching, that offer customized courses and have expert mentorship.
A good GMAT score helps aspirants showcase their dedication and readiness to the top business schools worldwide. Higher GMAT scores increase acceptance possibilities and opportunities for scholarships. GMAT preparation includes a well-structured study plan, effective test prep techniques, and expert guidance.
Most of the top business schools worldwide require a 720+ GMAT score. Most of the candidates require 2 to 3 months of effective GMAT preparation to achieve a good score. The syllabus has recently been updated, and GMAT Focus Edition starts on 1st February 2024. Candidates need to do GMAT preparation with the updated study materials to understand the new exam pattern. Regularly solving GMAT sample papers, and getting proper feedback from experts will help the candidates to ace the exam.
- Preparation Tips
1.1 Know about Exam Sections
1.2 Gather Information
1.3 Develop a Study Plan
1.4 Establish a Baseline
1.5 Start Studying
1.6 Evaluate the Progress
1.7 Focus on Problem Areas - Preparation Strategy
- Sample Papers
3.1 Verbal Sample Paper
3.2 Quant Sample Paper
3.3 AWA Sample Papers - Coaching Classes
- Preparation Books
- Exam Day Tips
- FAQs
GMAT Preparation Tips
GMAT exam preparation requires developing strong skills through an organized study plan. Registration for GMAT preparation course helps candidates learn test-taking techniques and strategies. GMAT preparation classes, coaching courses, and online programs that provide expert guidance and study materials to help candidates increase their abilities. With a structured GMAT test preparation, aspirants can achieve their best-desired GMAT score.
Know about GMAT Exam Sections
Focus Edition GMAT Syllabus consists of 64 questions. There are three sections of GMAT Focus Edition, quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning, and data insights. The updated GMAT exam syllabus is designed to evaluate a candidate's academical knowledge related to business programs.
- Quantitative Reasoning: GMAT Quant evaluates the aspirant's ability to solve quantitative problems, reason mathematically, and interpret graphic data.
- Verbal Reasoning: GMAT Verbal section measures editing abilities and reading comprehension skills. GMAT prep verbal checks whether students can make sense of written arguments.
- Data Insights: Designed to check the candidate's ability to analyze and interpret data to apply it in real-world business structures.
Gather Information About Target Programs
- Candidates need to identify the best business schools they want to apply to.
- Check the course deadlines and score ranges, then set target scores.
- Gives enough time for preparation-self study, tutoring or classes, and different preparation activities.
- Practice with official online GMAT preparation materials, and make sure to practice regularly.
Develop a Study Plan
- Develop a study schedule, that includes not just when, but also what needs to be studied.
- Be familiar with GMAT exam format, and the different question types.
- Include different question types and exam sections in GMAT preparation plan.
Establish a Baseline
- Take the first free GMAT official practice exam, to execute what needs to be studied.
- Make sure to take the practice tests like the real GMAT test center conditions.
- Keep an eye on the clock, and try to complete the GMAT practice tests, within the allotted time.
Start Studying
- Start practicing with the free GMAT preparation study materials available.
- Review the progress report regularly, and plan strategies to improve the weak areas.
- Focus on the content areas and question types.
- To improve GMAT score, add more study time for GMAT preparation, and practice mock exams.
Evaluate the Progress
- Take the second GMAT official practice exam and then compare the achieved score with the score needed for the targetted programs.
- Make sure to take the practice tests like actual exam conditions, and don’t use any study materials.
- Review the GMAT exam myths and general test-taking strategies.
Focus on Problem Areas
- Give extra preparation time to work on weak areas.
- Focus on the content areas, and question types, that help the most.
- Find more GMAT preparation materials, that can help to improve the weak areas.
- Study and review one section of the exam at a time.
GMAT Preparation Strategy
Knowing the perfect strategy and practicing the right questions is necessary for GMAT prep plan. The table shows how to prepare for the exam, it explains and gives a GMAT study plan for the candidates and how to overcome their weaknesses.
| Reading Comprehension | Critical Reasoning | Sentence Correction Questions |
|---|---|---|
| Practice short passages. (350 to 400 words long). | Practice 8-10 critical reasoning questions every day. This will strengthen the argument evaluation. | Practice the basics of parts of speech of English grammar. |
| Make sure to complete at least 3–4 passages in a day. | Pay attention to questions related to assertive reasoning and statements and assumptions. | Practice a set of 20 sentence correction problems. |
| Practice active reading, i.e., noting down the main points of each paragraph of the passage and connecting them to form the overall main point. | Switch to newsletters, Oxford Learner’s dictionaries, or online vocabulary enhancers. | While selecting the answer, look for the option that makes the most sense. |
| Target specific content areas of the passage, i.e., the centralized paragraph and the concluding paragraph, to find answers to most of the questions. | Eliminate the distortions in the answer options, contrasting the centralized idea of the argument. | Focus on your error-detection skills in a sentence. |
| Practice different types of comprehension passages i.e., informative, persuasive, analytical, negative, scientific, dialogue, poem, etc. | Ignore the sketchy math in the Critical reasoning questions i.e., percent, numbers, rate, and relationships. | Make sure your answers have no grammatical, syntactical, or diction errors. |
GMAT Sample Papers
The most effective and important part of the GMAT preparation is practice. Candidates should practice mock tests and GMAT question papers to improve their skills. They can do GMAT preparation online by practicing the available previous year's question papers. Candidates can get GMAT preparation classes for better scoring.
GMAT Verbal Sample Paper
| GMAT Verbal Practice Test 1 | GMAT Verbal Practice Test 2 |
| GMAT Verbal Practice Test 3 | GMAT Verbal Practice Test 4 |
| GMAT Verbal Practice Test 5 | GMAT Verbal Practice Test 6 |
GMAT QR Sample Paper
| GMAT Quant Practice Test 1 | GMAT Quant Practice Test 2 |
| GMAT Quant Practice Test 3 | GMAT Quant Practice Test 4 |
| GMAT Quant Practice Test 5 | GMAT Quant Practice Test 6 |
GMAT AWA Sample Papers
GMAT Coaching Classes
GMAT exam preparation course provides both online and offline classes for candidates. Offline GMAT coaching classes offers modern classrooms, expert faculty, and flexible timings. GMAT preparation courses also offer regular mock tests to enhance your scores. Additionally, online GMAT preparation classes are helpful for the exam preparation for working professionals.
Best GMAT Preparation Books
Books are one of the best study resources for structured learning. GMAT preparation books are considered the best preparation study materials. These books also include GMAT exam preparation online practice papers. Candidates can follow books from Magoosh GMAT prep, Kaplan, and more. The following are some best books for GMAT preparation:
- Kaplan GMAT Prep Plus - Check PDF
- GMAT Official Guide 2022 Bundle - Check PDF
- Veritas Prep Complete GMAT Course Set – Check PDF
GMAT Exam Day Tips
The most important part of GMAT prep programs is keeping the mind clear. Studying well before tests can help reduce stress and allow the candidate to feel calm during the GMAT exam date. Staying relaxed during GMAT exam is important.
- Reach the exam hall at least 30 minutes before the scheduled time.
- Bring a passport and all the important documents.
- Breakfast is a must before the exam.
- Start the exam with a few easy verbal questions
- Do not let any question dull your rhythm.
Self-preparation, coaching, and proper study materials are essential for GMAT preparation. Beginners also start with available free GMAT preparation materials to understand the exam pattern. Candidates can find many helpful GMAT preparation online free study materials and can make a customized study plan for themselves.
FAQs
Ques: How long does it take to prepare for GMAT?
Ques: How do I start preparing for the GMAT?
Ques: Is 1 year enough for GMAT preparation?
Ques: What is GMAT syllabus?
Ques: How many attempts are there in GMAT?
Ques: What is good score in GMAT?
Ques: Is maths compulsory for GMAT?
Ques: Which college accept GMAT in India?
Ques: Which top college accept GMAT score?
Ques: Can GMAT be given from home in India?
Ques - How to start GMAT preparation?
Ans - Beginners can start with available free GMAT preparation materials to understand the exam pattern.
Ques - How to prepare GMAT exam?
Ans - Self-preparation is essential for GMAT preparation. Candidates can take coaching classes, and with the proper study materials, help to prepare for GMAT exam.
Ques - How long does it take to prepare for GMAT?
Ans - A proper study plan of two or three months is needed for GMAT preparation.
Ques - Is GMAT worth it for Indian students?
Ans - Indian students having good GMAT scores are always rewarded by the top Indian business schools.
Ques - Which is the best study material for GMAT?
Ans - GMAT Official Guide 2023-2024, Manhattan Prep GMAT – All the Verbal, Kaplan GMAT Prep Plus, GMAT Official Guide Quantitative Review.
Ques - What is the most difficult part of GMAT?
Ans - Many test takers consider data sufficiency as the most difficult part of GMAT exam.
Ques - How can I prepare for GMAT online?
Ans - There are many GMAT online coaching classes available for best mentorship. Candidates can prepare for GMAT through online practice papers and study materials.
Ques - Can I crack GMAT without coaching?
Ans - Candidates need to follow a proper study plan, schedule learning time, and practice as many question papers as possible can help them crack GMAT without coaching.
Ques - What is the cost of online GMAT course?
Ans - The average GMAT course fee in India is INR 30,000-40,000.
Ques - Which is best online GMAT prep?
Ans - Kaplan is considered the best online GMAT preparation class.
*The article might have information for the previous academic years, please refer the official website of the exam.