Who could be better informed on the GMAT than someone who got the score they wanted? Andreas was very happy to reach the excellent score of 650 and be offered a place at the school of his choice
Take sufficient time
Andreas managed to improve his score significantly after not being happy with his first score on the GMAT. He told he had hugely underestimated the time required to prepare well for the test. The GMAT is a multiple-choice test, and some people may be lulled into a false sense of security that it is easy.
One of the things that distinguishes the GMAT from many tests is that it is computer adaptive. This means that when you answer a question correctly, the next one is harder. This makes the test particularly challenging. Most people certainly come out of the testing room feeling they have really been tested.
Top schools require top scores. The preparation time for a good score is obviously longer than that for a score that is not as high. The exact length of time that you must study for is hard to determine. It depends on the level you are at the moment, the score you need to reach, and how much time you have available to devote to preparation. However, it is true that many people need several months to achieve the score they desire.
Prioritize your concentration on the GMAT
Some people try to prepare for the GMAT while also working on the other parts of their applications to schools and colleges at the same time. Andreas told that it would be better to focus on the GMAT. It is very difficult to prepare the exam while writing the application essays.
First, focus on the GMAT. It is your boarding pass to a top school. If your score is poor, the top schools will not open their doors to you. You can compensate for a poor score to a certain degree by writing good application essays, but only to a certain extent. Schools will not go below their minimum score to grant admission if they don’t have to.
Do the GMAT first, and see how high a score you can achieve. Andreas was focusing on too many things when he scored below his target score. After starting to work again, he spent a very impressive amount of time each week, in fact most days, on GMAT preparation.
Value small progress
It is easy to become discouraged if your progress toward your target score seems to be slow. People sometimes lose sight of the fact that they are improving. Small improvements will eventually translate into a big improvement. Pat yourself on the back occasionally when you notice you have improved. In this way, your enthusiasm will not disappear. Andreas emphasizes: «It takes you more time if you try to do all the work on your own. Get a tutor».
All test takers are in different positions in terms of their target score, their current level, and the speed at which they learn. However, most will benefit from concentrating on their preparation and not rushing. The exam is not something to be scared of, but something to be respected. Give it the attention it deserves.
By BeatTheGMAT
Back to top