The Ultimate Guide to GMAT Preparation

March 02, 2024 :: Admissionado Team

You’ve made the exciting decision to apply for your MBA, and you feel confident. You have impressive professional accomplishments, recommenders cheering you on, and a compelling argument for admission. But the mere thought of sitting down for the GMAT, perhaps your first standardized test in nearly a decade, makes you question your decision. You’re not alone! The GMAT has a special power to induce anxiety. However, with the right preparation strategy, you can conquer this exam and unlock a GMAT score that will put you in the running for a top program.

Why Does the GMAT Matter?

If you have committed to pursuing an MBA, you have committed to taking the GMAT. The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is an integral part of your MBA application. It’s used by over 2,300 schools globally to assess your quantitative, analytical, and verbal abilities. A good score on the GMAT demonstrates to the admissions committee that you can handle the program’s academic demands. Moreover, a higher GMAT score can elevate your profile, especially when comparing candidates with similar backgrounds.

Predictor of Success or Marketing Tool?

Business schools attract and choose from the most talented applicants, and a key metric influencing their program ranking is the average GMAT score of incoming students. Publications like US News & World Report use these scores to rank programs. Thus, elite schools often accept applicants with high GMAT scores to maintain their rankings. Therefore, performing well on the GMAT is crucial for securing a place in a top program.

What’s on the GMAT?

The GMAT consists of four sections:

• Analytical Writing Assessment: This section involves writing an essay analyzing an argument. It assesses your ability to think critically and communicate your ideas.
• Integrated Reasoning: This section measures your ability to evaluate information presented in multiple formats from multiple sources. You’ll encounter questions involving tables, graphs, and multi-source reasoning.
• Quantitative: This section tests your ability to analyze data and draw conclusions using reasoning skills. You’ll face problem-solving and data sufficiency questions.
• Verbal: This section evaluates your ability to read and understand written material, evaluate arguments, and correct written material to conform to standard written English.

Your test score ranges from 200-800 points, based on your performance in the quantitative and verbal sections. The GMAT uses Computer Adaptive Testing (CAT), which means it adjusts the difficulty level of questions in real-time based on your answers. This adaptive nature ensures that no two tests are identical.

What is a Good GMAT Score?

If you’re aiming for a top MBA program, you need to measure up against the average GMAT score of admitted students. While a lower score doesn’t necessarily disqualify you, having a score above the class average significantly enhances your chances of admission.

Best GMAT Preparation Strategies

The best GMAT prep strategy is influenced by several variables, including your work schedule, learning style, application timeline, and budget. Here are some primary and supplemental strategies to consider:

Primary Strategies:

1. In-person Class:
   • A good fit for: Those who thrive in a group setting, have a predictable schedule, and/or need to practice every section of the GMAT
   • Avoid if: You can’t commit to the class time
   • Average Cost and time commitment: $1200-1800, ~25-30 hours of class time
2. Live Online Class:
   • A good fit for: Those who need structured coaching on all sections of the GMAT, but can’t commit to an in-person class 
   • Avoid if: Your work hours are too unpredictable
   • Average Cost and time commitment: $800-1,500, ~15-18 hours of live virtual class time 
3. One-on-One Tutoring:
   • A good fit for: If you need to significantly boost your score, this will be worth the additional investment
   • Avoid if: Besides cost, there is really no downside to this approach, though be sure to interview potential coaches beforehand to ensure their teaching style will be a good fit.
   • Average cost and time commitment: $2,500-$3,000 for 10-40 hours of instruction
4. Video Prep:
   • A good fit for: This strategy provides great value if you only need to significantly boost your score in one particular section, or if you have an unpredictable schedule
   • Avoid if: Video prep can work as an excellent supplement, but if you need a lot of coaching and only want to sign up for one thing, it’s probably not the best choice.
   • Average cost: Free pre-recorded videos outlining GMAT concepts are widely available, with options up to $1,000 that will also include practice test questions 

Supplemental Strategies:

1. Books:
   • Benefits: Portable and allows you to study at your own pace.
   • Avoid if: Similar to video prep, this may work best as a supplement to your test prep strategy, but can’t make up for person-to-person instruction.
   • Average cost: $25-45
2. Forums:
   • Benefits: Pick up GMAT tips from people who have increased their scores, budget-friendly source for GMAT test prep guidance.
   • Avoid if: Like anything on the Internet, there is no guarantee of the information’s reliability. This is not a replacement for learning from a respected class or coach. 
   • Average cost: Free
3. Practice Test Questions:
   • Benefits: Familiarize yourself with the test format, sample GMAT test questions, assess which areas you need to prioritize in your study 
   • Avoid if: Don’t avoid! Consider this a mandatory step in your test prep strategy, no matter what else you may be doing.
   • Average cost: $50-$150

GMAT Preparation: Tips For Each Section

Analytical Writing Assessment:

Let’s start by taking a look at the Analytical Writing Section. This essay-based section is centered on the analysis of an argument that has several serious flaws in its logic and conclusions. A short prompt will be presented to the reader in which a business-related argument will be made and the reader will be asked to write an essay that identifies these flaws. Some of the most common flawed reasoning used include: Unclear or misstated causes and effects, lack of evidence for a claim, and overgeneralizations. You’ll have 30 minutes for this section of the test, so being efficient in your response approach is a must. The best way to develop that skill is PRACTICE. Find a bank of questions from prior years (there are many available free online) and practice the following procedure:

• Take notes: As you read the prompt, try to identify the major flaws in the argument being made, and pair it with a short sentence that you think could approximate your rebuttal.
• Outline your response: After you’ve identified the major flaws in the argument presented, create a brief outline using your notes. This should be in a standard 400-500 word essay format, including an introduction, two or three body paragraphs, and a conclusion paragraph that recaps your rebuttal to the argument being made.
• Write with attention to detail: It’s important to note that there is no spell check in the GMAT essay program, so turn off yours too! When you’re done, turn it back on and pay attention to any spelling or grammar mistakes, as they will lower your score. Additionally, as in any good argumentative essay, stick to the facts and use specific evidence for your assertions. 

Be sure to diversify the kinds of prompts that you’re practicing with so that you’re better prepared for anything the GMAT may throw at you, and use a timer in your practice sessions so that you can get used to the pressure of being on the clock. 

Integrated Reasoning:

The Integrated Reasoning section of the GMAT is intended to assess an applicant’s ability to use data tools such as tables, charts, graphs, and spreadsheets to make business decisions. There are also text-based ‘word problem’ questions that ask applicants to make conclusions based upon vague or incomplete information. Like the Analytical Writing section, the Integrated Reasoning section is 30 minutes in length.

• Diversify your prep: The Integrated Reasoning questions can be presented in a wide variety of ways and contexts in the exam, so as with the Analytical Writing section, training yourself on a diverse set of questions and scenarios is essential. Getting a prep book is probably the easiest solution, but there are more than enough questions available free online if you’re willing to put in the time and Googling. 
• Draw on your own experience: Interpreting data tools such as spreadsheets is a part of most MBA candidates’ everyday work experiences. That doesn’t mean that you should count your work hours as preparation for the Integrated Reasoning GMAT questions, but it does offer up a new way of thinking about the data and situations you encounter at the office. Once you’ve done some online research into the kinds of questions that are presented in the Integrated Reasoning section of the GMAT, you can start to design your own Integrated Reasoning questions using the data you utilize at work. By getting into this reverse engineering mindset, you can make the questions you encounter on the GMAT less intimidating by associating them with your own personal experiences.

Quantitative Reasoning:

The Quantitative Reasoning section of the GMAT is pretty straightforward. It assesses an applicant’s ability to use data and logic to solve quantitative problems. These problems are presented in a multiple-choice format, and applicants have 1 hour to complete this part of the exam. There are two types of questions in the Quantitative Reasoning section: Problem-solving and data sufficiency.

• Brush up on your mental math skills! The GMAT does not allow calculators to be used during the Quantitative Reasoning section of the exam, so it is extremely important that applicants are prepared to use note paper to solve problems, and to do quick mental math.
• Problem Solving Questions: These questions include, but are not limited to, the math you studied in high school. Think percentages, proof logic from geometry class, averages, percentiles, ratios, and so on. There are tons of free online resources for reviewing these concepts, and making a regular practice of sitting down and completing 10-20 of these questions a day should prepare you for the Problem-Solving questions in the Quantitative Reasoning Section. 
• Data Sufficiency Questions: The data sufficiency questions are a little more complicated, but not necessarily more difficult than the Problem-Solving Questions. These are multiple-choice math problems that don’t ask the applicant to answer the math problem itself, but rather to identify whether the data provided gives the reader enough information to answer the problem. A common suggestion is that the first thing applicants should do is memorize the five answers that are available for every Data Sufficiency question:

A: Statement (1) ALONE is sufficient, but statement (2) alone is not sufficient to answer the question asked.

B: Statement (2) ALONE is sufficient, but statement (1) alone is not sufficient to answer the question asked.

C: BOTH statements (1) and (2) TOGETHER are sufficient to answer the question asked, but NEITHER statement ALONE is sufficient to answer the question asked.

D: EACH statement ALONE is sufficient to answer the question asked.

E: Statements (1) and (2) TOGETHER are NOT sufficient to answer the question asked, and additional data specific to the problem are needed.

If you understand these answers, and have a simplified concept of what each one means in your head, you can quickly use multiple choice strategies like answer elimination to hone in on the correct answer. Of course, you’ll want to practice your skills with example questions.

Verbal Reasoning:

The Verbal Reasoning section of the GMAT, similar to the Analytical Writing section, is meant to assess the applicant’s ability to interpret arguments, logic, and reasoning in written form. Instead of responding to the questions with an essay, the Verbal Reasoning section is multiple choice. This section has a 65-minute time limit, and consists of three types of multiple-choice questions: Reading comprehension, critical reasoning, and sentence correction.

• Reading Comprehension Questions: Reading comprehension questions involve reading a short passage and answering related questions on topic, theme, arguments made within the passage, and more. If you have taken either the SAT or ACT, you’ll be familiar with these types of questions, and if you haven’t, online prep materials for those two U.S. undergrad entrance exams are more likely to be free and would be extremely helpful in preparing for the GMAT’s Reading Comprehension questions. Similar to the Problem Solving questions in the Quantitative Reasoning section, applicants should make a habit of practicing 5-10 of these questions a day from readily available free online resources. 
• Critical Reasoning Questions: These questions ask the applicant to read a piece of text, and based upon the multiple choice answers given, analyze the argument that is being made. These questions often ask the reader to choose the best answer that would either weaken or strengthen the argument being made in the text. Chances are, if you’re already working in a business setting, you’re already doing these kinds of analyses every day. What is the best argument that is going to get this contract signed? How much more information is the buyer going to need to cinch this sale? On top of utilizing free test prep resources to practice these kinds of questions, it’s a good idea to start writing down these daily critical reasoning experiences, and take a couple of minutes to think about how they could be posed as a question in a GMAT format. Similar to the Integrated Reasoning section, getting into the Critical Reasoning mindset at work can help you go a long way towards acing this section. 
• Sentence Correction Questions: For native English speakers, Sentence Correction questions should be the most straightforward of the Verbal Reasoning section. However, if English is not your first language, these questions could prove to be a little more challenging. The questions don’t simply involve fixing grammatical errors, but also include questions on style and clearness of expression. 

A great way to prepare for these kinds of questions is to pick up your favorite economics or business publication, find an article that interests you, and dissect it. Think about how the author structured each paragraph to set up the argument they’re making, and assess how they used clear, concise language to back that argument up. Think Hemingway here: less is more. 

Getting Sentence Correction questions right is also dependent upon having as strong a grasp of English grammar rules as possible. Like most of the other GMAT question types, utilizing free online resources will be useful in brushing up on the more esoteric and confusing aspects of English grammar. 

Other Study Tips

1. Get Started Early: Begin your preparation well in advance of your test date. Early preparation allows for a steady, consistent study schedule.
2. Study Lots: There is a direct correlation between the amount of time you study and your score. Make sacrifices now for a better score later.
3. Diversify Your Study Methods: No single method is perfect. Combine self-study, group study, courses, and practice tests to find what works best for you.
4. Test Early: Aim to take your GMAT by early summer if applying for Round 1 applications. This gives you time to retake the test if necessary.

Tips for a 700+ GMAT Score

Know the GMAT Inside and Out

To get a 700+ score, aka above the 88th percentile, you’re going to have to know the GMAT backwards and forwards. It’s the rare student who can walk in off the street and sit down to see the GMAT for the first time and score above a 700. The majority of students who score above a 700 spend hours and hours studying for the GMAT. If you’re committed to getting a 700+ score, sit down right now and sketch out your intensive GMAT study plan. (Also, text your friends and let them know you’ll get back to them about weekend plans in a couple of months.)

Take some time right away to learn everything you can about the GMAT exam. Read through this complete GMAT guide to better understand the GMAT exam structure, the topics that are tested, and how to find the best study materials for you to use.

Do Well on All Sections

While some GMAT students hope that by scoring really well on just two sections they can get a high score overall, it’s just not possible if your goal is a 700+ score. To break into the 700s, you’re going to have to do well on Quantitative, Verbal, Integrated Reasoning, and the Essay. This means that you can’t ignore any of your weaknesses on any of the sections—you’ll have to work through all of your weak areas to get that 700+ score.

Keep in mind, however, that you can still miss a few GMAT questions on each section and get a score above a 700. You aren’t striving for perfection, so don’t feel defeated when you continue to miss questions while you study. That said, you do have to get some of the most challenging questions correct. On that note…

Answer the Hardest Questions Correctly

Not only do you have to work efficiently and accurately through almost all of the GMAT questions to get a score of 700 or higher, you have to be able to answer the most difficult GMAT questions. And keep in mind that the Verbal and Quantitative Sections are done through Computer Adaptive testing, meaning that each question you get right leads to a more difficult question.

This means that for you to get a 700+ score, you’ll need to spend a good deal of your study time working on the most difficult questions from past GMAT exams to get an idea of the level of difficulty you’ll be facing on test day. While those students looking to get an average GMAT score can spend time completing any GMAT practice questions, you’ll need to make sure you are practicing on the most difficult questions.

Dedicate Significant Study Time

Unless you’re one of a lucky few who can sit down a score a 700+ on their first try, you should plan on studying for the GMAT a lot. However, this does not mean that you should plan to study for the GMAT for a long time. You shouldn’t plan on studying for any longer than six months total—after the six-month-mark you’ll stop seeing any benefits from your hours of studying. Instead, you should plan on finding a lot of time in the next 2-4 months to really buckle down and do a lot of GMAT studying, focusing on the most difficult content in each section.

A key part of your GMAT preparation when you’re striving for a 700+ score is taking a lot of GMAT practice tests. You can choose to use Free GMAT Practice Tests or purchase the GMAT Official Guide, which includes 900 real GMAT questions. Either way, be sure to incorporate at least 5 full-length GMAT practice tests into your GMAT study schedule.

Also, don’t forget to schedule time to thoroughly review your practice test results. Go through each question one at a time and make sure you understand what each right answer is the right one. By doing this methodical review, you’ll develop a comprehensive understanding of how GMAT questions are structured and learn the common wrong answer types that will trick other students.

Conclusion

The GMAT is a critical component of your MBA application, and performing well on it can significantly enhance your profile. The key to success lies in thorough preparation, starting early, studying consistently, and using a variety of resources. By following these strategies and tips, you can maximize your GMAT score and secure your spot in a top MBA program. Remember, the effort you put into preparing for the GMAT will pay off when you achieve your dream of attending a prestigious business school.