The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a multiple-choice, computer-based exam that is employed all around the world for acceptance into graduate management/business programs (such as MBA programs).
The GMAT is prepared and managed by test maker GMAC (Graduate Management Admission Council) to allow business schools to estimate the preparedness of the students for graduate-level academic work through common measures. The business school admission committees analyze your GMAT score, along with your work experience, academic record, supporting materials, etc to check if you are ready for the rigorous work and challenges of the MBA program.
A high score on the GMAT exam will have a direct and positive impact on your selection application to the business school.
What Are The Contents Of The GMAT Exam?
The GMAT test is a test which contains questions based on facts and rules, which encompasses grammar as well as quantitative concepts in arithmetic, algebra, statistics, and geometry. The primary motive of the test is to analyze your critical thinking skills.
It is conducted to examine and evaluate the capability of the student in quant and verbal material, logical thinking, and providing problem solutions with time restrictions. The key to cracking GMAT is knowing how to reason the question and scan the information efficiently.
What Are The Different Sections In The GMAT Exam?
The exam consists of four different sections, all requiring critical thinking and analysis skills. All the sections of the test are scored separately. Two sections that are quant and verbal ability may be combined to generate the total final score.
The four sections are –
- Quantitative
- Verbal
- Integrated reasoning
- Analytical writing assessment
The GMAT test takers can select the order in which they want to attempt their test sections at the beginning of the test. The majority of test takers choose to start with the quant section. Around one-third of the test, takers pick verbal ability as their beginning section.
When it comes to preparing for any exam, having an idea about what type of questions can appear in the exam is very important. GMAT is no exception. When it comes to GMAT, gmat practice tests online serve four basic purposes.
The purpose the mock test serves will depend upon the stage of preparation the student is at. The stages are –
- Mock test discloses strengths and weaknesses
When you do GMAT preparation online, there are many topics to be covered. The mock test tells about all the topics in which the student is strong and the topic in which he lacks. It tells about all the mistakes that the test taker has made during the test which helps in examining the topics in which the student suffers.
If you are beginning your GMAT preparation online then you must take the GMAT practice test online as it will point out your strengths and weaknesses at the start.
- Mock test discloses gaps in test-taking strategies
While taking the test you will realize that you are aware of the concepts but are unable to keep up with other factors like timing, nature of the test, etc. Taking a mock test reveals all these gaps.
- The mock test creates stamina
Students find it problematic to sit through the entire test without feeling fatigued. No student is in the continuous habit of sitting and focusing for a prolonged period. Mock tests help in building stamina and increasing concentration levels for the actual test.
- Mock Test Represents The Preparedness For The Final Test
When you take a mock test, you know about your current preparedness. These scores are reliable and help in predicting the final score.
Some Tips Which Will Help In GMAT Practice Test Online
The following tips must be kept in mind while giving the GMAT practice test online –
- Prioritize Official Practice Tests
The students have an option to either attempt official or unofficial practice exams or both. Although the student must take multiple exams throughout the preparation, it is a good idea to prioritize the test papers posted by mba.com.
GMAC, which is responsible for administering and developing the GMAT exam, writes these practice tests and so they are the closest tests you can get to the final exam.
- Practice Under Practical Conditions
Recreate the conditions as close as you can to the actual GMAT test. Make sure you give the test at the appropriate time and take it to your computer. Adaptive exams are another method to duplicate the test-taking atmosphere. Try to dodge distractions and learn how to concentrate under realistic testing conditions.
- Review Mistakes After Every Exam
After taking the practice exam, inspect your guesses and incorrect responses. Numerous GMAT practice tests deliver elaborate score reports and justifications for each question. Determine where you went awry.
Did you make an incorrect inference or misread the question? Checking your mistakes will help you improve in the future course of time.
- Use Elimination Strategy
Do not spend too much time on a question that you are unable to solve. Do not get gripped with giving the correct answers. If you get stuck on a tricky question, mark the answer which is nearest to your answer and move on to the subsequent question.
- Keep A Check On The Time
With little time, creating your speed is of supreme significance. Concentrate more on the spot which is taking too much of your time. For example, if your Quantitative section is taking too much of your time then work on enhancing your quants skills. Crack the GMAT practice exam every day and mold your speed.
- Do Not Stick To One Question
There is a disadvantage in case you don’t finish every section of the exam. Also, unanswered questions drop your score. Rather than spending the majority of time on one tricky question, give an equal amount of time to all. Avoid spending more than two and a half minutes on a single question.
Wrapping Up
Mock tests or practice papers go a long way in the success of the student in cracking the GMAT exam. It depends upon the strategy used by the student whether he will be successful or not.