GMAT Prep for Dummies
A Quick Guide for GMAT Preparation and a few tips!
This is a very simplified guide for GMAT preparation by someone who couldn’t even perform a simple subtraction like 16–4 under test stress (based on a true story) but somehow managed to score a 730 (Q50, V39) with a perfect score in IR and AWA.
First, I would like to set a few expectations. This article will provide a few tips and a basic study structure for each section. This is based on what I did or didn’t do during my prep. Everything might not work for you but I hope you take at least something away from this! : )
Time Required
3 months for preparation including mock tests is more than enough, provided you spend a few hours EVERYDAY on it for those 3 months. An alternative I would suggest is that instead of allotting a specific number of hours, decide how many questions from each section are you going to solve each day.
First Step
Learn how the scoring algorithm works! It is essential to know how you’re going to get scored. You will also understand how difficulty of each question is measured. There are plenty YouTube videos on this. (TL;DR difficulty and weightage of question increases if you answer correctly and decreases if you answer incorrectly).
Once you know the basic algorithm, see the types of questions under each section.
Where to invest?
Invest in practice books and good mock tests instead of joining any coaching institute. GMAT is based on school level mathematics and grammar. For any topic that you might need extra help in, YouTube videos are enough. (Full disclosure: I did join a class but missed most classes and was too sleepy and/or distracted to pay attention in the ones that I managed to attend. So, all in all, no need to join.)
Mock Tests
Mock tests are the most crucial part of your preparation. GMAT scoring algorithm is proprietary therefore only tests available on mba.com are to be trusted 100%. You get two free tests and can buy more from there. They are a little expensive so if you’re looking for an alternative, Manhattan mocks are a good option (This is based on very little research that I’ve done. I’d suggest research other options before you make any decision).
One thing you should avoid focusing on while attempting mocks from anywhere other than mba.com, is the score. As I said earlier the GMAT scoring algorithm is proprietary, therefore, what you might score on these tests might be wayyy off. Instead, focus on which questions you get wrong and which right and whether you’re able to finish the test on time.
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Rough Structure
Start preparing topic wise then move onto section wise questions and/or tests from your reference books and then after you feel a bit confident move onto GMAT Guide. Once you’re done with all questions from the guide, check which topic and which level of questions you are getting wrong (topic and level of every question are given at the end) and work on those topics specifically. There are more than enough questions on GMATClub for you to practice every day.
Once you feel even a little ready, attempt one of the two free tests from mba.com to check where you stand. After that you can attempt whichever practice tests you’ve bought and then finally, the other free test. This final test is a good indication of where you are in your preparation.
Some section wise tips.
Verbal Reasoning:
1. Reading Comprehension: This might seem like one of the easiest parts of the test but if you take into account the time limit, it becomes a little difficult to not waste time during RC. The only way to ace this section is to improve your reading rate. Please note that when I say reading rate, I mean a good rate at which you’re also able to comprehend and register what you’re reading. It should be somewhere around 180–200 words per minute.
The ONLY way to improve your rate it is to read a minimum of two good articles each day. I suggest that you do a blind read of the article i.e. do not read the title. The reason for such a random suggestion is to ensure that you understand what the point of the article is without knowing anything about it.
After each article, calculate your reading rate (total words/total time taken) and browse through the it once more to check how much information you have actually retained. If you remember the basic structure and understand the point of the article, you’re good to go.
2. Sentence Correction: At first, SC questions will seem quite easy but as difficulty level increases all options will seem correct. You cannot solve these questions on the basis of “sounds” correct (Trust me, I’ve tried. Does not work.). You will have to clear basic grammar concepts. For that you can go through Sentence Correction playlist by Wizako on YouTube. It was my savior and I don’t think you will find a better option.
3. Critical Reasoning: I don’t have any particular advice for these questions. They are pretty straightforward. Pick a video on YouTube, learn how to go about these questions and just practice.
Quantitative Analysis:
1. Problem Solving: Again, I don’t have any particular advice for problem solving questions. Start studying topic wise. Memorize all basic formulas for each topic. When you have gone through all topics move on to mixed set of questions. Along with formulas, you need to brush up tables from 1–20, squares from 1–30 and cubes from 1–20 to be able to solve questions quickly. You technically have 2 mins/question but if you solve PS questions quickly you will get more time for DS questions which can sometimes be a little tricky.
2. Data Sufficiency: The goal in a DS question is to figure out whether the given information is sufficient to reach one unique answer. It’s important to realize that you don’t actually need to solve till you get this answer. At any point if you reach an equation which will eventually lead to a single correct answer you can stop.
A point of confusion sometimes can be questions like “Is this true?”. Here if you reach the answer “false”, you might quickly dismiss the option but remember you only need to check whether you get a conclusive unique answer or not. Here, since you reached “false”, the answer to the question “Is this true?” is a conclusive “no”, therefore, you cannot dismiss that option which means sufficient data has been provided.
Finally, memorize the options for DS questions, they don’t change so do not waste your time reading every option each time.
That’s it folks! You’re ready to start your preparation. Good luck!
