GenXmanager: Leadership for the Generation X Manager

If you are going to business school to earn your MBA or MS degree, you will likely need to take the GMAT. Depending on the school to which you are applying, the GMAT score you need will vary. Top 25, full-time MBA programs will likely demand a 650 or higher. Regional part-time program will likely demand a 500+ score.

Here are some simple tips to help you succeed and beat the GMAT!

How long should I study for the GMAT?

Spend at least 4 weeks but no more than 8 weeks studying. You need at least four weeks to get to know the test, how it’s structured, and to study and practice. However, studying for more than eight weeks diminishes your returns. Studying two or four additional weeks past eight will not significantly raise your score and will likely increase your anxiety level.

Should I self-study or take a preparation class?

Self-studying is for individuals who are disciplined enough to carve out a few hours each week to study religiously for the GMAT. Those who do well with self-study are also those who tend to “test well” and can pick up concepts by reading. They also can figure out why they got an answer wrong on a practicing question without asking for assistance from a professor.

If you go the self study route make sure you get only one test strategy manual such as the Kaplan GMAT 2008 Premier Program or the Princeton Review Cracking the GMAT with DVD, 2008 Edition . There is no need to buy both. In addition, purchase The Official Guide for GMAT Review. This book is published by the Graduate Management Admissions Council (GMAC), the makers of the GMAT test. The questions in this book are real GMAT questions! Though Kaplan and Princeton do a fine job in teaching you strategy, you need to practice on real problems so there are no surprises the day of the test.

One site that I must share with you is gmatclub.com. This site is an amazing resource for GMAT test takers. When I was studying for the GMAT I posted a problem I could not figure out and asked why the answer was ‘C’ instead of ‘A’. My questions was answered in under 10 minutes. I can’t say enough about this site!Classes, on the other hand, are great for individuals who need the interaction of a professor. A professor can explain concepts, detail strategies, clarify why you got a problem wrong or can show you how to solve a problem more effectively. A book can’t do this. A classroom professor can.

I’ve taken both the Kaplan and the Princeton Review courses and don’t prefer one over the other. They are both excellent and the instructors were amazing. The price, however, is significant (well over $1,000).Look to your local colleges and universities for classes as well. They’ll likely give you the strategies needed to succeed at half the cost of Kaplan and Princeton. Also check out your local community colleges. Sometimes they’ll have quality preparation classes at significantly lower costs.

Finally, there are many GMAT Preparation classes that are available online. Do your research to make sure the course you are looking at is legitimate and has proven methods for the best results. If you find such a class, Google the name of the course and you’ll likely find reviews from those who took the course.

Do I need to do the Analytical Writing (AWA) section?

If the MBA program to which you are applying weighs the math and verbal sections more heavily than the AWA, don’t spend a lot of time and effort on the writing section. Read the question and write what you can, then move on. Don’t stress. If you invest a lot of brainpower and effort in crafting an amazing essay, you will be mentally fatigued by the time you get to what is likely the most important part of the test, the math and verbal sections. So, go into those sections with a fresh mind by just getting through the writing section. Contact the programs to which you are applying and find out how heavily the AWA section is weighted and how it is used.
It’s all about prioritizing and spending your time and mental effort where it counts.

Take a GMAT CAT practice test.

Taking a GMAT CAT practice test is the best way to gauge your potential performance. However, take these tests in a setting similar to those in the actual test center. Go into a quiet room with no distractions. Get a timer and make sure you start and stop each section accurately. Your mental attitude should be the same as test day. Think, “This is the real thing. I need to score high.”

Be Adaptive

The GMAT is an adaptive test and you need to approach the test differently than the old model of the easy questions being in the beginning and the hard questions at the end. Here are a few links that give great strategies:

• http://www.gmathacks.com/cat-strategy/introduction-to-the-gmat-computer-adaptive-test.html
• http://www.treefoundation.gr/cat.htm
• http://www.gmathacks.com/cat-strategy/take-control-of-the-gmat-computer-adaptive-test.html

Take the test on your schedule.

Are you a morning person or do you function better in the afternoon? Tests are offered 8am – 12 noon and 1pm – 5pm. Pick the timeslot that is best for you.

Don’t study the day before and get a good night’s sleep.

Studying the day before will not help so don’t do it. Relax. Go to a movie. Read a book. Have fun with friends. Go to bed an hour earlier than normal and get a good night’s sleep.

Don’t drink a lot of liquids before the test.

Drink enough so you’re not thirsty during the test but don’t drink so much that you’ll need to go to the bathroom 10 minutes after you start the test.

Eat a balanced meal.

Eat so your energy levels are high. Eat a meal that is no less than 60% carbs and no more than 30% fat. A Big Mac, large fries and a Coke is not a good decision. Eat wisely to feel and perform your best during the test.

Relax.

It’s a test not a matter of life and death. Be positive and do your best.

With these tips, I hope you can eliminate your fear of the GMAT and beat the test on your terms.