The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT), recently popularly known as GMAT Focus Edition 2023 is a standardized test widely used by business schools around the world to assess the aptitude and readiness of candidates for their MBA and other management programs. If you’re considering pursuing a business degree, GMAT preparation is a crucial step on your journey. This guide is designed to help beginners to kick-start their GMAT prep journey with confidence and success.
Before diving into GMAT coaching, take the GMAT focus edition diagnostic test to assess your strengths and weaknesses. This will help you create a tailored study plan. Also, you get to know the difficulty level of the test you’re planning to prepare. GMAT's official website, mba.com offers GMAT Focus full-length free practice test.
Research the average GMAT scores required for your target business schools to gauge where you need to be. Aim for a high, but realistic target score that aligns with your aspirations and the business schools you want to attend. Have a target score for each section.
There is a wide array of practice materials provided by the GMAC, the test provider. The series includes fundamentals, GMAT preparation tips, a question bank, and GMAT focus practice tests. Some of these materials are free to use, while some can be purchased online. For GMAT focus, materials available on mba.com are the only reliable resource for now.
A well-structured study plan that includes all the 3 sections of GMAT focus is essential for GMAT preparation. Determine how much time you can dedicate to study each week and create a schedule that includes fundamental preparation for advanced practice. The plan must include GMAT practice tests at regular intervals and time to do test analysis. Based on the diagnostic test analysis, allocate more time to your weaker areas and also time to improvise your stronger areas.
The concepts tested in the GMAT focus are basics that you have learned in your school days. In the GMAT focus quant section, although the section tests logical and analytical skills, the math behind is basic algebra and arithmetic concepts. For GMAT focus verbal section, focus on grammar, reading, and critical reasoning skills. The data insights section is a combination of quant and verbal. So, start with the basics for each section. Building a strong foundation will help you tackle more challenging questions.
Research various companies or individual tutors who offer GMAT focus coaching classes Ensure you choose the right one that aligns with your requirements. Look for different factors such as tutor expertise, study materials, plan or schedule of the classes to cover all three sections, AI-based tools for practice and analytics, flexibility, individual attention, constructive feedback, and value for money. You can look for reviews, take a demo session, or access free resources of the materials to decide the best GMAT coaching classes. Preparing along with your peers helps you to stay motivated and to be on track.
The GMAT focus is a computer-adaptive test, which means the difficulty level of the questions adjusts based on your performance. If you answer questions correctly, the test becomes harder, and if you answer incorrectly, it becomes easier. You have to make more correct answers at the initial level of the test so that your score increases and the difficulty level increases. Understand this adaptive nature and strategize accordingly. Ensure your practice tests are aligned with this technology.
Incorporate practice tests into your study plan at regular intervals. These tests will help you gauge your progress and become familiar with the test format. Take GMAT focus full-length practice exams under timed conditions to simulate the real test experience. After each practice test, analyze your performance in detail. Identify the errors and maintain an error log. Get feedback from experienced GMAT tutors. They can provide you with insights into your preparation and suggest areas for improvement.
The key to GMAT success is consistent practice. For beginners, GMAT preparation can be challenging, but with the right approach, and dedicated practice, you can achieve your target score and take a significant step toward your MBA and business career aspirations.
