Does the GMAT test you on vocabulary? What vocab words or phrases will you need to know to succeed on the GMAT? In this article, I’ll give you a foundational GMAT vocabulary list and study strategies for learning the GMAT vocab that will help you excel on the exam.

How Does the GMAT Test Vocabulary?

First and foremost, the GMAT does not test you directly on vocabulary words. While you need strong reading, writing, and communication skills to succeed in business school, sophisticated vocabulary is not as much of a focus as it would be in an academic grad program (say, in the humanities). You won’t be asked to provide definitions, find synonyms, complete analogies, or demonstrate your knowledge of highly sophisticated vocab. So don’t worry about memorizing any vocabulary for the GMAT!

You will, of course, need to have a good grasp of high-school and college-level English vocabulary in order to succeed in the Verbal section. Sentence Correction questions (which require you to correct errors in grammar and sentence structure) don’t require much knowledge of high-level vocab, though it certainly doesn’t hurt. The Reading Comprehension and Critical Reasoning question types don’t usually include very complex vocab, but you do need to know some key terms in order to understand what’s being asked of you. Let me show you what I mean.

Your GMAT Vocabulary List: The GMAT Vocab You Need to Know

Below are some common words that you’ll see in instructions, questions, and answer choices on the GMAT, especially in the Verbal section.

You won’t need to know an exact definition of each of these words, but you do need to know how each of them will be used in the context of the exam. Even if you’re already familiar with the word itself, you may not know how it will be used on the GMAT. For each word, I’ve provided an explanation of how it’s used in the test and an example sentence. Use them as a starting point for your GMAT vocab prep.

Analyze: To examine something (usually a passage or argument, in the context of the GMAT) and break it down into its constituent parts; to inspect in detail. The Analytical Writing Assessment asks you to analyze and critique a given argument.

Assertion: A statement, usually backed up by some kind of solid proof or reasoning. Synonyms include ‘claim’ and ‘contention.’

Assumption: The underlying reasoning of an argument. ‘Premise’ is a synonym. You’ll be asked about the assumptions of various arguments frequently in Critical Reasoning questions in the Verbal section.

Cite: To refer back to your source or reasoning.

Claim: An assertion, argument, or statement.

Contention: Can mean a conflict or clash. In the context of the GMAT, usually refers to an argument or assertion, especially a controversial one. The verb form is ‘to contend.’

Corroborate: To support or validate an existing opinion, belief, or argument. Other synonyms include ‘verify’ and ‘confirm.’ Often used in the phrase ‘corroborating evidence.’

Faulty: Some Critical Reasoning questions may ask you if or how an argument is faulty. Faulty is a synonym for ‘flawed’ or ‘invalid.’ An argument is faulty if there’s a gap in its logic, or if the conclusion reaches doesn’t flow logically from its premise.

Imply: To imply is to suggest based on evidence (but not state explicitly). The adjective form is ‘implicit,’ which is the opposite of ‘explicit’ (overt or clear). Many students get confused between ‘imply’ and ‘infer.’ They are similar, but not exactly alike. An inference is a conclusion we can reasonably draw based on given evidence. An implication is a strong suggestion that is not directly stated.

Infer/Inference: To infer is to conclude based on given evidence/information. When a Critical Reasoning question asks you to draw a conclusion based on a passage, it is asking you to make an inference.

Maintain: In the context of the GMAT, ‘maintain’ means to argue, assert, or contend, particularly repeatedly or after opposition.

Mitigate: To lessen, diminish, or render less extreme or severe. Often used in the phrase ‘mitigating circumstances,’ which refers to circumstances that make a crime more understandable but don’t entirely exonerate someone of his/her crime.

Paradox: This is common in Critical Reasoning questions on the Verbal section. A paradox is something that is seemingly contradictory or doesn’t make sense, or two facts that don’t seem to coexist logically. Clues that a GMAT question may be asking you to identify a paradox are words like ‘discrepancy’ and ‘contradiction.’

Posit: To posit is to present an argument or hypothesis about something that is currently unknown or uncertain.

Premise: A premise is a statement upon which an argument or theory is based.

Redundancy: ‘Redundancy’ refers to something (a word, phrase, or piece of information) that’s repetitive and thus meaningless or unnecessary. It comes up most commonly in Sentence Correction questions, which ask you to eliminate redundancy in the answer choice you choose.

Sufficient: Data Sufficiency questions, on the Quant section, ask you if a given piece of information is ‘sufficient’ to solve a problem or complete an equation. ‘Sufficient,’ in the context of the GMAT, means ‘enough on its own.’ In other words, could you answer this question or solve this problem or equation with only that numerical value or piece of information?

Undermine: To weaken or invalidate (usually an argument, in the context of the GMAT).

Validate: Often used interchangeably with ‘corroborate.’ (See above entry).

Warranted: ‘Warranted’ means justified, deserved, or necessary.

How to Study GMAT Vocab: 4 Strategies

If you struggle with the GMAT Verbal section, you’ll want to develop some study strategies to improve your GMAT vocabulary.

#1: Do Some “Required Reading”

Particularly if you find in your prep that you find some of the vocabulary on your GMAT practice tests intimidating, it can be helpful to do some reading in similar styles to what you’ll see on the exam. The Economist, Popular Science, Psychology Today, and The New York Times can all be good resources for your GMAT prep. Reading magazines and newspapers like these will help you get familiar with the vocab you’ll see on the exam and allow you to practice your reading comprehension skills.

#2: Practice With Real Questions

You can use resources like GMATPrep free software to take official GMAT prep tests and practice with GMAT vocabulary in action. When you review questions, even ones you got right, try to break down the questions into their relevant parts and determine where you tripped up. What is being asked of you? How is “conclusion” being used different in one question than it was in another? How did you figure out what an author’s “assumption” was? Thinking backwards like this can help you to identify gaps and confusion in your GMAT-specific vocabulary.

#3: Make Your Own Unique GMAT Vocab List

When you go over your practice tests, it can be helpful to create a GMAT vocabulary list of all the words you’re unsure of in instructions, questions, passages, and answer choices. Use this personalized GMAT vocabulary list to create vocabulary flashcards and then study a few each day. This strategy won’t be necessary for everyone, but it can make a big difference if you’re a non-native English speaker or just struggling with understanding the GMAT questions.

#4: Practice Figuring Out Meanings From Context

You might encounter some unfamiliar words on the GMAT, but since you aren’t asked to provide direct definitions or synonyms, you can usually interpret their meaning from the overall passage. When you go over your practice tests, pick out a few unfamiliar words and try to discern their meanings from context. This is an important skill to build, as you can 1) start to learn the most commonly used vocab words on the GMAT and 2) begin to define vocab words in context more quickly and easily, which will be helpful on exam day.

Review: What You Need to Know About GMAT Vocabulary

• The GMAT doesn’t test you specifically on vocab words.

• However, you will need to know what questions are asking you, especially on the Verbal section.

• Use the GMAT vocab list I provided to begin your study of vocabulary and supplement it with your own words as you continue.

• To study GMAT vocabulary, read relevant high-level materials, practice with real GMAT questions, make your own GMAT vocab list and flashcards, and practice figuring out word meaning from context.

What’s Next?

For tips on the Verbal section, check out our guide to mastering the three types of GMAT verbal questions.

To master the Analytical Writing Assessment, head over to our guide to acing the Analytical Writing Assessment for some strategies.

If you’d like a further breakdown of the overall GMAT structure, our guide to the GMAT format will unpack it all for you by section and question type.

The post The Only 20 GMAT Vocabulary Words You Must Know appeared first on Online GMAT Prep Blog by PrepScholar.

Studying for and planning to take the GMAT can be a confusing process. No wonder you have questions!

We’ll answer all the key GMAT FAQs right here, covering a wide range of issues such as logistics; content, planning, and preparation; format and delivery; scores; and business school admissions.

Article Roadmap: GMAT FAQs

• GMAT Logistics
• GMAT Content, Planning, and Preparation
• GMAT Format and Delivery
• GMAT Scores
• Business School Admissions

GMAT FAQ: Logistics

These GMAT FAQs address the basics of taking the GMAT, including costs, scheduling, and registration.

#1: How Do I Register for the GMAT?

You can register for the GMAT at mba.com (the official GMAT website). After you create an account, you can select your testing date, time, and location by clicking on “Register for the GMAT” under “The GMAT Exam” on the main page.

You can also register by phone by calling GMAT Customer Service. Keep in mind that there’s a $10 phone service fee.

#2: How Much Does the GMAT Cost?

Scheduling a GMAT appointment costs $250. You can pay for your GMAT registration with credit or debit card, money order, cashier’s check, or personal check.

GMAT vouchers (which allow students who can demonstrate financial need to take a test for free) are not available through the Graduate Management Admissions Council (GMAC), but you can find them through external organizations like the Edmund S. Muskie Graduate Fellowship Program and the Fulbright Foundation. 

#3: How Often Can I Take the GMAT?

You can take the GMAT up to five times every 12 months.

You can’t take the GMAT more than once in a 16-day period, or more than eight times total.

#4: Can I Reschedule a GMAT Appointment?

You can reschedule by logging into your personal GMAT account at mba.com, but there’s a fee. If you reschedule your exam more than seven days before your appointment, it’ll cost you $50; if you reschedule seven days or fewer before your GMAT appointment, there’s a $250 fee.

You can’t reschedule or cancel the GMAT 24 hours or less before your exam appointment. Find more information about rescheduling the GMAT here.

#5: Can I Retake the GMAT?

You can take the GMAT up to five times every 12 months.

About a third of students retake the GMAT, and business schools don’t look down on it, especially if your score improves with each retake. About 10% of applicants have taken the GMAT three or more times.

GMAT FAQ: Content, Planning, and Preparation

These GMAT FAQs address what skills and concepts are tested on the GMAT, as well as how to best prepare for the exam.

#6: What Material Is Tested on the GMAT?

Each section of the GMAT tests essential skills that you will need in business school as well as in a subsequent career in business.

The analytical writing assessment includes a 30-minute essay prompt that tests your ability to analyze a given argument and communicate effectively in standard English. It includes one analysis of an argument question, which will ask you to unpack and critique a given argument in essay format.

The integrated reasoning section asks you to synthesize and analyze information presented in different formats (such as text, graphics, and charts) and from different sources and to solve problems based on complex information that has to be integrated. It includes graphics interpretation, two-part analysis, table analysis, and multi-source reasoning questions.

The quantitative section tests your skills in secondary school-level math, as well as your ability to analyze and solve numerical problems, evaluate graphs, and determine whether or not you have enough available data to answer a given question. It includes problem solving and data sufficiency questions.

The verbal section tests your ability to apply logical reasoning to analyze arguments, implement grammar rules, and understand complex reading passages. Overall, the section tests your ability to read, write, and reason in written standard English. It includes reading comprehension, sentence correction, and critical reasoning questions.

#7: How Should I Prepare for the GMAT?

Take an initial practice test with the GMATPrep Software to gauge your current level.

Next, to improve your score, target your weaknesses. Determine your weak spots by section and by question type. You should devote study time to every section, but you should spend the highest number of prep hours on the areas in which you struggle.

Your prep time should be divided between practice tests (using computerized adaptive practice exams whenever possible), sets of practice questions, reading test-taking strategies, and drills of particular skills. In addition, a review of basic math concepts and the rules of English grammar should be incorporated into your study plan. Find out more about preparing for the GMAT here.

#8: Where Can I Find Prep Material for the GMAT?

The best source of GMAT prep material is the Official GMATPrep Software, which you can download with an account at mba.com. It includes two full-length computerized adaptive practice GMATs, practice questions, and a math review. Other official practice materials include [links] the GMATPrep Exam Collection and Question Pack, the Integrated Reasoning Prep Tool, GMAT Write (which will help with the analytical writing assessment), and the GMAT Focus Online Quantitative Diagnostic Tool.

Find out more about GMAT prep materials here.

#9: How Long Should I Study for the GMAT?

Obviously the amount of time you spend studying depends on your current skill level, your target score, and your particular circumstances. However, a good rule of thumb is to prepare for at least three months before taking the GMAT if you want to improve your score by a modest amount—say, 30-50 points. This assumes that you are studying regularly throughout the week (approximately 10 hours a week).

If you need a more substantial boost in your score, it’s best to plan for six months of regular study if you can. This will ensure that you are familiar not only with the concepts tested on the GMAT, but with the nuances of the exam and the format as well, and that you have ample time to target your weaknesses.

#10: What Math Is on the GMAT?

The quant section tests basic math concepts in the areas of algebra, geometry, and arithmetic.

The GMAT quant section is divided into problem-solving questions and data sufficiency questions. Data sufficiency questions will ask you whether, given a question and two statements containing data, whether the data in the two statements are enough, or ‘sufficient,’ for answering the question.

Since you won’t have a calculator on the quant section, it’s also important to practice doing calculations in your head as part of your GMAT prep.

GMAT FAQ: Format and Delivery

The answers to these GMAT FAQs will go over what the GMAT will look like, how it will be delivered, and what to expect on the day of the exam.

#11: What Is the GMAT Format?

The GMAT consists of four separately scored sections. Let’s take a look at them.

As of July 2017, you can select the order in which you complete the sections of the GMAT. Find out more about this change here.

The analytical writing assessment requires you to complete an essay using a basic text editor.

The multiple-choice integrated reasoning section contains questions with multiple parts, all of which you’ll have to answer in order for your response to be marked as “correct.”

The multiple-choice quantitative section consists of data sufficiency questions, which ask you to decide whether given data would be sufficient to answer a question or solve an equation, and problem-solving questions (word problems).

The multiple-choice verbal section consists of reading comprehension questions with both short (about 200 words) and long (300-400 word) passages, critical reasoning (logic) questions, and sentence correction (grammar) questions.

The verbal and quantitative sections of the GMAT are always delivered in computerized adaptive format. All sections of the GMAT are completed on a computer. No paper GMAT is available.

#12: How Long Is the GMAT?

In total, the GMAT takes about 3.5 hours to complete (including breaks). The analytical writing assessment is 30 minutes long, and the integrated reasoning section is 30 minutes. The quantitative section takes 62 minutes, and the verbal section takes 65 minutes. 

There are two optional eight-minute breaks during the test.

#13: What Is a Computerized Adaptive Test (CAT)?

A computerized adaptive test adjusts to your skill level in real time as you take the GMAT. A computerized algorithm will determine the difficulty level of the questions you will receive, and your score, based on your answers.

You will begin the exam with questions of medium difficulty. If you complete “medium” questions correctly, you will receive more difficult questions. If you complete ‘medium’ questions incorrectly, you will receive easier questions. Your score will be determined not only by how many questions you answer correctly or incorrectly, but by how many questions of each difficulty level you answer correctly.

#14: Can I Use a Calculator on the GMAT?

You will have access to an onscreen calculator with basic functions during the integrated reasoning section. You will not have access to a calculator on the quantitative section, but don’t worry: You will not be asked to complete detailed or exact calculations for quant questions.

#15: Will I Get Scratch Paper on the GMAT?

Yes, you will get a double-sided, laminated scratch pad the size of a standard legal pad to use during the GMAT. You can write on the scratch pad with non-permanent markers that will be provided to you on the day of the test. You can ask the proctor for a new scratch pad at any time during the exam.

You can practice with Manhattan Prep’s simulation GMAT scratch pad while you take practice tests at home.

GMAT FAQ: Scores

In these GMAT FAQs, we’ll go over how the GMAT is scored, what your score means, and how long it will take to receive your score reports.

#16: How Is the GMAT Scored?

The four sections of the GMAT are scored separately. Your total score, between 200 and 800 (what people are generally referring to when they say “GMAT score”) reflects the combination of your verbal and quant scores. You will also receive individual verbal and quantitative scores between 0 and 60. On the integrated reasoning section, you’ll receive a score from 1-8.

The analytical writing assessment is scored by two graders. You’ll receive a score from 0-6 in half-point increments. Find out more about how the GMAT is scored here.

#17: What’s a Good GMAT Score?

While the average GMAT score is usually around 550, you’ll need a 600 or over to get into most top 50 business schools. For top 10 schools, a 700+ score is expected of most incoming students. At particularly elite programs like Harvard or Stanford, you’ll usually need a score of 720 or higher to be admitted.

What matters most is that your GMAT score gets you into the business school of your choice. To find the average GMAT score of the most recent incoming students at your MBA programs of choice, check out the most recent class profile at each of your prospective schools. Find out more about how to find out if your score will get you into your favorite business school here.

#18: What’s the Average GMAT Score?

The average GMAT score for all test-takers is 551.94. The average score on the analytical writing assessment is 4.37; on the integrated reasoning section, it’s 4.23.

The average verbal score is 26.8, and the average quant score is 38.91.

Remember that average scores aren’t a good barometer of where your score should land in order for you to get into an MBA program. Competitive business schools will expect scores much higher than the average.

#19: How Long Does It Take to Get GMAT Scores?

You’ll get an unofficial score report for every section except the analytical writing assessment at the testing location immediately after you take your exam. You’ll receive an official score report approximately 20 days after you take the GMAT.

You will be able to choose five schools to send your scores to before you take the exam. Those schools will receive your official score report approximately 20 days after your GMAT appointment. Additional score reports, which can be ordered online, cost $28 each and will be sent to the schools you select within a week.

GMAT FAQ: Applying to Business School

These FAQ address how your GMAT scores will affect your chances in the MBA admissions process.

#20: Do I Need to Take The GMAT for Business School?

Many business schools accept the GRE instead of the GMAT, but most do require one or the other as part of the admissions process.

A few business schools don’t require the GMAT. In particular, executive MBA programs—accelerated, advanced programs designed for working professionals or students with extensive relevant work experience—often accept GMAT waivers if you can demonstrate a certain number of years of work experience, success in former leadership roles, and/or a record of high academic achievement.

#21: What GMAT Score Do I Need to Get Into Business School?

At top 10 business schools, average GMAT scores of incoming students are above 700. A score of 720 or over will help you stand out among your peers in the admissions process.

At mid-ranking programs, a GMAT score of 600 or over is a fairly safe bet.

To find out more about the average GMAT scores at your prospective business schools, check out the class profiles of the most recent incoming class at each of your chosen MBA programs. Find out more about what GMAT score you’ll need to get into an MBA program here.

#22: Can I Get Into an MBA program With a Low GMAT Score?

There’s no cutoff GMAT score below which you absolutely can’t get into an MBA program.

Some students with lower scores are admitted to high-ranking MBA programs, but they are outliers. Usually, if a student with a lower score is admitted, he or she has an especially impressive work history or some especially exceptional achievement, such as awards or special recognition.

GMAT FAQ: Takeaways

In the GMAT FAQ, we’ve covered many common questions related to the GMAT, including logistics, content and preparation, format and delivery, scores, and MBA admissions. Hopefully we’ve helped you cut to the chase so that you understand the nuts and bolts of the GMAT and feel ready to prepare for the test.

What’s Next?

Choosing a 2017 GMAT test date? Our expert guide will help you.

Now that you know the basics about the GMAT, look up the most common GMAT mistakes and how to avoid them here.

To learn more about the relative difficulty of the exam, check out How Hard is the GMAT?

The post GMAT FAQ: 22 of Your Biggest Questions, Answered appeared first on Online GMAT Prep Blog by PrepScholar.

In this GMAT study guide, I’ll walk you through the GMAT study process from start to finish. First, I’ll talk about why studying for the GMAT is worth the time and effort. Next, I’ll talk about the GMAT itself – the format of the test and what it covers. Then, I’ll give a brief overview of each of the sections of test, discussing the content and format of each.

After that, I’ll move into talking about how to set a goal score, create your GMAT study plan, and stick to it. Finally, I’ll talk about the practice itself. I’ll tell you where to find study materials and give you some tried and true study strategies for both the test as a whole and each individual section.

By the end, you’ll have a clear idea of where to start to study for the GMAT.

Why Should I Study for the GMAT?

Studying for the GMAT is a big commitment. Why should you do it? What will studying accomplish? Here are three important ways that studying for the GMAT can help you achieve your goals.

#1: Raise Your Score

Using a GMAT study guide with clear goals and objectives is the best way to raise your GMAT score. If you’re looking to achieve a certain goal score, setting up a clear and achievable GMAT study plan will help you reach your goals. Without a clear GMAT study guide, you’ll likely struggle to find time to study amongst all of your responsibilities. It’ll also be hard to ensure that you’re covering all the topics you need to improve on.

#2: Build Your Skills in Different Areas

When you study for the GMAT, you help to build your skills in different areas. The GMAT tests many different skills across a wide variety of content areas. Very few test-takers are good at every single skill when they start thinking about taking the GMAT. By studying, you’ll be able to improve in areas of weakness and strengthen the areas that you’re already doing well on.

#3: Feel Confident on Test Day

Using a GMAT study guide to plan out your GMAT prep will help you feel more confident on test day. You’ll walk into the test center knowing what types of questions will be on the test, what the test format will be like, and how much time you’ll have, so that you’re comfortable and ready to go.

What’s on the GMAT, Anyway?

The GMAT is made up of four total section and has a total exam time of three hours and 30 minutes. Let’s look at what’s covered on each section of the test.

*Total Score is made up of the scaled scores from your Verbal and Quantitative sections. For more info, check out our GMAT Total Score guide.

Analytical Writing Assessment

The GMAT Analytical Writing Assessment tests your ability to think critically and clearly communicate your ideas.

During this section, you’ll be asked to analyze the reasoning behind a given argument and write a critique of that argument.

Integrated Reasoning

The GMAT Integrated Reasoning section is the newest section of the GMAT. It’s designed to measure skills that you’ll need to do well in today’s advanced, data-driven world.

The Integrated Reasoning tests your ability to evaluate information given in multiple formats and from multiple sources with four question types: graphics interpretation, two-part analysis, table analysis, and multi-source reasoning.

Quant Section

The GMAT Quant section tests your ability to analyze data and draw conclusions using reasoning skills. It covers basic math concepts, such as arithmetic, algebra, and geometry. Contrary to popular belief, the GMAT quant section doesn’t test advanced math concepts.

There are two types of questions on the GMAT quant: data sufficiency and problem solving.

Verbal Section

The GMAT Verbal section tests your ability to read, understand, evaluate, and edit different types of written material.

There are three types of questions on the GMAT verbal: reading comprehension, critical reasoning, and sentence correction. The reading comprehension question type tests your ability to read and understand written material. The critical reasoning question type tests your ability to reason and evaluate arguments. The sentence correction question type tests your ability to identify errors and correct material to standard written English.

Creating Your GMAT Study Plan

Now that you know more about the GMAT, let’s talk about how you can create the best GMAT study plan to meet your goals.

Step 1: Set Your GMAT Goal Score

First, put together a list of all the business school programs that you’d like to attend. When you’re putting together your list, think about why you would like to attend each of these programs.

Next, research the average GMAT scores of the business schools that you want to apply to. You can find this information in a number of places. Most schools share this information on the program’s admissions page. You can also try calling the admissions department if you can’t find the info there. Other third party sources, like US News, also list the average GMAT scores of many schools.

Add the average GMAT scores for each school to your list of business school programs that you’re interested in. Find the highest average GMAT score of all the programs.

You want to set a score goal that’s about twenty points higher than the highest average GMAT score. This helps make sure you’ll be above the acceptable score range for all of your programs.

Step 2: Take a Practice Test

Your next step is to take a GMAT practice test if you haven’t already done so. Taking a GMAT practice test helps you get an idea of where you’re currently scoring and helps you understand what taking the test is actually like.

The best way to do this is to download the free GMATPrep software so you can take an official practice test.

Try to replicate the exam day as closely as possible. So, make sure you’re taking the test timed, in one sitting, and in a quiet place with few interruptions. This helps ensure you get the most accurate practice score.

You’ll automatically receive all of your scores, except for the score for you Analytical Writing Assessment. For more information about what a GMAT total score is, check out our guide (link).

Step 3: Analyze Your Weaknesses

Understanding your weaknesses is a great way to make substantial gains to your GMAT score.

Use your practice test scores to get a better picture of your strengths and weaknesses as a GMAT test taker. Try to identify patterns: did you miss every sentence correction question? Are you better at the Verbal section than the Quant section? Did you miss every single Integrated Reasoning question? Asking and answering these questions will help you focus your prep by highlighting the sections you need to spend the most time on.

Step 4: Figure Out How Many Hours You’ll Need to Study

Now that you’ve figured out your baseline score, compare that to your goal score. Figure out how many points you are away from meeting your goal score.

I’ve included estimates of approximately how many hours you need to study in order to increase your score by a certain number of points.

• 0 – 50 points, 100 hours
• 51 – 100 points, 120 hours
• 101 – 150 points, 160 hours

Step 5: Create Your GMAT Study Schedule

Now that you’ve figured out how many hours you need to study total, figure out how many hours each week you can study.

Be realistic about this. You want your study time to be productive. You also want to make sure you’re not neglecting your other work or responsibilities. If you set a practice schedule that’s too packed, you might end up frustrated and burned out.

Divide the total number of hours you need to study by the number of hours you can study each week. That’s the number of weeks you need to study.

So if you need to study 120 hours and you can study for 10 hours each week, you will need to study for 12 weeks.

You may also want to build in time for retakes. You can take the GMAT up to five times in a 12 month period, but you have to wait for at least 16 days between exams.

If you choose which schools to send your test scores before you take the GMAT, the schools will receive your scores in less than 20 days. To be safe, schedule your GMAT at least three weeks before application deadlines.

Step 6: Set Goals for Your Study Periods

Setting small goals for yourself is a great way to keep yourself on track and to make yourself feel good about your accomplishments.

You can set daily, weekly, or monthly goals (or all of the above). These goals might be simple (practice 50 math questions per week) or more complex (master graphics interpretation strategies).

Goal-setting will keep you accountable and will keep you on the right path with your practice.

Step 7: Track Your Progress

Scheduling and taking regular practice GMATs is a great way to monitor your progress.

Compare your scores to your original test. What sections did you improve on? Did you do worse on any section? What section is slipping through the cracks of your study plan?

Adjust your goals as needed based on your progress on practice tests. Maybe you were doing great on sentence corrections one week, but started to struggle the next. You could add a goal to your study plan that’ll remind to focus on that topic.

Finding GMAT Practice Materials

An important part of any GMAT study guide is great practice materials.

There are two main types of GMAT practice materials. Official GMAT prep materials are written by GMAC, the company that writes the GMAT. Unofficial GMAT prep materials are written by third-party companies that have extensively studied the GMAT and write their own test prep materials and questions. Official GMAT materials are the best practice tools, since they include actual retired GMAT questions, but unofficial materials can be helpful as well, especially for learning strategies and review content.

To get you started, we’ve rounded up some of the best options for both types of prep materials.

Official GMAT Prep Materials

Official practice materials should be an important part of your prep. Practicing with official materials ensures that you’ll be working on questions that are just like what you’ll be seeing on test day.

GMATPrep Software

This free, online software gives you access to two full-length CATs, with the option to purchase up to four more. The “Exam Mode” of this software realistically simulates test day, which is great for building up your comfort with the exam. While the free product doesn’t have many practice questions, you can purchase additional question packs or use another resource in conjunction with this software.

The Official Guide for GMAT Review Set

This three-book set contains guides for the Verbal and Quantitative sections, as well as an overview of the entire test. It comes with access to over 900 official practice questions, which makes it an invaluable resource. Official practice questions are the best type of question you can practice, as they’re written by GMAC, who also writes the GMAT. While these guides don’t offer particularly comprehensive content reviews, they’re a great resource to use during your practice.

Unofficial GMAT Practice Tests

There are plenty of options for other unofficial GMAT practice tests if you’ve used up the official options. It’s important to take online tests whenever possible so that you can keep building your familiarity with the test. Here are two great resources for free CATs:

Veritas Prep

Veritas Prep offers one free GMAT practice test with explanations. If you’d like, you can purchase 6 more tests for $49. You can take the test with normal time, or you can add extra time. Veritas Prep is known for having accurate GMAT questions and in-depth explanations.

Kaplan

Kaplan offers two types of free online GMAT practice tests: self-proctored and instructor-proctored. For the self-proctored test, you’ll receive your scores and answer explanations to peruse at your leisure. For the instructor-proctored exam, you’ll get your scores, and then work with an instructor in real-time online to get answer explanations. Kaplan is generally fairly accurate, but does have some problems with having questions that are either a little different in format or a little off from GMAT core content.

Other GMAT Practice Resources

There are tons of different GMAT study resources out there, besides the ones offered online. In this section, I’ll offer some recommendations about other resources you can use in your GMAT prep.

GMAT Prep Books

One of the most popular options for GMAT books is the Manhattan Prep series, which provides a comprehensive overview of all topics seen on the GMAT. The 10 books that make up this bundle are designed to provide a substantial learning impact for students by helping them develop the knowledge, skills, and strategic thinking they need to do well on the test. These books are great for developing deep knowledge of the content on the GMAT, and come with a year-long subscription to high-quality online practice tests.

If those aren’t right for you, there are a ton of other options for GMAT test prep books. Check out our complete guide to the best GMAT books for more ideas.

Forums

There are lots of GMAT forums out there. These online message boards provide a place for past, present, and future test-takers to gather, share tips and tricks, and pool resources. Beat the GMAT and GMAT Club are great places to find information on strategies, reviews of prep materials, and access to other free resources, like downloadable question banks or flash cards.

The 4 Most Important GMAT Study Tips

Even if you have the best tools in the world, studying for the GMAT won’t get very far if you don’t put in the time and effort to study well. In this section, I’ll offer some tips for how you can study well for the GMAT, maximizing your time and effort to achieve your goal score.

Practice as Realistically as Possible

Simulate real test conditions as much as possible. This means doing practice on the computer to familiarize yourself with the test’s format. It also means practicing without a calculator, since using one isn’t allowed on the test. Try to always work in a quiet place with few distractions. Along the same lines, make sure you’re practicing with real (or accurate) questions that mirror the content you’ll see on the test.

Eliminate Distractions

Try to eliminate distractions while you study. Turn your cell phone to silent. If you’re like me and find yourself compulsively checking Facebook every five minutes, use a blocker like SelfControlApp to make sure you turn off access to social media during your studying.

Analyze Your Performance and Adjust Accordingly

As I mentioned before, set goals and stick to them. Use goals as a way to monitor your day-to-day progress, while using practice tests to assess larger arcs of performance. After you take a practice test, or meet or fail to meet a goal, make adjustments to your study schedule to make time for sections you need more work on and lessen the time you’re spending on sections that you’ve already mastered.

Learn the Test

Spend time familiarizing yourself as much as possible with the GMAT. Learn the question types asked on each section. Know the format of the test and the time you’ll have on each section. Use CATs to practice using the tools and functions that the real test will have. Doing these things will increase your confidence with the GMAT and reduce your anxiety on test day.

Review: The Best GMAT Study Guide

The GMAT is a long and difficult test, with four separate sections testing different types of content. However, you can increase your chances of achieving your goal GMAT score by crafting and executing a strong GMAT study guide.

Part of creating the best GMAT study guide for your testing needs is using high quality practice resources, so make sure to vet your practice materials to ensure their quality before you invest in them. Finally, make sure that you are preparing effectively by following my tips about how to study for the GMAT.

What’s Next?

Ready to craft your ultimate GMAT study plan? In our guide to writing a GMAT study plan, we offer four sample study plans designed to boost your score based on your individual test goals. Check out our guide to GMAT study plans to get started on yours.

Looking for those high quality GMAT practice books? There are tons of materials out there for you to peruse. You can choose GMAT prep books based on your strengths, weaknesses, and preferences as a test taker. Use our best GMAT Books guide to decide what prep books to buy.

Registering for the GMAT can be more complicated than you anticipate. If you’re ready to sign up for the GMAT, our step-by-step guide for registering for the GMAT will help walk you through the process.

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