If you are looking into the requirements for an online Master of Business Administration (MBA) program, such as one of the nine options offered by the University of West Florida (UWF), you know that the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) may be a central component of the application. With recent updates to the GMAT, the exam is now known as the GMAT Focus Edition. Many MBA programs use GMAT test scores to assess their candidates — over 7,700 programs at more than 2,400 business schools globally, according to the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC).
Since it is such an important test, here are five GMAT preparation tips:
1. Start With a Practice Test
The easiest way to establish a GMAT study plan is to identify what you already know and make a game plan. Start your GMAT preparation by taking a practice test to identify any areas of weakness that may require more attention. It is also vital to ensure that the practice tests you consider reflect the current, updated GMAT Focus Edition exam.
2. Take Notes
An essential component of studying is learning the content and test-taking strategies. To do this well, you need to be an active learner. This means that you should take notes. People are more likely to remember and understand things when they write them down.
3. Build Your Pacing: Accuracy First, Then Speed
Another key to doing well on the GMAT is having a good balance of speed and accuracy, or pacing. To do this, you should review practice problems as part of your GMAT preparation. At first, go through them without timing yourself. When you reach a good accuracy level, you can work on completing the problems faster.
4. Review Answer Explanations
It is equally as crucial to go over answer explanations as it is to go over practice problems themselves. Answer explanations will show you better and faster ways of completing problems, which is key to doing well on the GMAT.
5. Give Yourself a Break
It’s also important to take breaks. Cramming won’t get you very far on the GMAT — you need time to digest the information. Make sure to take at least one day off a week during your GMAT preparation. You shouldn’t study on the final day before the GMAT. The best thing you can do for yourself that day is relax.
In addition — though not exactly a GMAT prep tip — some schools do not require that applicants submit GMAT scores, although GMAT waivers are sometimes conditional on meeting other requirements. UWF offers online MBA programs that do not require GMAT scores for admission. You may want to apply for a program without GMAT requirements if you have a strong educational and professional background but feel standardized test scores don’t accurately reflect your skills, knowledge and aptitudes. Plus, avoiding the GMAT could save you substantial time and expense when pursuing an MBA to advance your earning potential and career.
Learn more about UWF’s online MBA programs.
