How To Prepare For Gmat And Gre For An Mba Admission

Embarking on the journey towards an MBA is a significant step in advancing your career. A crucial part of the application process is often acing either the GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) or the GRE (Graduate Record Examinations). These standardized tests are designed to assess your analytical, quantitative, verbal, and writing skills – skills that are deemed essential for success in a rigorous business school environment. This comprehensive guide will provide you with a detailed roadmap on how to effectively prepare for both the GMAT and the GRE, maximizing your chances of securing a coveted spot in your dream MBA program.

Understanding the GMAT and GRE

Before diving into study strategies, it’s essential to understand the structure and content of both the GMAT and the GRE. While both tests are accepted by the vast majority of business schools, they differ in their focus and format. Choosing the right test for you can significantly impact your score and overall application strength.

GMAT: A Business-Focused Assessment

The GMAT is specifically designed to assess skills relevant to business school. It consists of four sections:

• Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA): This section requires you to analyze the reasoning behind a given argument and write a critique within 30 minutes. It assesses your critical thinking and written communication skills.
• Integrated Reasoning (IR): This section presents you with complex data in various formats, such as graphs, tables, and text passages. You need to analyze this data and answer multiple-choice questions. It tests your ability to synthesize information from multiple sources.
• Quantitative: This section assesses your mathematical reasoning skills, including arithmetic, algebra, and geometry. It consists of problem-solving and data sufficiency questions.
• Verbal: This section tests your reading comprehension, critical reasoning, and sentence correction skills. It requires you to analyze arguments, understand complex texts, and identify grammatical errors.

The GMAT is scored out of 800, with the Quantitative and Verbal sections contributing to the overall score. The AWA and IR sections are scored separately.

GRE: A More General Assessment

The GRE is a more general graduate school admission test, accepted by many business schools. It consists of three sections:

• Analytical Writing: Similar to the GMAT’s AWA, this section requires you to write two essays: one analyzing an issue and the other analyzing an argument.
• Verbal Reasoning: This section assesses your reading comprehension, critical reasoning, and vocabulary skills. It includes text completion, sentence equivalence, and reading comprehension questions.
• Quantitative Reasoning: This section assesses your mathematical reasoning skills, including arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis.

The GRE is scored out of 340, with the Verbal and Quantitative sections each scored out of 170. The Analytical Writing section is scored separately.

Choosing Between the GMAT and GRE

Deciding which test to take is a personal choice. Consider the following factors:

• Your Strengths: Are you stronger in math or verbal reasoning? The GMAT has a reputation for being more challenging in the quantitative section, while the GRE is often perceived as being more vocabulary-heavy.
• Your Target Schools: While most business schools accept both the GMAT and the GRE, some may have a preference. Research the admission requirements of your target schools.
• Practice Tests: Take practice tests for both the GMAT and the GRE to get a feel for the format and content of each test. This will help you identify your strengths and weaknesses and make an informed decision.
• Test-Taking Strategy: Some test-takers find the GMAT’s integrated reasoning section particularly challenging, while others struggle with the GRE’s vocabulary-intensive verbal section. Consider which test format aligns better with your test-taking style.

Many resources online compare the GMAT and GRE in detail, including practice questions and score converters. Use these resources to make an informed decision.

Creating a Study Plan

Once you’ve chosen your test, the next step is to create a structured study plan. A well-defined plan is crucial for effective preparation and will help you stay on track.

Assessing Your Baseline

Before you start studying, take a diagnostic test to assess your current skill level. This will help you identify your strengths and weaknesses and tailor your study plan accordingly. Official practice tests are the best resource for this, as they accurately reflect the format and difficulty level of the actual exam.

Setting Realistic Goals

Set realistic goals based on your diagnostic test results and your target schools’ average GMAT/GRE scores. Aim for a score that is competitive for your desired programs. Remember that improvement takes time and effort, so be patient and persistent.

Allocating Study Time

Allocate sufficient study time based on your schedule and the amount of improvement you need to achieve. Aim for at least 10-12 weeks of dedicated study time. Consistency is key, so try to study regularly, even if it’s just for a few hours each day.

Dividing Your Study Time

Divide your study time among the different sections of the test, focusing on your areas of weakness. Spend more time on the sections where you need the most improvement. Also, allocate time for practice tests and review.

Scheduling Regular Breaks

Schedule regular breaks to avoid burnout. Studying for hours on end can be counterproductive. Take short breaks every hour to stretch, walk around, or do something relaxing. Also, take a day off each week to rest and recharge.

GMAT Preparation Strategies

The GMAT requires a strategic approach to maximize your score. Here are some effective preparation strategies for each section:

Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA)

The AWA section assesses your ability to analyze arguments and write a coherent and well-supported critique. Here are some tips for preparing for this section:

• Understand the Argument Structure: Learn to identify the premises, assumptions, and conclusions of an argument.
• Practice Argument Analysis: Practice analyzing different types of arguments and identifying their weaknesses.
• Develop a Template: Create a template for your essay that includes an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
• Focus on Clarity and Organization: Write clearly and concisely, using proper grammar and punctuation. Organize your essay logically, with a clear thesis statement and supporting evidence.
• Practice Regularly: Write practice essays regularly to improve your writing skills and build confidence.

Integrated Reasoning (IR)

The IR section assesses your ability to analyze complex data and synthesize information from multiple sources. Here are some tips for preparing for this section:

• Familiarize Yourself with Different Data Formats: Practice interpreting data presented in graphs, tables, and text passages.
• Develop Your Analytical Skills: Learn to identify patterns, trends, and relationships in data.
• Practice Time Management: The IR section is time-sensitive, so practice answering questions quickly and efficiently.
• Use a Systematic Approach: Develop a systematic approach to analyzing data and answering questions.
• Focus on Accuracy: Pay attention to detail and avoid making careless errors.

Quantitative

The Quantitative section assesses your mathematical reasoning skills. Here are some tips for preparing for this section:

• Review Fundamental Math Concepts: Brush up on your arithmetic, algebra, and geometry skills.
• Practice Problem-Solving: Practice solving a wide variety of math problems to improve your problem-solving skills.
• Understand Data Sufficiency: Learn how to determine whether the information provided is sufficient to answer a question.
• Develop Your Test-Taking Strategies: Learn strategies for eliminating incorrect answer choices and making educated guesses.
• Time Management is Key: Practice answering questions quickly and efficiently.

Verbal

The Verbal section assesses your reading comprehension, critical reasoning, and sentence correction skills. Here are some tips for preparing for this section:

• Improve Your Reading Comprehension: Read widely and practice summarizing and analyzing complex texts.
• Develop Your Critical Reasoning Skills: Learn to identify assumptions, inferences, and conclusions in arguments.
• Master Sentence Correction Rules: Study grammar rules and practice identifying grammatical errors.
• Expand Your Vocabulary: Learn new words and practice using them in context.
• Practice Regularly: Practice answering verbal questions regularly to improve your skills and build confidence.

GRE Preparation Strategies

The GRE also requires a strategic approach. Here’s how to tackle each section:

Analytical Writing

The GRE Analytical Writing section requires you to analyze an issue and an argument. Key preparation strategies include:

• Understand the Task: Familiarize yourself with the specific instructions for each essay type. The “Analyze an Issue” task requires you to present your own perspective on a given topic, while the “Analyze an Argument” task requires you to critique the reasoning in a provided argument.
• Brainstorming and Outlining: Before you start writing, take a few minutes to brainstorm ideas and create an outline. This will help you organize your thoughts and ensure that your essay is coherent and well-structured.
• Develop Strong Arguments: Support your claims with clear and logical reasoning. Use evidence, examples, and counterarguments to strengthen your points.
• Practice Different Essay Prompts: Practice writing essays on a variety of topics and arguments. This will help you develop your skills and build confidence.
• Seek Feedback: Ask a friend, teacher, or tutor to review your essays and provide feedback. This can help you identify areas for improvement.

Verbal Reasoning

The GRE Verbal Reasoning section tests your reading comprehension, critical reasoning, and vocabulary skills. Effective strategies include:

• Expand Your Vocabulary: A strong vocabulary is essential for success on the GRE Verbal Reasoning section. Use flashcards, vocabulary lists, and context clues to learn new words.
• Read Widely: Read a variety of materials, including articles, books, and essays, to improve your reading comprehension skills.
• Practice Reading Comprehension Questions: Practice answering reading comprehension questions to improve your ability to understand and analyze complex texts.
• Develop Your Critical Reasoning Skills: Learn to identify assumptions, inferences, and conclusions in arguments.
• Practice Text Completion and Sentence Equivalence Questions: These question types require you to choose the best words to fill in blanks in sentences. Practice answering these questions to improve your vocabulary and understanding of sentence structure.

Quantitative Reasoning

The GRE Quantitative Reasoning section assesses your mathematical reasoning skills. Key strategies include:

• Review Fundamental Math Concepts: Brush up on your arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis skills.
• Practice Problem-Solving: Practice solving a wide variety of math problems to improve your problem-solving skills.
• Understand Data Interpretation: Learn to interpret data presented in graphs, charts, and tables.
• Develop Your Test-Taking Strategies: Learn strategies for eliminating incorrect answer choices and making educated guesses.
• Time Management is Crucial: Practice answering questions quickly and efficiently.

Effective Study Resources

Numerous resources are available to help you prepare for the GMAT and GRE. Here are some of the most effective options:

Official Guides

The official guides published by the test makers (GMAC for the GMAT and ETS for the GRE) are the most reliable resources. These guides contain real test questions and detailed explanations.

Prep Courses

Prep courses, offered by companies like Kaplan, Manhattan Prep, and The Princeton Review, provide structured instruction and practice materials. These courses can be helpful if you prefer a more guided approach.

Online Resources

Many online resources offer practice questions, study guides, and video lessons. Some popular options include Khan Academy, GMAT Club, and GRE Prep Club.

Practice Tests

Taking practice tests is crucial for assessing your progress and identifying areas for improvement. Use official practice tests to simulate the actual test experience.

Tutoring

If you need personalized help, consider hiring a tutor. A tutor can provide individualized instruction and feedback, helping you overcome your specific challenges.

Test-Taking Strategies

In addition to studying the content, it’s important to develop effective test-taking strategies. Here are some tips for maximizing your score on test day:

Time Management

Time management is crucial for both the GMAT and the GRE. Practice pacing yourself during practice tests and learn to allocate your time effectively. Don’t spend too much time on any one question.

Process of Elimination

If you’re unsure of the answer to a question, use the process of elimination to narrow down the choices. Eliminate the obviously incorrect answers and then choose the best option from the remaining choices.

Educated Guessing

If you can’t eliminate any answer choices, make an educated guess. It’s better to guess than to leave a question blank, as there is no penalty for incorrect answers.

Read Questions Carefully

Read each question carefully before you answer it. Pay attention to the details and avoid making careless errors.

Manage Test Anxiety

Test anxiety can negatively impact your performance. Practice relaxation techniques to manage your anxiety and stay calm during the test.

Simulate Test Conditions

When taking practice tests, simulate the actual test conditions as closely as possible. This will help you get used to the test environment and reduce your anxiety on test day.

The Importance of Mental Preparation

Preparing for the GMAT or GRE is not just about mastering the content. It’s also about preparing yourself mentally for the challenge. Here’s why mental preparation is so important:

Building Confidence

Feeling confident in your abilities is crucial for performing well on the test. Believe in yourself and your preparation. Visualize yourself succeeding.

Managing Stress

Test-taking can be stressful. Learn to manage your stress through relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga.

Maintaining Motivation

Studying for the GMAT or GRE can be a long and arduous process. It’s important to stay motivated and focused on your goals. Reward yourself for your progress and celebrate your achievements.

Developing a Positive Mindset

A positive mindset can help you overcome challenges and persevere through setbacks. Focus on your strengths and avoid dwelling on your weaknesses.

Practicing Mindfulness

Mindfulness involves paying attention to the present moment without judgment. Practicing mindfulness can help you stay focused and avoid distractions during the test.

Post-Test Analysis and Next Steps

Once you’ve taken the GMAT or GRE, it’s important to analyze your performance and plan your next steps. Here’s what you should do:

Review Your Score Report

Carefully review your score report to identify your strengths and weaknesses. Pay attention to the percentile rankings for each section.

Determine if You Need to Retake the Test

Based on your score report and your target schools’ average GMAT/GRE scores, determine if you need to retake the test. If your score is significantly below the average for your desired programs, you may want to consider retaking the test.

Analyze Your Mistakes

If you decide to retake the test, analyze your mistakes on the first attempt. Identify the types of questions you missed and the reasons why you missed them. This will help you focus your studying on your areas of weakness.

Adjust Your Study Plan

Adjust your study plan based on your post-test analysis. Spend more time on the sections where you need the most improvement. Also, focus on the specific types of questions you missed.

Schedule Your Retake

If you decide to retake the test, schedule your retake well in advance. This will give you enough time to prepare and avoid any last-minute stress.

Conclusion

Preparing for the GMAT or GRE for MBA admission requires dedication, strategic planning, and consistent effort. By understanding the test format, creating a structured study plan, utilizing effective study resources, developing test-taking strategies, and preparing yourself mentally, you can significantly increase your chances of achieving a high score and securing a spot in your dream MBA program. Remember to stay focused, motivated, and confident throughout the process. Good luck!