GMAT Test Taking Tips And Strategies

    Rituparna Nath Rituparna Nath
    Content Writer at Study Abroad Exams

    GMAT test-taking tips will help you get through the exam day and ace the exam. GMAT tips and tricks include making a proper study plan and following it consistently. The best way to study for GMAT is to practice a lot of reading and writing for GMAT Analytical Reasoning, English grammar rules for GMAT verbal and IR, practice algebra, arithmetic, and geometry for GMAT quant.

    Table of Contents

    1. GMAT Prep Strategy
    2. GMAT Test Day Tips
      2.1 Things carry on GMAT exam day
    3. GMAT Verbal Tips
    4. GMAT Quant Tips
    5. GMAT Tips for IR
    6. GMAT Essay Tips

    GMAT Prep Strategy

    To ace the GMAT test, you need to go over several last-minute GMAT study tips. GMAT tips and tricks help you maximize your performance and make sure you learn proper GMAT time management.

    Here are some last minute GMAT tips that you can include in your GMAT study plan to get through the questions in the exam:

    1. Smart Guessing

    It is important to complete the exam on time, hence you can’t afford to waste time over a single question for long. Here is a trick to deal with the question. You can eliminate the answer choices which you are sure won't fit the question. Then it is easier to guess the right one. Don’t hesitate to take a guess. Then move on to the next.

    1. Choose the shortest ones in Sentence Correction Answers Options

    In case you’re stuck on a GMAT sentence correction question and need to guess, choose the shortest one. This generally prefers concise options over longer ones

    1. Do Back Calculation for Math Problems

    For GMAT quant problem-solving questions you can often work backward to save time. You might have heard of these GMAT tricks as “plug and chug.” For example, if the answer choice D is 25 and it’s too low, you can eliminate answer choices A and C if they’re, say, 16 and 18.

    1. Make use of Scratch Paper

    During the test, you will be provided with a double-sided laminated GMAT scratch paper to write on with a marker. This will help you to remember important details from reading comprehension passages or math problems. This would help you remember small details.

    1. Outline Your Essay

    Outlining your GMAT AWA essay beforehand will save your time and will help you produce better results. It makes sure that you organize your ideas and express them more cogently and effectively. And also you can refer back to it as you write, so you won’t forget any initial thoughts you had while reading.

    GMAT Test Day Tips

    Here are some tips that you can follow on your test day:

    • Don't overstrain yourself on the day before your test.
    • Do finish studying early. Take the evening off to do something relaxing.
    • Do get a good night’s sleep.
    • Do wake up early and have breakfast.
    • Arrive at the GMAT test center at least half an hour before your scheduled exam time.
    • Take your passport as a photo ID
    • You are allowed two eight-minute breaks between the GMAT sections. It is advised that you take them. You should spend at most 5 minutes outside the testing room.
    • Carry little food like protein bars and water bottles which will help you to rejuvenate yourself during the break.
    • While selecting the GMAT Section order, choose the one which you are most confident about.
    • To stay focused for four hours during the GMAT exam is tough. Thus during GMAT preparation distribute your study time evenly.
    • If you come across difficult and unknown questions, do not hesitate to skip them and come back later. Staying calm is the best way to get through and ace the GMAT.
    • If you face any problem during the exam with the computer or other things, raise your hand to get the attention of the invigilator.

    Things to carry on the GMAT exam day

    There are a few necessary things you will need to carry with you on the GMAT test day.

    1. Approved ID which matches all the local ID requirements, otherwise, your registration fee might be forfeited.
    2. Your name and date of birth must be mentioned on the ID, and match with the information given during registration.
    3. You must carry your GMAT appointment confirmation.
    4. You must carry a 1-liter bottle of water and/or an energy drink, healthy snacks.
    5. You Must not carry watches, notebooks, or phones inside the testing room.
    6. Do not carry earplugs, backpacks, wallets, or purses in the exam room.

    GMAT Verbal Tips

    The GMAT verbal questions are complicated and proper tricks are needed to solve GMAT verbal questions. Questions of these sections are Sentence Correction, Reading Comprehension, and Critical Reasoning.

    GMAT Tips Sentence CorrectionOpt for the most precise answer Pick the most concise answer
    GMAT Tips Reading ComprehensionThe questions may confuse you – so read the passage first Don’t hurry in finding the answers Check all the answers before marking
    GMAT Critical Reasoning TipsNotice the stem of the question before proceeding Understand the question types and stay logical

    GMAT Quant Tips

    The GMAT quant section is very tricky with the data sufficiency and Problem-Solving questions and the following tips can help you here:

    GMAT Tips Conjunction of the NumberPlugin the numbers to make the questions easier.
    For questions, use the 12TEN trick to solve the question easily. In this question, the options look much similar, so check the options twice before marking them.
    Problem Solving TipsEstimate the closest answer where answers are given in the form of exponents.
    Use divisibility rules for large numbers

    GMAT Tips for Integrated Reasoning

    The exclusive test-taking strategies for integrated reasoning include:

    • Calm down even if you get a very critical graph or image
    • Fetch the data wisely
    • Don’t skip any information even if it appears unimportant
    • Work on your graph reading skills.
    • Develop a timed practice test habit.
    • Try answering realistic sample questions.
    • Practice using the on-screen calculator.

    GMAT Essay Tips

    The best way to prepare for GMAT analytical writing assessment is to:

    • Structure a template to have a smooth flow of writing
    • Plan the essay in five minutes and have a clear thought
    • Write in connecting paragraphs
    • Try to use your own words
    • Focus on outline
    • Keep in mind the common flaws of AWA essays
    • Practice writing

    GMAT 2024 : 27 Answered QuestionsView All

    • Top Answer By Uday Pawar on 30-Jan-2023

    Ans. Generally speaking anything above 750 is a good score for admission to IBS Hyderabad. But even a high GMAT score does not guarantee admission to IBS Hyderabad because the shortlisting is profile-based. GMAT score is just a part of the entire selection process. You need to improvise your profile by working on other aspects also like  essays profile academics extracurricular activities Academics: Your 12th class marks graduation grades, post-graduation, and certification scores along with the GMAT cutoff is considered in your academic profile. Leadership: The leadership skills of the aspirants are tested on the basis of their prior achievements and roles. Personal attributes: This comprises your personal qualities like hobbies, talents, and extracurricular skills. Aspirants from diverse work experiences, cultures, and educational backgrounds are welcomed at IBS Hyderabad. So along with preparing well for GMAT, give importance to these parameters as well to increase your chances of admission. Read more

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    • Top Answer By Akanksha Sharma on 30-Jan-2023

    Ans. In case you are enquiring about the CAT percentile let me clarify that ISB Hyderabad does not take into consideration CAT scores. It accepts GMAT/GRE scores only. Most importantly, the ISB Shortlisting process is profile-based. This means even with a lower percentile you can manage to get shortlisted provided you have an excellent profile. There is no fixed cutoff for GMAT. However, a 700+ GMAT score isn't a must-have for ISB if your application is strong in other areas. According to an ISB spokesperson, candidates were admitted to the 2021 cohort with scores as low as 580, and as high as 780. So the GMAT score range for ISB is 580-780. Read more

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    • Top Answer By Yash Bhati on 30-Jan-2023

    Ans. Yes, it certainly is worth paying a hefty fee of 30k for GMAT coaching at Crack ISB Hyderabad. The quality of trainers and the certainty of admission is what draw the candidates here. While there are many institutes that specialize in training for the CAT, very few institutes offer training for GMAT.  Crack ISB Hyderabad has many features that have made it so popular and demanding among GMAT aspirants The peer group is a productive and effective group discussion is possible The institute gives the admission essay reviews free of cost while most institutes charge around 20-25k The quality of editing is much better at this Institute mainly because the faculty comprises alumni of top B Schools  So it’s better to pay more for quality education than pay less or the same for substandard education. But remember an Institute can just prepare you for your entrance exam. It’s upon you to put in maximum effort and achieve your goals. Read more

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    • Top Answer By Nia Malhotra on 17-May-2021

    Ans. There is hardly any B-school in India that accepts GMAT scores for full-time MBA. IIMs, FMS, XLRI, JBIMS, IIFT, MDI, etc. are some of the institutions that accept GMAT scores.  However, students applying through a foreign national quota or NRI quota are eligible for GMAT score. ISB on the other hand accepts the GMAT for its full-time program MBA program. Here is the list of some B-Schools that accepts GMAT scores in India XLRI, Jamshedpur XIM, Bhubaneswar VIT Business School TISS, Mumbai TERI School of Advanced Sciences, TERI University TASMAC, Pune TAPMI, Manipal School of Management, Udaipur School of Management, NMIMS, Mumbai School of Management, International Institute of Management This is why most students go for CAT, XAT, SNAP, and other management exams for admission in MBA. Only foreign nationals or students with NRI Quota can apply through GMAT. Read more

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    • Top Answer By Bejoy John on 30-Jan-2023

    Ans. Yes, ISB Hyderabad’s PGP program requires a minimum of 2 years of full-time paid work experience. This criteria came into force on 31st March 2016 and is still a necessity. For candidates who lack in this aspect, there is a back door entry called the Early Entry Option or the EEOs. Under this, you can apply right away, go through the selection process, and receive the admission offer but join only after working for 2 years. This can also be referred to as Deferred admission.   Read more

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    • Top Answer By Mahak Nigam on 30-Jun-2022

    Ans. More than 140 Business Schools in India accept GMAT scores. Here is a list of popular B-School that accept GMAT scores. IIM Ahmedabad (PGPX) IIM Bangalore (EPGP) IIM Calcutta (PGPEx) IIM Indore (EPGP) IIM Kozhikode (EPGP) IIM Lucknow (IPMAX) XLRI Jamshedpur MDI Gurgaon IMT Ghaziabad IIFT Delhi FMS Deli ISB Hyderabad/Mohali Many other reputed B-School across the country also accept GMAT scores. Read more

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    • Top Answer By Debadrita Sinha on 10-Feb-2022

    Ans. Very few universities in Canada offer MBA without GMAT scores. They will consider other factors as eligibility criteria such as work experience for selection.  York University’s Schulich of School of Business, McMaster University’s Degroote School of Business are some of the most reputed business schools in Canada that offer MBA without GMAT. Other than these, other universities offering MBA without GMAT are New York Institute of Technology, Thompson Rivers University, Lakehead University, Wilfrid Laurier University.  You have the option to apply for executive MBAs without a GMAT score, too. Read more

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    • Top Answer By Nishant Shouri on 16-Jan-2023

    Ans. IIM Shillong accepts GMAT scores of only for International students for the PGP flagship program The Executive PGP program For International students who are targeting the PGP flagship program, the cutoff is as follows Category  SSC Percentage  HSC percentage  General  80 80 EWS 80 80 DA 50 50 ST 50 50 SC 55 55 So a good GMAT score for an International student is anything above 700. For the Executive program too, a GMAT score of 700+ is a good target. If your profile is average you can target a higher GMAT score. Read more

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    • Top Answer By Aditi Sen on 12-May-2021

    Ans. There are many business schools in India that require GMAT scores at the time of admission. Some of the top business schools with requiring GMAT scores in India are: Institute Name GMAT Score ISB, Hyderabad & Mohali 730 or higher S.P. Jain Institute of Management and Research, Mumbai 550 IIM Ahmedabad 711 School of Management, NMIMS Mumbai 600 IIM Bangalore 710 Great Lakes Institute of Management 600 IIM Calcutta 701 XLRI Jamshedpur 710 IIM Lucknow 680 IMT (All campuses) 720 IIM Indore 700 ICFAI Business School (Hyderabad & Mumbai) 700 IIM Kozhikode 700 A few other institutes include - MDI Gurgaon, FMS Delhi, Sunstone Business School Noida, ISB Indore, and more. Read more

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    • Top Answer By Aditya Mahatha on 06-Jan-2023

    Ans. I know this decision is a bit difficult to make. What you need to keep in mind is that these two colleges should not be compared to other great IIMs or even ISBs. Those B Schools are at another level and cannot be on par with Kashipur or Raipur. To facilitate a better decision, I will mention the circumstances of these B Schools then you can choose after considering all options. IIM Indore and IIM Kashipur: Both these colleges are not worth a year drop as they will help you earn only an extra 1.5-2 LPA. Moreover, in the coming years, Kashipur and Raipur will have almost the same brand value as that Indore and Kozhikode. IIM Ahmedabad, Calcutta, Lucknow and Bangalore: All these top IIMs are definitely worth a year's drop provided that you are confident enough to cope with the cutoff. All these IIMs consider your academics while selecting so if that is your reason for the year drop I don’t think it will help. There is no surety of admission even after a percentile of 100.  ISB: This one is at a whole different level and is in the category of elite B Schools like UCB, NYU, HBS, etc. The top-notch faculty offers amazing pedagogy at relatively low fees. CAT is sufficient for IIMs. But if you want to go for ISB, a work experience of 4+ years and a GMAT are a must.  Read more

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