How To Prepare For Gmat And Gre For An Mba Admission

The journey to a prestigious MBA program often feels like scaling a formidable mountain. Two critical milestones on this path are the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) and the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE). These standardized tests serve as gatekeepers, evaluating your readiness for the rigors of graduate-level business education. While seemingly daunting, with the right preparation, strategy, and mindset, you can conquer these exams and significantly enhance your MBA application. This comprehensive guide provides a roadmap to navigate the GMAT and GRE, equipping you with the knowledge and tools needed to succeed. We’ll delve into the nuances of each exam, explore effective study strategies, and offer invaluable tips to maximize your score and ultimately, your chances of MBA admission.

Understanding the GMAT and GRE: A Comparative Overview

Before embarking on your preparation journey, it’s crucial to understand the differences between the GMAT and GRE. Both exams assess similar skills, but their formats and emphasis vary slightly. The GMAT, traditionally favored by business schools, focuses primarily on quantitative reasoning and verbal reasoning skills within a business context. The GRE, on the other hand, is a more general graduate school admissions test, accepted by an increasing number of MBA programs. Choosing the right test for you requires careful consideration of your strengths, weaknesses, and target schools.

GMAT: The Traditional Business School Gateway

The GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) is a computer-adaptive test designed to assess skills considered crucial for success in MBA programs. These skills include analytical reasoning, quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning, and integrated reasoning. The GMAT score is a significant factor in the MBA admissions process, as it provides a standardized measure of your academic aptitude and potential to succeed in a demanding business curriculum.

The GMAT is structured into four sections:

• Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA): This section requires you to analyze an argument and write a critique. You are given 30 minutes for this task. The AWA score ranges from 0 to 6, in 0.5-point increments.
• Integrated Reasoning (IR): This section assesses your ability to analyze data presented in various formats, such as tables, graphs, and text passages. You have 30 minutes to answer 12 questions. The IR score ranges from 1 to 8, in 1-point increments.
• Quantitative Reasoning: This section tests your mathematical skills, including arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data sufficiency. You have 62 minutes to answer 31 questions. The Quantitative score ranges from 6 to 51.
• Verbal Reasoning: This section assesses your reading comprehension, critical reasoning, and sentence correction skills. You have 65 minutes to answer 36 questions. The Verbal score ranges from 6 to 51.

The total GMAT score is based on the Quantitative and Verbal sections and ranges from 200 to 800. The Analytical Writing Assessment and Integrated Reasoning sections are scored separately and do not contribute to the total score. The GMAT is computer-adaptive, meaning the difficulty of the questions adjusts based on your performance. Answering a question correctly leads to a more challenging question, while answering incorrectly results in an easier question. This adaptive nature ensures that the test accurately assesses your ability level.

GRE: The Versatile Alternative

The GRE (Graduate Record Examinations) is another standardized test widely accepted for graduate school admissions, including MBA programs. While historically favored for programs in fields like arts, humanities, and sciences, the GRE has gained increasing acceptance among business schools. The GRE assesses verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing skills, but it places less emphasis on specific business knowledge than the GMAT.

The GRE is structured into three sections:

• Analytical Writing: This section consists of two essays: an “Issue” essay, where you must present your opinion on a given topic, and an “Argument” essay, where you must critique a given argument. You have 30 minutes for each essay. The Analytical Writing score ranges from 0 to 6, in 0.5-point increments.
• Verbal Reasoning: This section assesses your reading comprehension, vocabulary, and analytical skills. It includes questions based on reading passages, sentence equivalence, and text completion. You will have two 30-minute sections, each containing 20 questions. The Verbal Reasoning score ranges from 130 to 170, in 1-point increments.
• Quantitative Reasoning: This section tests your mathematical skills, including arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis. You will have two 35-minute sections, each containing 20 questions. The Quantitative Reasoning score ranges from 130 to 170, in 1-point increments.

The GRE score is based on the Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning sections. The Analytical Writing section is scored separately. Unlike the GMAT, the GRE is section-adaptive, meaning the difficulty of the second Verbal and Quantitative sections is determined by your performance on the first section of each type. This allows for a more nuanced assessment of your abilities.

GMAT vs. GRE: Key Differences Summarized

Here’s a table summarizing the key differences between the GMAT and GRE:

Feature	GMAT	GRE
Focus	Business-specific skills	General graduate-level skills
Math Content	Data Sufficiency, Problem Solving	Quantitative Comparison, Data Analysis
Verbal Content	Sentence Correction, Critical Reasoning, Reading Comprehension	Reading Comprehension, Text Completion, Sentence Equivalence
Adaptivity	Question-adaptive	Section-adaptive
Calculator	Not allowed	Allowed on Quantitative sections
Acceptance	Universally accepted by business schools	Increasingly accepted by business schools

Choosing the Right Test: A Strategic Decision

Selecting between the GMAT and GRE is a strategic decision that should be based on a careful assessment of your strengths, weaknesses, and target MBA programs. Consider the following factors:

• Your Strengths: Are you stronger in mathematics or verbal reasoning? Do you prefer problem-solving or critical analysis? The GMAT’s data sufficiency questions may appeal to those with strong analytical skills, while the GRE’s vocabulary-focused verbal section may suit those with a strong command of language.
• Your Weaknesses: Identify your areas of weakness and choose the test that minimizes their impact. If you struggle with grammar, the GMAT’s sentence correction section may be challenging. If you find complex quantitative concepts difficult, the GRE’s broader range of mathematical topics may be a concern.
• Target Schools: Research the admission requirements of your target MBA programs. While most schools accept both the GMAT and GRE, some may have a preference. Check the school’s website or contact the admissions office to confirm their policies. Also, examine the average GMAT and GRE scores of admitted students at your target schools. This will provide a benchmark for your own performance.
• Practice Tests: Take practice tests for both the GMAT and GRE to get a feel for the format, question types, and difficulty level. This will help you identify your strengths and weaknesses and make an informed decision about which test to focus on. Many free and paid practice tests are available online and in test preparation books.

Ultimately, the best test for you is the one that allows you to showcase your skills and achieve the highest possible score. Don’t be afraid to experiment with both exams before making a final decision. If you perform significantly better on one test than the other, that’s a strong indicator of which test to prioritize.

Crafting a Winning Study Plan: A Scientific Approach

Once you’ve chosen your test, the next step is to develop a comprehensive study plan. A well-structured study plan is essential for maximizing your score and ensuring you cover all the necessary material. Treat your test preparation like a scientific experiment, with a clear hypothesis (your target score), controlled variables (study time and resources), and measurable outcomes (practice test scores).

Setting Realistic Goals: The SMART Framework

Begin by setting realistic goals based on your target schools and your current baseline score. Use the SMART framework to ensure your goals are:

• Specific: Define exactly what you want to achieve. For example, “Improve my GMAT score by 100 points.”
• Measurable: Establish quantifiable metrics to track your progress. For example, “Increase my verbal score by 5 points per week.”
• Achievable: Set goals that are challenging but attainable. Don’t aim for a perfect score if it’s unrealistic given your current abilities and time constraints.
• Relevant: Ensure your goals align with your overall objective of MBA admission. Focus on improving your weaknesses and maximizing your strengths to achieve the best possible score.
• Time-bound: Set a deadline for achieving your goals. For example, “Achieve my target score within three months.”

Allocating Study Time: The Pareto Principle

Allocate your study time strategically, focusing on your areas of weakness and the topics that contribute the most to your score. The Pareto principle, also known as the 80/20 rule, suggests that 80% of your results come from 20% of your effort. Identify the key concepts and question types that you struggle with and dedicate the majority of your study time to mastering them. For example, if you consistently perform poorly on data sufficiency questions on the GMAT, allocate more time to practicing this type of question.

Choosing the Right Resources: A Curated Selection

Select high-quality study materials that align with your learning style and preferences. A combination of textbooks, online courses, practice tests, and tutoring (if needed) can be effective. Here are some recommended resources:

• Official Guides: The official guides for both the GMAT and GRE are essential resources. They contain real past exam questions and detailed explanations.
• Test Preparation Companies: Companies like Kaplan, Manhattan Prep, and The Princeton Review offer comprehensive courses, practice tests, and study materials.
• Online Resources: Websites like Khan Academy, GMAT Club, and GRE Prep Club offer free practice questions, study guides, and forums for discussing strategies and tips.
• Tutoring: If you struggle with specific concepts or need personalized guidance, consider hiring a tutor. A qualified tutor can provide individualized instruction and help you identify and overcome your weaknesses.

Structuring Your Study Schedule: A Weekly Breakdown

Create a detailed study schedule that outlines your daily and weekly study goals. Be consistent with your schedule and stick to it as much as possible. A sample weekly study schedule might look like this:

Monday: Quantitative Reasoning (2 hours) – Focus on arithmetic and algebra. Review concepts and practice problem-solving.

Tuesday: Verbal Reasoning (2 hours) – Focus on reading comprehension. Practice reading passages and answering related questions.

Wednesday: Analytical Writing (1 hour) – Practice writing essays. Review sample essays and focus on improving your grammar and argumentation skills.

Thursday: Quantitative Reasoning (2 hours) – Focus on geometry and data analysis. Review concepts and practice problem-solving.

Friday: Verbal Reasoning (2 hours) – Focus on sentence correction (GMAT) or text completion/sentence equivalence (GRE). Practice identifying errors and choosing the correct answer.

Saturday: Practice Test (4 hours) – Take a full-length practice test under timed conditions. Review your performance and identify areas for improvement.

Sunday: Rest and Review (2 hours) – Take a break from studying and review the material you covered during the week. Focus on reinforcing your understanding of key concepts.

This is just a sample schedule, and you should adjust it based on your individual needs and preferences. Remember to incorporate breaks into your study sessions to avoid burnout. Short, focused study sessions are often more effective than long, unfocused ones.

Mastering Test-Taking Strategies: The Art of Optimization

Beyond mastering the content, it’s crucial to develop effective test-taking strategies. These strategies can help you manage your time, maximize your score, and minimize the impact of test anxiety. Think of these strategies as optimization algorithms, designed to efficiently allocate your limited resources (time and mental energy) to achieve the best possible outcome.

Time Management: The Pomodoro Technique

Time management is critical on both the GMAT and GRE. Practice pacing yourself on each section and learn to recognize when to move on from a difficult question. The Pomodoro Technique, a time management method that involves working in focused 25-minute intervals with short breaks in between, can be a helpful tool for improving your concentration and productivity. During practice tests, track the amount of time you spend on each question and identify areas where you can improve your pacing. Don’t be afraid to skip questions that you find too difficult and return to them later if you have time.

Process of Elimination: The Deduction Game

The process of elimination is a powerful strategy for answering multiple-choice questions. Carefully read each answer choice and eliminate those that you know are incorrect. This will increase your chances of selecting the correct answer, even if you’re unsure of the solution. Look for clues in the question stem that can help you eliminate incorrect answer choices. For example, if the question asks for the “best” answer, eliminate any answer choices that are clearly flawed or incomplete.

Guessing Strategies: The Calculated Risk

On the GMAT, there is a penalty for incorrect answers, so it’s generally better to guess than to leave a question blank. However, don’t guess randomly. Use the process of elimination to narrow down your choices before guessing. On the GRE, there is no penalty for incorrect answers, so it’s always best to answer every question, even if you have to guess. If you’re running out of time, quickly skim the remaining questions and make an educated guess on each one.

Managing Test Anxiety: The Mindfulness Approach

Test anxiety can significantly impact your performance. Practice relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing and mindfulness meditation, to help you stay calm and focused during the exam. Visualize yourself succeeding on the test and remind yourself of all the preparation you’ve done. Get enough sleep the night before the exam and eat a healthy breakfast. Avoid caffeine and other stimulants that can exacerbate anxiety. During the exam, take deep breaths to calm your nerves and focus on the task at hand. If you start to feel overwhelmed, take a few seconds to close your eyes and refocus your attention.

The Day Before: A Calm and Collected Approach

The day before the GMAT or GRE is crucial for ensuring you’re mentally and physically prepared for the exam. Resist the urge to cram or overstudy. Instead, focus on relaxing, reviewing key concepts, and preparing your materials.

• Review Key Concepts: Briefly review the key concepts and formulas that you’ve studied. Focus on reinforcing your understanding of the material rather than trying to learn new things.
• Pack Your Materials: Gather all the necessary materials for the exam, including your ID, admission ticket, and any permitted items (such as a calculator for the GRE).
• Plan Your Route: Plan your route to the test center and allow plenty of time for travel. Consider doing a practice run to familiarize yourself with the location and avoid getting lost on test day.
• Relax and Recharge: Engage in relaxing activities, such as reading, listening to music, or spending time with loved ones. Get enough sleep to ensure you’re well-rested for the exam.
• Avoid Stressful Situations: Avoid stressful situations or conversations that could increase your anxiety. Focus on maintaining a positive and calm mindset.

Test Day: Execute Your Plan

On test day, arrive at the test center early and follow the instructions provided by the test administrators. Remain calm and focused throughout the exam. Execute your test-taking strategies and manage your time effectively.

• Arrive Early: Arrive at the test center at least 30 minutes before the scheduled start time. This will give you time to check in, find your seat, and settle in.
• Follow Instructions: Listen carefully to the instructions provided by the test administrators and follow them precisely.
• Stay Focused: Maintain your focus throughout the exam and avoid distractions. Ignore other test-takers and concentrate on your own work.
• Manage Your Time: Pace yourself on each section and manage your time effectively. Don’t spend too much time on any one question.
• Trust Your Preparation: Trust in your preparation and have confidence in your abilities. Remember that you’ve put in the hard work and you’re ready to succeed.

Beyond the Score: A Holistic Application

While the GMAT and GRE scores are important factors in the MBA admissions process, they are not the only factors. Business schools consider a holistic view of each applicant, taking into account their academic background, work experience, leadership potential, and personal qualities. A high GMAT or GRE score can strengthen your application, but it’s essential to also focus on other aspects of your profile.

Work Experience: Quantify Your Impact

Highlight your work experience and quantify your accomplishments whenever possible. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to describe your experiences and showcase your skills and contributions. Focus on demonstrating your leadership abilities, problem-solving skills, and teamwork skills.

Essays: Tell Your Story

Craft compelling essays that tell your story and demonstrate your fit with the target business school. Answer the essay questions thoughtfully and honestly, and highlight your unique experiences, perspectives, and goals. Show the admissions committee why you’re a strong candidate and what you hope to achieve with an MBA.

Recommendations: Seek Insightful Endorsements

Choose recommenders who know you well and can speak to your abilities and potential. Provide your recommenders with ample time to write their letters and give them specific examples of your accomplishments and qualities. Select recommenders who can provide insightful and persuasive endorsements.

Extracurricular Activities: Showcase Your Passions

Highlight your extracurricular activities and demonstrate your involvement in your community. Show the admissions committee that you’re a well-rounded individual with diverse interests and passions. Focus on activities that demonstrate your leadership, teamwork, and commitment to making a difference.

The Long Game: Persistence and Patience

The MBA admissions process is a marathon, not a sprint. Be prepared for setbacks and challenges along the way. Stay persistent, stay patient, and stay focused on your goals. If you don’t get into your target schools on your first try, don’t give up. Reassess your application, identify areas for improvement, and reapply. With hard work, dedication, and a strategic approach, you can achieve your dream of attending a top MBA program.

Final Thoughts: Embrace the Challenge

Preparing for the GMAT and GRE is a challenging but rewarding experience. Embrace the challenge, learn from your mistakes, and celebrate your successes. Remember that the skills you develop during your test preparation will be valuable assets throughout your MBA program and your career. By following the strategies and tips outlined in this guide, you can maximize your score, strengthen your application, and increase your chances of MBA admission. Good luck!