GMAT Preparation Guide: Exam Format, Syllabus, Best Books - YouTube

After you’ve made up your mind to join a top MBA program, the first big step would

be to get a high GMAT score.

In this video, we’ll touch upon all the basic information you need to know about this

important but feared test.

The full form of GMAT is Graduate Management Admission Test.

It’s a Computer Adaptive Test, which means the level of difficulty for each question

you get, will be influenced by how you’ve performed on the previous questions.

GMAT scores are valid for 5 years.

The fee is 250 US dollars.

You can take the test 5 times in a year.

And 8 times in your lifetime.

GMAT scores are accepted by a large number of universities for their MBA, MiM and other

management related programs.

It’s important to perform well on the test, because a high score can - not only get you

into your dream program, but also increase the odds of getting a scholarship.

Some top consulting firms and investment banks also use GMAT scores to filter out candidates

for their recruitment process.

Another reason to take it seriously.

There are four sections in the new GMAT exam.

• Analytical Writing Assessment In the AWA section, you’ll have to figure

out the reasoning behind an argument and write a critique of the same, with the relevant

examples and explanation

• Integrated Reasoning (IR) Section Integrated Reasoning is designed to test your

analytical skills to solve a complicated problem.

You are provided with data in various forms.

Your skill depends on being able to handle the data, pick out the information that is

relevant and then choose the right answer.

• Quantitative Section The questions in the quantitative section

are designed to put your math skills to test.

They revolve around basic arithmetic, algebra and geometry.

• Verbal Section In Reading Comprehension, you are given a

passage on a topic and multiple choice questions based on the same.

In Critical Reasoning, you’ll have to identify the key points that influence, strengthen

or weaken the given argument.

In Sentence Correction, you are given a sentence with an underlined portion that you’ll have

to evaluate, and rectify if it is incorrect.

You’ll have a little over three hours to complete these four sections.

This excludes the 2 optional 8-minute breaks.

The total score out of 800 is only for the verbal and quantitative sections.

The remaining two sections receive their independent scores.

Following are some of the GMAT syllabus topics you can expect in the quantitative section:

• Integers • Decimals

• Fractions • Number properties

• Order of operations • Percentage

• Ratio and proportion • Profit and loss

• Simple and compound interest • Speed, distance and time

• Permutation & combination • Linear equations

• Quadratic equations • Sets Theory

• Statistics: Average, Median, Mode, Range, Standard deviation

• Powers and roots • Probability

• Pipes, cisterns, work, time • Lines and angles

• Triangles • Polygon

• Quadrilateral • Circles

• Co-ordinate geometry • Volume and surface area

The GMAT syllabus for the verbal section includes basic grammar rules.

This should give you an idea of the average GMAT scores for the top MBA programs across the world.

There are more than 600 test centers across the world where you can take the test.

As the first step you’ll have to identify the closest test center and register your

details along with a date and time.

Many test takers delay it till a few months before the application deadlines.

That’s a bad idea.

To be on the comfortable side, take it at least 1 year before your application date.

That way you have enough time to retake it, if needed.

While the obvious fact is a high GMAT score can make a big impact on your application,

here are some not-so-obvious facts.

A perfect 800 score does not guarantee an admit.

Over the years, elite schools like Harvard, Stanford and Wharton have rejected perfect

scorers.

And the silver lining is that a lower-than-average GMAT score doesn’t automatically get you

rejected.

On the MBA Crystal Ball blog, you’ll find many stories of low GMAT scorers who’ve

found ways to overcome this hurdle and get into their target programs.

How long does it take to prepare for the GMAT?

We’ve come across candidates who’ve cracked the test with less than a week’s preparation.

We also come across those who really struggle with it for months, and in fact, years.

If you follow a good, structured study plan, the typical duration can be around 3 months.

Of course, a lot will depend on how fast you can brush up on the basics and how you prepare

for the test.

When it comes to GMAT preparation, you have several options to choose from.

Self-study is the cheapest and most flexible way to prepare.

There are tons of excellent GMAT books available to help you cover everything from the basics

to the advanced topics.

The best GMAT book you can buy is the Official Guide.

It’s published by the team that manages the test.

GMAT books from private test prep companies like Manhattan Prep, Kaplan, Princeton

Review and many others, are also popular.

Go for the latest edition available.

You’ll find links to some of the best GMAT books in the description below.

If you are comfortable with the traditional classroom approach, you’ll find many test

prep companies in your neighborhood.

Candidates in smaller towns may have an issue finding a good coaching center.

This is where the next option works well.

All you need is a computer and good internet connection and you can access online GMAT

courses from home, or office, or when you’re sunbathing on a beach.

When you need more hand-holding, and the earlier options haven’t worked out, it may be helpful

to hire a personal tutor, who can help you identify the weaknesses and fix them.

Visit our website to find out more on free GMAT test prep material, GMAT mock tests,

and tips to crack each section.

While your focus right now is on preparing for the GMAT, here’s an important point

for you to keep in mind.

Don’t ignore what you need to do after getting a good score i.e. selecting the right bschools,

creating a strategy for your application, creating a storyline that connects all the

dots in your profile.

My book Beyond The MBA Hype should give you a good overview of what you should start thinking

about.

Contact us when you have a competitive GMAT score in hand.

We’ll help you tackle the next phase I.e. MBA essays, resume, recommendations and preparing for MBA interviews.

Good luck with the GMAT!