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The GMAT (Focus Edition) is a management-focused standardized test that is widely recognized as an admissions criterion for MBA programs. This computer-adaptive assessment can be attempted five times a year. While it may be tempting to schedule the examination as per one’s professional and personal commitments, it is pertinent to remember that B-Schools require much more from applicants than just a suitable GMAT score.

As such admissions criteria to B-Schools include completing an online application, providing reference letters from current and previous employers, essays and other documents in addition to the GMAT score. Most students will apply to as many as four or five B-Schools, which might have overlapping deadlines. Since the purpose of attempting the GMAT is to get admission into a B-School, we must remember that the actual application will require just as much, if not more, effort than the GMAT.

With that in mind, remember to:

Start early – study time can take several months, and you will struggle when juggling all other aspects, such as personal and professional commitments along with your applications and GMAT preparation.
Prep well – give your best attempt the first time to avoid having to reschedule the exam.
Focus on the purpose of the GMAT – avoid common pitfalls such as excessive focus on grammar and ignoring other sections. .
Have a plan – keep an eye out for college deadlines and plan your testing accordingly.
Schedule your time – ensure that you have enough time to work on your college applications and don’t rush them at the last minute.

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How to Prepare for The GMAT?

While the “when” is simple, the “how” is not. Given today’s technological advancements, study methods are different from what they used to be even a mere 10 years ago. While this may seemingly simplify many aspects of our lives, it also tends to complicate them. For instance, many students are overwhelmed with the amount of GMAT preparatory material online. One of the first mistakes students make is focusing on quantity rather than quality. So most will use various (and often conflicting) sources.

This is a misconception, as the GMAT tests your analytical reasoning and Math skills. Students fare better when they have a strong foundation and follow time-saving strategies. Hence, spending months completing practice test after practice test from several sources is a common pitfall. A smarter way to prepare for the GMAT is to religiously follow the syllabus set by GMAC and refer to books and examination material provided by the test-maker. Thereafter, if you have time, you can try additional sources.

However, remind yourself that questions from retired tests are never repeated and that your chances of getting higher scores are not dependent on how many times you practice the exam.

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Here are some general tips from Jamboree to ace the GMAT:

Don't write in books – for those of us who are still old school, a pen and paper-based study method works well. However, the GMAT is computer-based, and thus, writing or highlighting important parts in books will cultivate unproductive habits. Following this study method will also render your books useless when you enter revision mode.
Use official GMAC books – While it may be tempting to refer to many sources, the official GMAC material is designed to meet study requirements for all students – be it beginner, intermediate or advanced level.
Quality over quantity – The quality of preparation matters tremendously during the GMAT. Set your foundations straight, understand and practice time-saving techniques, and follow strategies to score higher in the Quantitative and Verbal sections of the exam.