Preparation, strategies, resources, errorlogs

The following list is found in GMATPrep software availble in mba.com .

Here are some general suggestions to follow when taking the GMAT™ exam.

Read the directions carefully

Familiarize yourself with the directions for each section. The directions explain exactly what is required for each type of question. To review directions during the test, you may click the Help icon. However, the time you use to review the directions will count against the allotted time for that section.

Pace yourself

Pay close attention to the number of questions and the amount of time remaining during your test session so that you have enough time to answer every question. On average, you have about one and three-quarter minutes for each Verbal question and about two minutes for each Quantitative question. You may not skip questions and there is a significant penalty for not completing a section.

Consult the on-screen timer and be sure to note the time remaining. Try not to spend so much time on one question that it causes you to neglect other questions. Make an educated guess if you don’t know the answer to a question, or if a question is too time-consuming. You don’t want to have to guess randomly at the end of the test because you’ve run out of time.

Read questions and answer choices carefully

Read each question carefully and thoroughly. Before answering a question, determine exactly what is being asked. Avoid skimming a question or the possible answers; skimming may cause you to miss important information or nuances.

Plan your responses for the writing tasks

The best way to approach the two writing tasks in the Analytical Writing Assessment is to think about each question for a few minutes and plan a response before you begin writing. Take care to organize your ideas and develop them fully, but leave time to reread your response and make any revisions you think would improve it.

Be realistic about what you can do on the writing tasks

You will not know your topic in advance, and you must compose each essay within 30 minutes. To practice for the writing test, try to simulate test conditions as much as possible. Using the word processor in GMATPrep™ (the same one you will use when you take the test), practice responding to a sample topic within the 30-minute time limit. It is important to be realistic about what you can do within the time constraints.