The GMAT exam is an extremely complex algorithm, which involves a huge number of factors influencing your final score. However, there are some general principles that can boost your performance on the test. Below are some recommendations on how to increase the chance of hitting 700+.

 

 

1. Don't rush

 

Allow yourself enough time to answer the questions. You will be given 65 minutes and 36 questions for the Verbal section and 62 minutes and 31 questions for the Match section. The best approach to managing time is to split each section, in terms of both the number of questions and the amount of time, in 4 parts. For example, you will have to complete 9 Verbal tasks in approximately 16 minutes, 18 tasks in approximately 32 minutes and so on. Use the same approach to managing time in the Math section. 

 

 

2. Read the question stem first

 

Critical reasoning questions consist of an argument, a question stem and five different answers. First, read the question stem so that you know what you will have to do with the argument, then read the argument itself and finally pick the correct answer. Otherwise, you will waste your time by rereading the argument. 

 

 

3. Double-check your calculations

 

Statistically, most students receive a lower score for their Math section than they expected because of some silly mistakes in their calculations. Time pressure often makes people miss out on important details. Although it may take time, it is necessary that you check your calculations before clicking the 'next question' button.

 

 

4. Do NOT use as much of study materials as possible

 

Focus on one source of information in order to have a structured approach to the GMAT preparation. The problem is that divergent sources may look at one and the same issue from different perspectives, and potential test takers may perceive different approaches to one and the same topic as different topics. So, do not get confused.

 

 

5. Do NOT take the real exam without trying the mock test first

 

The trial computer adaptive test (mock test) will let you understand how good you are. Apart from the score itself, it will also give you an opportunity to feel the time pressure of the real GMAT. 

 

 

6. Be persistent

 

If you don't strike 700+ for your first attempt, keep trying. It is hard to pull yourself together after a failure, especially if you have spent a huge amount of time on preparing for the GMAT exam. However, it may often be just a matter of case. It has often happened to our students that they increase their scores by more than 150 points just in a two-week time, often without preparing too much between the tries. 

by Chris Hazel