Preparing for the GMAT can be time-consuming, but it need not be a chore. After all, there are numerous ways to incorporate various review methods into your weekly schedule. Here are four daily activities that can improve your GMAT skills:
1. Reading
Reading is required on every section of the GMAT, and there is a great deal of content to work through. The more vocabulary you are familiar with, the easier it will be to complete the exam. In addition to online news websites, books, essays, magazines, pamphlets, and other sources can help you improve your comprehension. Consuming the variety of phrases, sentence structures, and topics within different genres will increase your comfort level with the mixture of passages in sections like Critical Reasoning and Reading Comprehension. These are also some great tips on how to reach your target GMAT score.
2. Resting
You need energy to do well on a test. Participating in frequent all-nighters to cram for an exam may have worked in college, but it is not the best strategy for success on the GMAT. Rest is an essential part of any learning program. Adhere to a consistent sleep schedule for the month or two before your test. If you can, exercise. Regular physical exertion will assist with your mental activity. Take a break from sitting at your desk to walk, jog in place, etc. Your mind and your body will thank you.
3. Communicating with friends and family
Speak with the people in your life about what you are doing and why. Discussing the GMAT with others will help you feel like an expert on the material. Explain to your friends and family what the GMAT is, how the exam is structured, and where it fits within your MBA application package. They may have more questions, or—fingers crossed—they may wish to help!
If your friends or family members have attended business school, consider asking them for advice on study methods. How did they prepare for the GMAT? What worked and what did not? What GMAT skills were critical? How would they suggest you improve? Here are 5 steps to revitalize a struggling GMAT prep routine.
For those acquaintances less familiar with the MBA world, let them know that preparing for the GMAT takes time. Socialization opportunities, for instance, may be impacted. A creative alternative could be asking them to take part in your review. Instead of Friday Movie Night, host Friday Quiz Night.
4. Studying
Whatever your profession, you must study for the GMAT—every day, if possible. Knowing the content is one thing, but knowing how to answer the questions is another. Practice each problem type, including the Analytical Writing Assessment. Remember that 10 question types may require 10 different strategies.
Developing a daily prep plan will provide a route to mastering central GMAT skills. You can identify your strengths and weaknesses and schedule sessions to address them—whether by yourself or with a GMAT tutor. If you are stronger in the Verbal section but still struggle with Quantitative questions, budget more time for reviewing Data Sufficiency and Problem Solving – but maintain your wordsmithing abilities as well. Additionally, ensure you allot sufficient portions of your schedule to completing full-length GMAT practice tests to build your stamina.
Incorporating these daily activities into your life will lead you in the right direction for achieving success on the GMAT. Not only are reading, resting, communicating, and studying excellent methods for high exam performance, they are also skills that you will utilize in your MBA program. With a positive mindset toward preparing for the test, and these daily activities, you will be well on your way to realizing your MBA dreams.
