Getting Started with GMAT Preparation

If you aim to study MBA from a top notch business college, you are undoubtedly aware of the one critical hurdle you need to cross – the GMAT exam.

To help you get started on your business school journey, we have put together a GMAT preparation guide.

What is GMAT?

More than 6,000 business and management programs worldwide use GMAT scores to select students who are the best fit for their programs. GMAT or the General Management Aptitude Test evaluates MBA aspirants on four crucial abilities – verbal, reasoning, quantitative, and analytical skills. The exam which is in English, has the following format.

Section	No. of questions	Type of questions	Duration
Verbal	41 questions	Critical Reasoning, Reading Comprehension, Sentence Correction	75 minutes
Integrated Reasoning	12 questions	Table Analysis, Graphics Interpretation, Multi-Source Reasoning, Two-Part Analysis	30 minutes
Quantitative	37 questions	Data Sufficiency, Problem Solving	75 minutes
Analytical Writing Assessment	1 Topic	Analysis of an Argument	30 minutes

The test duration is three and a half hours. You can take two optional eight-minute breaks, one each after the reasoning and quantitative section.

There are four scores on the GMAT, including one for each section and the total score. The total score can range between 200 and 800. Almost two-thirds of the candidates score between 400 and 600. Unlike many other entrance exams, there is no minimum score to pass the GMAT.

GMAT score reports are sent twenty days after the date of exam, via postal delivery or email. The scorecard includes both the scores as well as the percentile rank.

Registering for GMAT in UAE

Millions of management aspirants take the GMAT each year. To be eligible for GMAT, you must be at least 18 years old. If you are between 13 and 17 years old, you would need permission from a parent or legal guardian. You must provide written proof of consent before scheduling the exam.

You may take GMAT up to five times within a twelve-month period. Also, once you have taken the exam, you will have to wait for at least sixteen days to take the exam again.

To register for the GMAT exam, visit the official GMAT registration page, and create a GMAC account. Login and select the place and date to take the exam. Next, make an online payment of the application fee of USD 250 (or approximately 918 AED) through net banking, credit card or debit card.

Taking the GMAT in UAE

There are two GMAT centres in UAE:

1. New Horizons CLC-Dubai
   The Business Centre Bldng, 2nd Flr, 201 ,Bur Dubai, Khalid Bin Waleed S (Bank S)
   Opposite Burjuman Mall , 37022 Dubai ,United Arab Emirates, Phone: 971 43962222.

1. Society of Engineers
   Al Wuheida St.-Street 46, Behind the Mamzar Bowling Centre, Society of Engineers-UAE Bldg. Dubai

GMAT Preparation Tips

Pursuing a degree in management from a prestigious institution is a rewarding experience, and it can change the path of your career. Follow these preparation tips for GMAT, and you will surely be on the right track to your dream B-school

1. Create a study plan: As with any entrance exam, GMAT preparation takes some time. You may need anywhere from six weeks to three months depending on how good your basics are. Start earlier especially if you do not have a decent familiarity with math. Hire a private math tutor to brush up your geometry and algebra skills. Create a study plan that covers all the sections, and invest some time in improving your reading speed as well.
2. Choose GMAT books and study material wisely: When it comes to choosing GMAT books, candidates are often faced with an overwhelming choice. Rather than picking up every piece of study material that you can lay your hands on choose one or two good GMAT preparation books from a reputed resource.
3. Understand the exam format: It is important to understand the exam format, and the type of GMAT questions asked. Remember that many questions, especially in the quantitative section, are trick questions. Practice as many GMAT exams as possible to identify and solve the problems in a matter of seconds.
4. Take several practice tests: Most students take the two prep tests available on the GMAT website. It is a great way to train yourself in real test conditions, but it is important not to overestimate the results of these tests. Take as many practice tests as you can.
5. Time yourself: While taking these tests, you should know how to allot your time across the various sections. It is a good idea to keep a stopwatch handy. Timed practice can go a long way in helping you prepare for the actual exam day.
6. Do not get easy questions wrong: GMAT score is based on the difficulty of questions a candidate gets right or wrong, and not necessarily on the number of correct answers. If you manage to do well on easy and moderate questions, and some tough ones right, you can score well.
7. Improve your reading speed: When it comes to acing the GMAT, your reading speed is crucial. The faster the better, so practice speed-reading using a stopwatch.

When preparing for GMAT, you need self-discipline and motivation. With the right guidance, GMAT books, and targeted efforts you can certainly make it to the business school of your choice.

As a final thought, if you aren’t confident of preparing for GMAT by yourself, enroll for GMAT preparation classes or hire a private tutor to help you crack the GMAT in your first attempt.

All the best!