By Stephanie Walker, MBA in International Luxury Brand Management 2014-2015, USA/UK
As our class prepares to conclude our year at ESSEC Business School, it is important to look back and think about the initial steps that we took to in order to get to where we are today.
For many of us, this included planning for and tackling the famous GMAT exam. A standard in the application process for graduate schools around the globe, preparing to take the GMAT is often the initial step towards achieving graduate education. However, many potential students are often confused on where and how to start their preparations for this exam.
Below are a few helpful tips to consider before your get started:
1. Start early
Studying for the GMAT takes time (especially if you are working and studying simultaneously) and is often compared to training for a marathon. On average students need anywhere from one to three months to study for the exam and it is best to ensure that you have enough time to absorb the material in order to do your best on the day.
2. Explore study aids
There are lots of resources available for students preparing for the exam: from workbooks and classes to online resources like blogs and Youtube videos. It is key to find a system of learning that will work well for you early in your preparation to ensure you review the content both efficiently and effectively.
3. Practice, practice, practice
This may seem obvious, but familiarizing yourself with the various styles and types of problems as well as the unique format of the exam is crucial to performing well on the day. Preparing mock exams and taking them under similar time and material constraints will increase your comfort level and provide you with the ability to focus more on solving the individual problems.