How to Manage your GMAT Prep While Working Full Time

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So, you are already into a full time demanding profession, and aim to up your game and move up in the ladder. With the MBA programs becoming more dynamic and relevant with integration of AI into their curricula as it relates to business ethics, decision making, practical application, and business strategy; full time, two year MBA programs are most likely to report application growth. So, getting into the best Business schools through a great GMAT score is an organic choice for the same. In this article we are going to discuss what are the strategies that you should adopt for your GMAT prep while working full time; and how to efficiently manage your time to fulfil your career aspirations with the given time constraint.

Introduction :

1.1 Nature of the GMAT exam: What makes GMAT interesting and different is the adaptive nature of the exam, thus making it a Computer Adaptive Test (CAT) of the exam. What this means is that the questions in the Verbal, Quant, and DI sections will adapt to your level as you progress. The CAT nature means that the difficulty level of the next question will depend upon whether you correctly attempted the current question or not. Thus, if you mark the current question correctly, the next question will be of a harder level, and vice-versa. This leads to the exam getting closer to your aptitude level as you proceed with it.

1.2 What are the skill sets that GMAT is testing you: GMAT provides a significantly more valid prediction of a candidate’s ability to succeed in the business school classroom and it assesses relevant and crucial skillsets, such as verbal reasoning, critical thinking, mathematical concepts, and data analytics, which are increasingly in-demand in today’s business environment. Hence, developing these skill sets in your GMAT prep is crucial for getting the desired GMAT scores.

2.0 Understanding the GMAT exam: Let’s delve further into these sections:

2.1 Data Insights: It is composed of 20 questions that ask you to assess how multiple sources and types of information – including graphic, numeric, and verbal – relate to one another and can be leveraged to make informed decisions. Questions may require math, data analysis, verbal reasoning, or all three. You can use an on-screen calculator while working on this section.

The Data Insights section measures candidates’ ability to analyse and interpret data and apply it to real-world business scenarios. It also measures digital and data literacy—one of the most relevant and in-demand skills in business today.

2.2 Verbal Reasoning: Understanding the GMAT verbal section measures your ability to read and comprehend written material and to reason and evaluate arguments. It comprises 23questions based on Reading ComprehensionandCritical Reasoning.

Reading Comprehension questions measure your ability to understand words and statements, understand logical relationships between significant points, draw inferences. Specifically, the following reading skills will be tested: main idea, supporting idea, inference, application, logical structure, tone, and style.

Critical Reasoning questions measure your ability to make arguments, understand assumptions, evaluate arguments, and formulate or evaluate a plan of action. Critical Reasoning questions are based on a short text, usually fewer than 100 words. Typically, the short text comes with a question that asks you which of the five answer options strengthens or weakens an argument, why the argument is flawed, what inferences can be drawn and what are underlying assumptions.

2.3 Quantitative Reasoning: This section measures your foundational knowledge of algebra and arithmetic, and how you apply this knowledge to solve problems. It comprises 21Problem Solvingquestions.

These types of questions require knowledge of arithmetic and elementary algebra. Answering these questions correctly relies on logic and analytical skills. You cannot use a calculator while working on this section.

3.0 Mastering GMAT Prep and getting your desired scores while working full time:

3.1. Start early with the test with relevant GMAT prep material: Find a GMAT course that presents clear, practical, and actionable content, in a way it helps you develop skills, strategies, and techniques necessary for acing the exam. Keep GMAT Official guide as a reference book and bible for the GMAT preparation. One of the best things is to get an early advantage in the preparation process by starting early by joining a trusted GMAT coaching. This also will give you scope and room for improvement and will help you streamline the process and your GMAT prep better.

3.2. Effective time management: With the demanding job, to maintain the enthusiasm to study for GMAT every day, each day is the most crucial aspect in the GMAT preparation. Focus on practising good quality content every day. Understand if you are a night owl or morning lark. Keep aside 2 hours during weekdays and 6 to 7 hours during weekends. The latter half of the weekends could be utilised to unwind and rejuvenate yourselves. Be consistent and routinise your GMAT preparation schedule. Avoid digital distractions and day dreaming. To fit in study sessions, you’d need to avoid a number of activities and tasks such as happy hours, Netflix, movies, social networking sites etc. These are all time consuming activities. This time could in fact be utilised effectively for the studies. Check the utmost utilisation of body and mind functions. Keep in mind that a top GMAT score and a degree from a strong business school are assets that pay dividends for a lifetime.

Understand that Victory is in being a little better today. Once a habit is established continue to move in small steps. Develop self-accountability. Inspiration and motivation might “get” you going, but persistence and routine are what “keeps” you going until you reach your goals. Do take mandatory breaks to stay efficient and avoid saturation. Reach out to your GMAT faculty and mentors to prepare a customised GMAT study plan for you.

3.3. Concept building: Learn the concepts and master those thorough consistent practice. Focus on mastering the fundamentals, applying the tips and strategies to solve the GMAT sample test questions. When the accuracy is in place, one can start doing advance material. Drawing your attention to the adaptive nature of the exam, please understand the importance of getting the easy and medium difficulty questions correct. Focus on refining small steps without constantly stressing over a great score. Acknowledge and embrace the process; it’s what leads to your desired outcome. Join a good GMAT Training program to save your time and effort.

3.4. Knowing your strengths and weaknesses: Through practice exercise and taking the area wise sectional test understand your strong areas and weak areas. Try to balance strong areas with weaker areas. Summarise your GMAT syllabus and divide it into parts that require extra attention and the ones that require brush up. Maintain an error log of all the questions that you solved. Learn from mistakes. Take time to analyse and reflect on what contributed to the mistake. Understand the gap in your strategy with the help of experts and mentors. Keep revising the error logs to avoid repeating the mistakes. It helps us understand our pattern. Learn from mistakes. Seek professional help to evaluate your GMAT preparation and performance.

3.5. Taking mock tests: On syllabus completion, attempt the mock to check your time management, performance, and resilience. Understand the gap. Do quality practice to bridge the gaps. Practising 7/8 mocks will help you to understand your strengths and weaknesses. Do your best to focus for the entire test, and simulate the test environment as much as you can. Avoid cell phones, calculators, and any interruptions if any. Focus on needed areas of improvement. Maintain an error log for these mocks. Do take a few GMAT mocks in a simulated environment away from the comfort of your home, which will help you understand and navigate the pressure, which in turn will help you on your actual GMAT exam day. Revisit notes, key concepts, and advanced questions. Keep the last day for rest and relaxation. Avoid overstressing. Prepare for your GMAT exam day by revisiting your pre-test check list.

Throughout this process have a healthy sense of self confidence, stay motivated and avoid giving into the face of feelings of despair and anxiety. Learn from the experiences of fellow GMAT takers, experts, and professionals. Join trusted GMAT classes to discuss the strategies, seek advice and get support. Charting realistic goals with dedication, self-discipline, and the right approach is key to mastering the GMAT test.

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