A Smarter Approach to GMAT Exam Success

In 2024, 27,015 students from India took the Graduate Management Admission Test™ (GMAT™), but there is a significant gap between those who begin preparations for the exam and those who ultimately sit it.

 Thousands of aspirants start their GMAT journey each year, and many decide not to register or follow through, underscoring the challenges and choices students face on the path to an MBA.

Unlike most domestic exams in India, the GMAT exam has no fixed dates, and this flexibility for choosing when to take the GMAT exam can lead to procrastination and a lack of focus. Without a target date, it’s easy to delay preparation, often resulting in last-minute stress and suboptimal performances. Some candidates even enroll in coaching classes, but never actually schedule the exam, falling into the vicious cycle of preparation with no progress.

Setting your GMAT test date before you start your preparation is a formula for success. It provides a clear goal, a concrete timeline, and the motivation to structure an effective study plan. Here, we explore why booking your test early is important, and how a focused approach can help you stay on track and perform at your best on test day.

Set a clear test date

Booking your GMAT test date early on, before starting your preparation, gives you a clear target to work toward, and sets a tone for your study plan. It creates a sense of urgency and commitment, which transforms your preparation from an open-ended task into a more focused and goal-oriented process. With a set date in mind, you can prepare a more structured plan. It gives you time to practice questions, take full-length practice exams, and achieve dream scores.  

Having a clear test date is especially important for professionals with busy work schedules and limited time. 

There are also several GMAT prep and practice apps  and online resources that can help you maximize your chances of success. 

Build the right GMAT study plan

Many GMAT aspirants experience lower-than-expected scores in practice exams, which may be a sign of poor preparation rather than lack of ability. A well-structured study plan can improve performance significantly. To create a good GMAT study plan, start by taking a diagnostic test to assess your strengths and weaknesses. This will enable you to set realistic target scores. 

Important elements of a good GMAT study plan are: allowing enough practice time for each part, with priority given to weaker areas; having focused study blocks of 1-2 hours with regular intervals; and taking practice tests periodically to check on improvement. With expert advice as well as the numerous free resources available online, it is easy to create an effective study plan.  

The study plan can be a game changer, promoting consistency and keeping you on track with daily or weekly goals. It also helps to break down complex topics with manageable tasks and boosts time-management skills. By setting clear goals each week, it can help you feel confident and prepared to achieve the best scores on the test.

Pro Tip: Consistency is key, so stick to the planner and track your progress regularly!

Effective test practice

One of the most effective strategies for facing the GMAT exam is to take practice tests. The official GMAT website and resources such as The Princeton Review offer high-quality practice exams that simulate actual test conditions, helping candidates familiarize themselves with the exam format and practice working within time constraints. Practice exams help to train your mind and body to perform at their best under exam conditions. Here at Manya, we simulate the actual test conditions to help our students minimize test anxiety and get the best results. 

GMAT Official Practice Exams (available on mba.com) are the most accurate reflection of the actual exams, as they are created by the makers of the GMAT exam. The practice tests highlight your strengths and weaknesses and offer personalized feedback. 

Time management is often underestimated – the GMAT exam is a time-sensitive test so managing the clock is very important. Regular practice tests will help you improve your scores, pushing you to study harder and overcome any weak areas.

GMAT exam day

On the day of the GMAT exam, it is important to stay calm and focused. In the runup to the exam, eat healthily, and try to get 7-8 hours of sleep. Avoid studying intensively the night before and, instead, review the key concepts or skim through your notes. On exam day, make sure you have valid ID and all necessary documents, and arrive at least 30 minutes before the scheduled time. 

For tackling test anxiety, try deep-breathing exercises or meditation. Trust your preparation and stick to your time-management strategy by not dwelling on difficult questions. Finally, to ensure the best outcome, try to stay positive throughout the exam.  

Final thoughts

A clear target date, focused preparation, and a commitment to your goal will help you tackle the GMAT exam with confidence, and achieve a high score.