Knowing the best ways for GMAT Prep is essential. Because merely working hard is not going to serve your end. You must work smart.
Knowing the GMAT Essentials: Before you immerse yourself into GMAT Prep, have clarity on each aspect of the exam- learn about the pattern, the sections and the type of questions in each section. Also be clear about the scoring, the number of questions and the time allotted to each section.
Seeking Guidance and Adhering to Suggested Strategy: Seek trainers who have the reputation for providing proper guidance and customized study plans for GMAT Prep. Depending on how much time you can devote plus your speed of grasping, they will prepare your plan. Make sincere efforts to adhere to the GMAT Prep strategy that they recommend.
Studying What is Required: For your GMAT Prep to be on the mark, you need apt study material prepared by renowned trainers. Thus, you will know the concepts and questions that you should work on. The trainers will also tell you ways to tackle the different types of questions in a time-efficient manner.
Giving Importance to Each Section: As each section of the GMAT is designed to test certain skills, attention must be given to each. Keep in mind that you must concentrate on certain chosen areas for some good amount of time and not try to do everything together. All through your GMAT Prep, improve on your weak areas but also focus on preparing well the topics you are good at. Remember that the overall score as well as the sub-scores are considered.
Practicing Mock Tests: These tell you what to expect and help you determine which areas you need to spend more time and energy on. If possible, take them under conditions similar to what you will have during GMAT to be better prepared. Your GMAT Prep is not complete without them. A word of caution here: do not take the GMAT itself for practice because all GMAT scores are sent to the institutions to which you apply.
Learning Time Management: While doing mock tests during your GMAT Prep, remember to time yourself. Your score will significantly fall with each question you are unable to answer.
The sooner you start your GMAT Prep, the better. Since the GMAT assesses where you stand in comparison to others, you need to really hone the skills that are tested. Your answers during the GMAT will determine the difficulty level of the next questions and your capability will be assessed accordingly.
Religiously follow your GMAT Prep plan to become confident about achieving a good score. A lack in preparation might make you nervous, which will only hinder your performance. Once you are convinced that you have put in your best towards GMAT Prep, then take the exam. But try to give it well in advance of application dates so that the option of retaking it remains open, just in case your score is not that great.
Trust your trainer and your own abilities. Dedicated GMAT Prep will yield desired results.