How to Decide Whether You Are Ready for GMAT

If you are planning to add an MBA to your resume, even if not immediately, you can start thinking of GMAT preparation. Since GMAT scores are valid for five years, even if your work experience- in terms of the number of years or the kind of work done- is not sufficient, you can take the GMAT and then work towards profile enhancement. Take reputed Consultants’ advice in this regard.

Taking the GMAT well in advance is advisable. It will be a load off your head plus the option of restudying GMAT material and retaking GMAT will remain open. If you take it well in advance of application deadlines, you will be able to focus on other aspects of your application.

If you cannot schedule it well in advance, try to ensure that you have enough days to have at least one retake (allowed once in 31 days), if need be. If this is also not possible, remember before scheduling exam that only some schools accept unofficial scores provisionally and it can take up to 20 days for the official scores to reach schools.

If you have some disability, seek approval for testing accommodation before scheduling the GMAT. Depending on your need, you may request for allowing the use of medical devices, being provided extra time, etc. You need to provide proper documentation describing your disability. Processing of this documentation will take 3 to 4 weeks (more if you are asked to provide additional documentation after this processing). Trainers who provide GMAT material and advice can guide regarding the procedure and requirements. Score reports will not mention the accommodations made.

Before you pick up GMAT study material, be sure you can put in hours of dedicated work. Do not think of studying GMAT material when there are time-consuming professional or personal commitments.

Consult reputed trainers who provide comprehensive GMAT material to know how much time you need for preparation. They will guide keeping in view your grasping abilities, the effort you need to put in plus the number of hours you can devote. You will then know how many months you need to properly study and practice GMAT material. More time will be definitely advantageous as you can grasp concepts better and practice well all question types.

The way you progress with your GMAT material and the practice test scores you get will help determine your readiness. If your practice test scores are not close to your desired score, prepare more. Achieve good scores on a few practice tests before taking the GMAT.

Plan to take the GMAT one or two weeks after you have completed the course and reviewed your GMAT material in entirety. This will take care of unforeseen delays. This time can otherwise be used to brush up concepts discussed in the GMAT material.

Trainers who provide GMAT material plus advice will guide you on scheduling an exam appointment. The day and time should suit you. The GMAT is offered Monday through Saturday.

If you want to restudy your GMAT material, you may postpone your test date, even more than once. B-schools will not know about it.

The GMAT’s importance plus its design (difficulty level subject to performance) can make you nervous despite your having thoroughly studied your GMAT material. Be prepared to see unfamiliar questions. Nervousness should not lead to postponement. Other elements of applications are also important.

Take your decision wisely.