GMAT Preparation

The Basics of GMAT Preparation

When preparing for the GMAT, it is important to keep the following in mind:

  • It takes an average of three to four months of consistent study to be prepared for the GMAT. It can often take international students six to eight months to prepare if English is not their first language.
  • When preparing, it is important to establish a set schedule with studying taking place at least one to two hours a day three to five days a week.
  • Students should take practice tests regularly. These tests can help students determine when they are adequately prepared to take the real test. Once students have consistent practice scores in their desired range, they are most likely ready to take the real test.
  • If students sign up for the GMAT and then realize they will not be prepared by their test date, they can contact GMAC at least seven days in advance (to the hour) to change their test date for a $50 fee.
  • As you study, keep in mind that the GMAT is intended to measure your ability to make decisions with limited time and limited information. Studying just to learn how to solve problems is not enough, you have to learn how to answer questions when there is not enough time to solve them.
  • It is imperative that you learn to avoid leaving several questions blank at the end of each section of the test. Answering several questions in a row incorrectly will greatly decrease your score as opposed to missing a question every once and a while.

Free GMAT Sessions

gmat pictureSome very talented MBA students have offered to teach GMAT classes to those who are interested.

The class will meet on Wednesday nights from 5:15-6:30 PM starting in the fall 2009 semester in the new wing of the Tanner Building in room W118. There is parking available outside of the first floor of the Tanner Building after 4:00 PM. Please check the website again as the fall semester starts to see the exact schedule.

The instructors are teaching out of the 11th edition of the Official Guide. Please bring this book to the class if you would like to follow along.

Study Guides/Books

  • Kaplan GMAT/GRE/LSAT CD-ROM  (search on www.amazon.com to find this)
  • Cracking the GMAT with Sample Tests on CD-ROM (Princeton Review Series)
  • The 11th Edition of the Official Guide for GMAT Review (ETS and GMAC)
  • Verbal Workout for the GMAT (Princeton Review Series)
  • GMAT Math Workout (Princeton Review Series)
  • Master the GMAT (Arco)
  • Arco 30 Days to the GMAT CAT (Arco Thirty Day Guides)
  • Barron’s How to Prepare for the GMAT
  • Peterson’s Ultimate GMAT Tool Kit

Books can generally be found at the BYU Bookstore, any major retail book chain, or online with retailers such as Amazon.com, Barnesandnoble.com, and half.com.

Preparation Courses

When selecting a GMAT course, determine whether or not you are better at learning in a class room environment or in an online setting. Many of these companies will allow you to preview their course. You can contact them to find out if this option is available.

You can find some discounts on some of these courses at www.beatthegmat.com.

Internet Material/Websites