The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many educational institutions to switch to online classes for the 2020-21 academic year. Similarly, entrance tests for admission to foreign universities are also being conducted in completely online mode to ensure student safety. One such exam is the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT). The remote or online testing procedure i.e., in this case, the GMAT Online Exam can be attempted at home or in a space where the candidate is completely safe. For the GMAT Online Exam, the council has made certain changes in the exam pattern, primarily the omission of a section. If you are appearing for the test, then read through the article and check out the changes in the GMAT online exam pattern, topics and more.
In this article, we shall discuss the methods how to prepare for GMAT Online Exam. You can also check out the syllabus for the online exam and the different books or preparation strategies that you can use to achieve a better score.
Revised Exam Pattern for GMAT Online Exam
Due to time restraints in the GMAT Online Exam, the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) has first omitted the Analytical Writing section of the exam. As of now, the AWA section has also been added to the GMAT online exam. On the other hand, GMAT's Quantitative, Verbal and Integrated Reasoning will continue to be part of the exam.
As per the table given below, each candidate will be offered the following time for the different sections, under which they should be able to complete the test.
Section |
Number of Questions |
Time Allotted |
---|---|---|
Quantitative Reasoning |
31 |
62 Minutes |
Verbal Reasoning |
36 |
65 Minutes |
Integrated Reasoning |
12 |
30 Minutes |
Analytical Writing Assessment | 01 | 30 Minutes |
Note: It should be noted that out of the three hours allotted for the test, the candidates will have to spend 15 minutes for the check-in process to the online proctored system.
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General Preparation Tips for GMAT Online Exam
If you have chosen to take the GMAT exam, then your only possible method of appearing for the test is through online mode. With the revised exam pattern for GMAT Online Exam, the candidates will have more time to prepare for the more difficult sections of the exam.
Check out the general preparation tips for GMAT online exam as defined below:
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Practice makes Perfect: The saying is applicable, as practice would train and put you into the grove of attempting questions correctly and efficiently. While students can learn all there is to know about each specific topic in the exam, the ability to write or attempt the question within a limited time span is something to train for.
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Plan Your Study Times: Spending as much time possible in preparing for the test may seem the logical answer, however, easing into the studying process may allow your brain to collect and store data more efficiently and effectively. Nonetheless, it is also advisable to slowly add more time to prepare for the test, as and when the test date comes closer.
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Plan the Topics for Preparation: While it is necessary to plan the study time for GMAT online exam, it is also necessary to individually prepare each and every topic. It is advisable to maintain a study journal that records each topic and sub-topic that have been covered and that are yet to be covered. This will help you in being efficient in preparing for the test with limited stress.
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Prepare Each Section Every Day: Experts claim that preparing for the test as a whole will train you for the test at hand, which is true. However, in the case of the GMAT, universities and colleges also focus on the scores you secure in each section. Therefore, focus on each section and prepare for each section.
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It should be noted that you should practice each section every day to allow as it allows for a better understanding of the testing process and it will also keep your mind fresh.
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Educated Guessing May Be the Play for You: While it is not recommended for each question and section, having the ability to make an educated guess can help you a long way. Certain questions that will be asked in the test will require making educated guesses. Educated guesses require eliminating the wrong answers and guessing the right answers. Therefore, working on your educated guesses while preparing for the test may prove helpful for you.
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Attempt Mock or Practice Tests: One of the more effective methods of finalising your preparation for the GMAT Online Exam is to attempt practice papers or mock tests. Attempting practice tests or mock tests will help in improving the speed and accuracy of attempting the test.
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Analysing Your Performance: The best method to understand one's capacity in their knowledge is by analysing your performance in the respective practice or mock tests. Each practice test or mock test will include answer sheets which you can use to check whether your answers are correct. This will allow you to gauge your knowledge of a particular topic and help you understand your strengths and weaknesses.
Note: These steps or tips are just general techniques you can use to help boost your efficiency in preparing for the test. However, it is suggested that you use the best method suited for you. You know your learning abilities, strengths and weaknesses. Therefore, you must prepare a strategy that allows you to minimise time consumption and maximise your learning capacity.
Subject-Wise Preparation Tips for GMAT Online Exam
When preparing for the GMAT Online Test, candidates must individually focus on each section. As mentioned above, spending a certain amount of time every day on each section will help keep the mind fresh and also allow you to remember key points for the different sections. Here are a few tips and tricks you can use in your preparation for GMAT Online Exam.
GMAT Online Exam: Quantitative Reasoning Tips and Tricks
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As per the exam pattern, you have 62 minutes to answer 31 questions, in other words, you have two minutes per question to answer each of the questions.
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Given that you may not need two minutes to solve every question while some may require you to spend over two minutes, it is advisable to plan your route.
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Attempt easier questions first, whether you are practising or attempting the main exam, it is always better to answer the easier quantitative questions first. This allows you to allocate more time to the trickier and more difficult questions.
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Memorize as many mathematical equations and theories as possible. This is the basics of attempting any quantitative reasoning question. Once the equations have been memorised, all you would need to do is choose the right equation & formulas and calculate the result.
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Practice data sufficiency and problem-solving questions.
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Go through the best books for GMAT Online Exam and subject-wise best books for the quantitative reasoning section. This will give you access to the type of questions usually asked in GMAT tests.
GMAT Online Exam: Integrated Reasoning Tips and Tricks
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Topics such as table and graphics analysis, multi-source reasoning and two-part analysis are some of the more important to prepare.
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Here, the ability to understand and analyse various topics and the information provided will be tested, therefore, practice is the only method forward with this section.
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Referring to a few best books for Integrated Reasoning or Logical Reasoning for GMAT will help you understand the questions and answers that are expected of you.
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Asking seniors or your mentors to assist you through the preparation of this section will also help build your strength in the section.
GMAT Online Exam: Verbal Reasoning Tips and Tricks
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For this section, your grasp of the English Language will be crucial. Therefore, study different English Grammar books and read English editorial columns of good & reputed English newspapers.
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While attempting practice papers, attempt as many questions that test your grammatical skills and understanding. A number of questions will be asked testing this area of expertise in this section.
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Subjects such as Subject-Verb Agreement, Reading Unseen Passages, Sentence Correction, Critical Reasoning and Idioms will be important topics to cover to secure a good score.
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Guidebooks or seeking help from experts for this section may also be an option that you may want to look into.
GMAT Online Exam: Analytical Writing Assessment Tips and Tricks
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GMAT Timed practice exams will help you pace yourself during the exam, allowing you to avoid penalties for missed questions. This will help you boost your confidence and, as a result, increase your chances of getting a decent grade.
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In order to build up a fully formed and organised response, take a minute to consider the question and decide which side of an argument to support. Do not think about selecting the 'correct side of an issue' to debate on; simply choose the one that can support your argument strongly.
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Follow an ideal structure to write your AWA essay. The finest essays are organised since it helps the examiner understand what you are writing about. Additionally, it gives you a clear outline of how you intend to make your points.
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Keep in mind that you only have 30 minutes to complete this section. Allow enough time to yourself to re-check your response and make any necessary corrections. To keep yourself on schedule for the real thing, time yourself when taking the GMAT practice exams.
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As explained throughout the article, it is always helpful to seek help in the form of guides or reference books for the test. In the technology-driven world, you will be able to search for digital and hard copies of such books on Google or other online book-selling platforms. Given below are the best books for the GMAT Online exam, which you can refer to for your preparation for the test.
Section |
Name of Books |
---|---|
General Books for GMAT Preparation |
The Complete GMAT Strategy Guide GMAT Official Guide Verbal Review by GMAC GMAT Official Guide Quantitative Review by GMAC Sentence Correction GMAT Preparation Guide by AVI Gutman |
Objective General English by SP Bakshi Published by Arihant Publication Descriptive English for Competitive Examinations by SJ Thakur and SK Raut. English Language Comprehension Skills by Sachchida Nand Jha |
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Logical Reasoning by Arihant Publications How to Prepare for Logical Reasoning for CAT by Arun Sharma Logical and Analytical Reasoning by Ashok Gupta A Modern Approach to Logical Reasoning by RS Aggarwal |
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Quantitative Aptitude for CAT by Arun Sharma Quantitative Aptitude for MBA Entrance Examination by Abhijit Guha Mathematics for MBA by RS Aggarwal Quantitative Aptitude Quantum CAT 2018 by Sarvesh K Verma |
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GMAT: Answers to the Real Essay Questions Writing skills for the GRE and GMAT tests The Official Guide For GMAT Review, 12th Edition |
These are just a few of the books that you can access from a sea of guides and reference books which are designed to train and qualify you to clear and crack the toughest exams on the planet. Check out the Best Books for GMAT Preparation.
Our Tips and Tricks to Crack the GMAT Online Exam
With the world crumbling into pieces at the hands of COVID-19, it is especially necessary for us to be positive and motivated to help the world stand back on its legs. Attempting examinations can be really testing on a few while others may just enjoy them. In both cases, students need to be mentally, physically and emotionally strong. Here are our tips and tricks to crack the GMAT Online Exam.
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Be at Peace: Before preparing for the test or even appearing for the test, take a few moments out to breathe and clear out your thoughts. A mind clear of distractions will not only help you concentrate but help you understand the topics, attempt the questions and understand the logic, reasoning and solution behind each question clearly.
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All Work and No Play: It is extremely important to rest, play and engage in activities that are not academic in nature. While devoting as much time to prepare is necessary, it is also necessary to rest and engage in non-academic activities such as playing games, working out, cooking, sleeping/napping or even reading a book
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Be Healthy: Maintaining health, especially during these unprecedented times is one of the better ways to ensure your ability to crack the test. Staying home as much as possible and taking the necessary social distance when in public. Maintaining a healthy diet and staying hydrated are some of the ways to keep yourself Healthy.
Learn More About GMAT
Click on the following links to learn more about the GMAT exam.
Top Colleges and Universities Abroad for International Students
If you are looking to pursue education abroad, then check out this list of colleges and universities in the world for you, in the table given below.
Name of College |
Disciplines Offered for Bachelors |
Disciplines Offered for Masters |
---|---|---|
Engineering Computer Science Journalism Applied & Pure Sciences Management Commerce |
Management Commerce |
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Engineering Computer Science Applied & Pure Sciences |
Management Engineering Computer Science Commerce |
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Engineering Management Applied & Pure Sciences Commerce |
Arts Applied & Pure Sciences Management Engineering |
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Humanities and Arts |
Management Hospitality Health & Medicine |
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Computer Science Engineering Management Health & Medicine |
Management Computer Science Engineering |
Hope this article helped you to get familiarised with the detailed exam pattern of the GMAT Online Exam as well as the best books to ace the GMAT exam. If you are opting for the self-study option, follow the section-wise tips and tricks mentioned above to score high on the GMAT Online Exam.
To clarify your exam-related queries or to avail of our international education and admissions services, write to us at abroad@collegedekho.com.
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