Is GMAT Tough?
GMAT
Talk to ExpertIt is an unquestionable fact that how hard GMAT is to get admission for an MBA abroad. While a GMAT Score strengthens your candidature for a reputed international B-school. However, the concern remains common: Is GMAT tough? In this article, we try to answer the questions related to the toughness of the GMAT exam. We have also provided an overview of the GMAT preparation strategy.
The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is designed to test your abilities to join a graduate programme on the criteria of Quantitative, Verbal, and Data insights. If you are planning to just show up at the exam centre without any preparation, you are going to have a huge difficulty in answering the tough and twisted analytical and quantitative questions. You may have been continuously in touch with your studies with your course books of whatsoever programme yet you have to prepare for the exam with a different understanding. The exam certainly needs time to prepare else, it would not be easy to crack.
How Tough is GMAT?
The exam is certainly not a piece of cake. On the contrary, all the exams are easy when you prepare for them. If you wish to figure out how well you can perform on the GMAT exam without preparation, it would be ideal to say that:
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- For candidates with excellent quantitative skills, it would be easy to crack some questions in the exam. However, they may face difficulty in the remaining sections.
- On the other hand, candidates with average minds but good analytical and verbal skills would find it difficult to crack the verbal and quantitative sections of the GMAT Focus exam.
- For those who come with a package of all the skills, some time spent on preparation would serve as icing on the cake.
- Moreover, the questions have reported a higher difficulty in the Quant & Verbal sections, thus, it is essential that applicants ace these two sections to amp up their GMAT scores.
- Though GMAT is computer-adaptive, but the questions that are hard to answer will anyway lose marks if not answered correctly. The questions will though come easier as and when applicants proceed.
- Finally, GMAC penalizes applicants for leaving questions unanswered on GMAT Focus. Thus, to avoid this, applicants must ensure that they answer all the questions and do not leave any question.
Hence, these features make GMAT tough. Applicants who ace their preparations, will easily sail through the GMAT exam and get good exam scores.
In all the cases, a little to moderate preparation would help.
GMAT Preparation Tips and Material
The best way to prepare for the exam would be to figure out your strengths from the four sections of the exam and accordingly divide your time. You need to allow time for all these sections to polish your existing skills as well as strengthen the remaining areas. In case you are planning to study on your own and your exam date is around the corner with less time and resources to prepare.
Can an average student crack GMAT? An average student can easily crack the GMAT exam by following certain basic GMAT preparation tips. Consider the following points for your GMAT exam:
- Starting Point: The starting point of your GMAT exam preparation should be the GMAT exam syllabus and the GMAT exam pattern. Without these two, you will never know in which direction you are heading during your GMAT exam prep.
- GMAT Books: Start your GMAT exam preparation with the official GMAT material. Make short notes and revise them over and over. You can then move to other guides such as Manhattan GMAT guides, Veritas, etc. Make sure to use online resources such as YouTube, Thursdays with Ron, the GMAT club forum, Beat the GMAT forum, etc.
- GMAT Mocks: Appear for the GMAT mock tests at the end of every week and analyse your performance on them. Make the necessary corrections wherever required.
You might want to refer to the GMAT Preparation Tips for preparing section-wise as well as Best Books and Resources for GMAT. Also, read How to Plan Your Test Day for the GMAT Exam.
Time Required to Prepare for GMAT
On average, the aspirants need a time of almost 100 to 170 hours of studying for the exam. This can also be identified as 2 to 3 months for the preparation of all the modules. A surprising fact about the top scorers of this exam, the majority of candidates were reported to have spent more than 200 hours or over 6 months to prepare to get the best results.
When you book your slot for the GMAT Exam, you generally have to register before 2-3 months of the exam date. The later you choose a date or a centre for the exam the lesser the chances to get your preferred GMAT exam centre or date. Hence, especially during the peak months, that is, from September to December, which is when most candidates take their tests, it is recommended that you book your date and centre 3-4 months in advance. This gives you ample time to prepare for your GMAT exam. As extra information related to the GMAT slot booking, students are required to pay the GMAT exam fees of $275 for the GMAT exam delivered at a test centre and $300 for the GMAT exam delivered online.
If you are a procrastinator and are thinking of attempting the GMAT exam after your preparation is done, it is recommended that you book a slot and test centre first. This would serve as the first step taken towards the exam, which would force you to start studying for it. To be double sure about your exam preparation, you may join a GMAT Coaching Centre in your region. Paying for your coaching centre would make you want to start studying as soon as possible. If you are about to book a slot for your GMAT Exam, check out the list of GMAT Test Centres in India and GMAT Important Dates.
Let us consider the average GMAT score as a benchmark to compare the average and above-average scores as well as a good score. The Average GMAT Score would be the calculated mean of the total GMAT score by all the exam takers. As a GMAT taker, you would be a little relieved to know that the average GMAT score is 574.51 out of 800, which is 71.8% (almost equal to 72%) and falls between the 52 to 55 percentile. Now, referring to it as an average score, you can say that with moderate preparation scoring 72% on the GMAT exam would not be hard.
Nevertheless, to remain above average, you would definitely want to achieve more than this. The above-average score is over 650. However, the exam takers still aim to score above 700, which is considered a Good GMAT Score for Indian applications.
To enhance your GMAT Score, you certainly need to push yourself harder. You would need more time as compared to the last time along with better resources. However, the exam already taken by you would help you identify your areas of improvement thereby making you aware of what needs to be worked upon. You would need to be more focused and determined this time, which would prepare you to perform better in the world of business and management. If you seek sources and motivation for scoring well in the GMAT, we have the exact things for you:
| How to improve your GMAT scores to get into better colleges? |
Is GMAT Tough? FAQs
Q. How hard is GMAT?
A. GMAT exam (Graduate Management Admission Test) is generally considered to be a challenging exam. The average GMAT score is 574.51 out of 800, which is 71.8% and it falls between 52 to 55 percentile. However, if you devote 3-6 months sincerely towards your GMAT exam preparation, you can easily score 700 and above. However, the rider is that you must complete the standard books at least twice and appear for multiple GMAT mock tests. Most top MBA colleges around the world need 700 or above. Hence, with dedicated preparation it is not difficult to score well on the GMAT exam.
Q. Is 650 GMAT difficult?
A. Achieving a score of 650 or above on the GMAT exam will require significant preparation and dedication. 650 on the GMAT corresponds to 77 percentile. The reason why achieving 650 on the GMAT can get challenging is because in order to score 650 or above, you need to deal with tough questions during the GMAT exam. These questions require the skills of applying your knowledge, which requires significant practice. Hence, students need to spend around 3-6 months for their GMAT exam preparation. Choosing the right books, preparing with dedication, and giving multiple mock tests will ease your journey to score 650 on the GMAT.
Q. Can an average student crack GMAT?
A. An average student can easily crack GMAT exam with a planned preparation, dedication, and practice. The key to score well on the GMAT exam is to develop a comprehensive study plan, understand the GMAT pattern and the GMAT exam syllabus, choose the right books, prepare notes, revise, and appear for multiple GMAT mocks. Those who are not familiar with the GMAT exam topics need to start with the basics and then move on to the advanced topics. The precise study strategy and technique will depend on the student's goals, timetable, and areas of strength and weakness. However, the majority of test takers, including mediocre students, may enhance their GMAT scores and reach their target scores with adequate commitment, practice, and professional advice.
Q. How many mock tests should I take for GMAT exam?
A. As many as possible. Do not shy away from mock tests. They are extremely important as they provide you with feedback of your preparation. Besides, you can try different strategies while taking mocks. Whatever suits you, you can apply it in the exam. Students should try to appear for a full-length GMAT mock tests every weekend. In addition to the GMAT mocks during the preparation, it is advised that students must appear for a GMAT diagnostic test before starting their preparation. It will allow them to assess the gap between their current level of preparation and their targeted score.
Q. Is coaching compulsory for the GMAT exam?
A. This totally depends on the candidate. Coachings definitely ease your journey. However, if you decide not to take any coaching, we strictly recommend that you should take some test series. Without test series, you will not be able to judge your progress. While formal coaching or professional assistance may be beneficial for some test takers, many people have successfully prepared for and passed the GMAT exam on their own. Study aids, online courses, textbooks, and practice exams are just a few of the materials that might help in GMAT preparation. Self-study and practice can significantly boost one's GMAT performance. It is crucial to keep in mind that the precise strategy for GMAT preparation will rely on each student's unique demands, talents, and limitations. In some circumstances, expert advice may be helpful.
Q: Is the GMAT test hard?
GMAT exam is actually very tough, as only a handful number of students crack the exam. Out of 200,000 students, only 6% of the students qualified the exam. SIne the competition is very high, these tests are a hard nut to crack. Students preparing for GMAT exam will have to prepare rigorously and solve question papers in order to crack the exam. GMAT is hard to crack but not impossible. With the right strategies, students can aim to crack the exam.
Check out: Is GMAT exam tough?
Q: What is the best GMAT Focus book?
Some of the best books to prepare for GMAT Focus Edition are as follows:
- The GMAT Focus Official Guide
- The Critical Reasoning Bible
- All the GMAT guides (Manhattan Prep)
- Total GMAT Math (Jeff Sackmann)
- GMAT Prep Plus (Kaplan)
Ideally these are some of the most important GMAT Focus books to prepare for the exam.
Q: What is the highest GMAT score?
The highest possible GMAT score is 800. It seems impossible to get a perfect score of 800 on the GMAT, but it can be achieved with sheer hard work, dedication, and the right study plan. Even the top B-schools require candidates to score 720 or more than 720, so, candidates need not score a perfect 800 to get into a top Business program. If you get a decent score then also you are eligible to apply to a top business program.
Q: Which month is best for GMAT exam?
As such there is no particular preference for choosing the best month to appear for GMAT exam. It is up to the applicants to choose a relevant GMAT exam date based on their admission intakes abroad and regster accordingly. Those who wish to submit GMAT scores for Fall intake should register for July-August months. While those applying for Spring intakes can appear for the exam in September-December months. It is completely up to the students because they need time to prepare and select an apt GMAT exam date.
Q: Is it hard to score 600+ on GMAT?
To get a 600+ score on the GMAT one needs to do a lot of hard work and made consistent efforts to get this score. Start with the GMAT syllabus and pattern. You can then move on to the GMAT official guide and other official study material. Make this as the base of your preparation. Once you are thorough with this, you can read other authentic sources such as the Manhattan guides, Princeton Review study material, etc. Make a study plan and follow it strictly and try to cover one topic at a time. Also, note down your weakness and try to work on them to increase your score.
Q: Is 650 a good GMAT score?
650 - 690 is a good score, however, if you score above 700 then it is great and it also enhances your chances of securing admission to a top B-school. However, a good GMAT score is not the only criterion for securing admission to a top MBA college. Students need to build a holistic profile that should have a decent balance of work experience, academic excellence, extracurricular activities, etc. Nonetheless, a good GMAT score will definitely help you in improving your candidature. Make sure to cover every aspect of the GMAT syllabus with the correct resources.
Q: How do I cover the latest GMAT syllabus in 3 months?
To cover the GMAT 2023 syllabus in 3 months, you can follow a structured study plan and make efficient use of your time. Here's a suggested approach:
- Understand the GMAT syllabus: Learn the topics covered by the GMAT's syllabus, including Analytical Writing, Integrated Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Verbal Reasoning. You can prioritise your study topics with this assistance.
- Create a study schedule: Divide your 3-month study period into weekly and daily goals. Allocate specific time slots for each section of the GMAT syllabus. Ensure that your schedule is realistic and allows for regular practice and revision.
- Gather study materials: Gather pertinent study materials that span the whole GMAT course, both online and off. Textbooks, question banks, GMAT prep books, and online materials may all be included in this.
- Focus on weak areas: Identify your weak areas and allocate more time to study and practice those topics.
- Practice regularly: Set aside dedicated time for GMAT practice questions and mock tests.
- Seek guidance and support: Consider enrolling in a GMAT prep course or working with a tutor who can guide you through the syllabus and provide feedback on your progress.
- Review and revise: Regularly review the topics you have covered and revise key concepts. Make use of flashcards, summaries, and mnemonic techniques to reinforce your learning.
- Take mock exams: As you approach the end of your 3-month study period, take full-length mock exams to simulate the actual GMAT test conditions. Analyze your performance, identify areas for improvement, and adjust your study plan accordingly.
Keep in mind that perseverance and commitment are essential for success. Stick to your study schedule, stay inspired, and keep a good outlook throughout the GMAT prep process. Good fortune!
Q: Is the GMAT exam tough?
GMAT exam assesses different skill sets of candidates like the ability to think critically, ability to analyse data and draw conclusions using reasoning skills. According to an estimate, only very few of the candidates are able to score more than 720+. So, one needs to develop these skills to get a decent score in order to get admission to their dream B-school. However, GMAT does not require you to study management concepts. It tests your basic mathematical and verbal skills only. Hence, it is not a tough exam; however, it does require focused and dedicated preparation. Here are a few points that will help you prepare well for the GMAT exam 2023:
- Familiarize yourself with the GMAT exam syllabus and pattern.
- Complete the official GMAT study material (cover-to-cover) at least twice.
- Appear for the GMAT mocks every week and analyse your performance in each of them.
Aishwarya is a professional Writer currently working as a Study Abroad Expert in the Editorial Team at Shiksha. She has over 5 years of experience and is skilled at creating Online Content with leveraged knowledge i... Read Full Bio
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