Twelve practical tips to help you score higher on the GMAT

The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) plays a crucial role for many candidates aspiring to enroll in MBA programs and other graduate business degrees. It serves as a standardized and reliable predictor of academic performance in these competitive programs. Moreover, the GMAT provides admissions committees with a consistent way to evaluate candidates from diverse academic backgrounds and varying professional experiences worldwide.

Preparing for the GMAT is a marathon rather than a sprint. Achieving a high score requires steady, focused effort over time rather than attempting quick fixes. It is important to understand that no secret shortcut or test-taking trick can guarantee a perfect score in just a few weeks, especially if your starting point is far from your target.

This article will guide you through practical ways to improve your GMAT score. You will also learn how to complement your GMAT preparation with a strong application strategy, significantly enhancing your chances of admission success.

Understanding the GMAT Sections

The GMAT exam is a comprehensive test designed to assess skills critical for success in graduate business education. It evaluates analytical thinking, verbal reasoning, quantitative skills, and the ability to synthesize and interpret data from multiple sources. The exam is divided into four main sections:

• Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA)
  
  
• Integrated Reasoning (IR)
  
  
• Quantitative Reasoning
  
  
• Verbal Reasoning
  
  

Each section targets specific skills, and understanding the structure and demands of each will help you plan your study effectively.

Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA)

The AWA section tests your ability to critically analyze an argument and clearly communicate your thoughts in written form. You will be given an argument that you must evaluate, identifying its strengths and weaknesses while supporting your critique with logical reasoning.

This section is essential for demonstrating your written communication skills, which are valuable in MBA coursework and beyond. Although the AWA score does not directly affect your total GMAT score, it is still an important part of your application portfolio.

Integrated Reasoning (IR)

The Integrated Reasoning section measures how well you can interpret and analyze data presented in various formats, such as graphs, tables, and multi-source reasoning problems. This part of the exam evaluates your ability to synthesize information from multiple inputs and make decisions based on complex data.

The IR score is reported separately and can provide valuable insight into your data analysis capabilities, a skill highly relevant to business problem-solving.

Quantitative Reasoning

The Quantitative Reasoning section tests your mathematical skills, focusing on problem-solving and data sufficiency questions. It evaluates your ability to reason quantitatively, analyze data, and apply basic math concepts like arithmetic, algebra, and geometry.

Success in this section requires not only proficiency in math but also strong analytical thinking and logical reasoning skills.

Verbal Reasoning

The Verbal Reasoning section assesses your reading comprehension, critical reasoning, and sentence correction abilities. It tests your capacity to understand and analyze written material, evaluate arguments, and apply standard written English rules.

Non-native English speakers often find this section challenging, but with consistent practice and strategic reading, significant improvements are achievable.

How to Improve Your Overall GMAT Score

Improving your GMAT score requires a strategic approach that focuses on understanding your strengths and weaknesses, practicing consistently, and adopting effective test-taking habits. Here are twelve practical ways to enhance your performance on the exam.

1. Identify and Eliminate Your Flaws

The GMAT is essentially a game of analysis. The first step in improving your score is to thoroughly analyze your mock tests and practice exams to pinpoint the areas where you consistently make mistakes. This might include specific question types, time management issues, or content areas.

Once you identify these weak spots, create a targeted study plan with milestones for each practice cycle. Addressing your flaws methodically will help you build confidence and gradually improve your accuracy.

2. Master the Analytical Writing Assessment

To excel in the AWA section, practice structuring your essay clearly and concisely. Begin with an introduction that identifies the argument and outlines your stance. In the body paragraphs, support your viewpoint with logical reasons and examples.

If you disagree with the argument, explain why with at least two strong points. Be precise and avoid straying off-topic. Conclude by suggesting ways the author could strengthen the argument, showing your ability to think critically and offer constructive feedback.

3. Enhance Your Verbal Reasoning Skills

Reading comprehension is more than just reading the passages. It requires understanding the exact meaning and intention behind the words to answer questions accurately. For sentence correction and critical reasoning, focus on logical consistency and grammatical precision.

Verbal reasoning demands that you justify each answer choice logically. If multiple answers seem plausible, it indicates a need to deepen your understanding. Non-native English speakers should develop a habit of reading widely, especially materials that use formal written English.

4. Develop Integrated Reasoning Strategies

The Integrated Reasoning section requires patience and careful analysis. Avoid rushing to answer questions. Take time to thoroughly understand each data source and what the question is asking.

Re-read questions if necessary and analyze the relevance of all information provided. Remember, not all data is necessary for every question—your task is to filter out irrelevant details and focus on what matters.

5. Avoid Making Unwarranted Assumptions

GMAT questions provide all the necessary information. Avoid relying on outside knowledge or assumptions that are not supported by the data given. Treat any missing information as irrelevant to the problem.

This mindset helps you focus on the logic of the question and avoid errors caused by preconceived notions or overthinking.

6. Evaluate All Answer Choices Carefully

Even if one answer choice appears correct, always review all the options. Sometimes eliminating obviously incorrect answers can help you narrow down the best choice.

Learn to sift through the information efficiently, filtering relevant details from distractors. This approach is particularly useful in the Integrated Reasoning and Verbal sections, where multiple choices can seem similar.

7. Strengthen Your Quantitative Reasoning

Improving your quant score involves more than memorizing formulas or practicing math problems. It requires a deep understanding of how the GMAT applies mathematical concepts to test logical reasoning.

Focus on topics such as number properties, algebraic translations, geometry, probability, and combinatorics. More importantly, practice recognizing patterns and applying reasoning to solve complex problems quickly and accurately.

8. Schedule Regular Practice Exams

Take full-length practice exams every two weeks to simulate test-day conditions. After each exam, analyze your performance to identify the topics or question types that need improvement.

Focus your study efforts on these weak areas before the next exam. This iterative process helps build endurance and exposes you to a broad variety of question styles and difficulty levels.

9. Practice Time Management and Smart Guessing

The GMAT is a timed exam, and managing your time effectively is critical. Learn to pace yourself so you can answer as many questions as possible without getting stuck on difficult ones.

If a question is taking too long, make an educated guess and move on. Prioritize completing the exam rather than spending excessive time perfecting every answer.

10. Build Test-Day Confidence Through Exposure Therapy

Test anxiety can undermine your performance. To counter this, simulate the exam environment in your practice sessions. Visualize yourself taking the test calmly and confidently, even when faced with challenging questions.

Practice acknowledging any anxiety without letting it distract you. Over time, this exposure will help you develop emotional resilience and improve focus during the actual exam.

11. Use Official GMAT Practice Resources

Official GMAT materials created by the test makers are the most reliable preparation resources. Take as many official practice tests as possible to familiarize yourself with the exam format and question style.

However, avoid retaking the same practice test multiple times. Once you are familiar with a test’s questions, repeated attempts may not yield new learning and can give a false sense of preparedness.

12. Hone Test-Taking and Rest Strategies

Good preparation includes learning how to manage your mental and physical stamina during the exam. Develop timing strategies for each section, plan when to take breaks, and learn how to handle challenging questions efficiently.

Resting your mind between sections and avoiding burnout are essential for maintaining peak performance throughout the test.

Improving your GMAT score is a step-by-step process that demands self-awareness, practice, and strategic preparation. By understanding the exam sections, identifying your weaknesses, and employing focused study techniques, you can significantly enhance your performance.

Remember that GMAT preparation is not just about mastering content but also about developing the skills and mindset to navigate the test confidently and efficiently. In the next parts of this series, we will explore specific strategies for the Quantitative and Verbal sections, along with tips to strengthen your overall MBA application.

we discussed the structure of the GMAT exam and introduced practical methods to improve your overall score, including identifying weaknesses, mastering each section’s demands, and developing sound test-day strategies. In this second installment, we dive deeper into effective strategies specifically for the Quantitative and Verbal Reasoning sections, which together make up the bulk of your GMAT score.

Understanding these two critical sections and refining your approach to them can be a game changer. By enhancing your quantitative skills and verbal reasoning, you not only improve your score but also strengthen your problem-solving, critical thinking, and communication abilities—skills that will benefit you far beyond the exam room.

Quantitative Reasoning: Tackling Math with Precision and Strategy

The Quantitative section tests your ability to solve problems involving arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis. It contains two types of questions: Problem Solving and Data Sufficiency.

Problem Solving Questions

These questions require you to find the correct answer from five choices. They typically test mathematical concepts and your ability to apply them logically.

Data Sufficiency Questions

Data Sufficiency questions are unique to the GMAT. They ask you to determine whether the information given is sufficient to answer the question, not necessarily to solve it outright.

This demands a nuanced approach that balances mathematical knowledge with logical deduction.

Build a Strong Foundation in Core Math Concepts

Before attempting advanced strategies, ensure your foundation is solid. Focus on mastering:

• Number properties, including divisibility, primes, and factors
  
  
• Arithmetic operations and percentages
  
  
• Algebraic expressions and equations
  
  
• Geometry concepts including lines, angles, circles, and triangles
  
  
• Basic statistics and probability

Without a strong grasp of these fundamentals, tackling complex questions can become overwhelming.

Learn to Approach Data Sufficiency with a Logical Framework

Data Sufficiency questions can be puzzling because you must decide if provided information is enough to answer the question, rather than calculating the answer itself.

Start by reading the question stem carefully to understand what is being asked. Then evaluate each statement independently:

• Statement 1 alone sufficient?
  
  
• Statement 2 alone sufficient?
  
  
• Both statements together sufficient?
  
  
• Neither statement sufficient?

Resist the urge to solve the problem fully; instead, focus on the sufficiency of data.

Practice Mental Math and Approximation Techniques

Speed is critical during the GMAT quantitative section. Being able to quickly estimate or approximate answers without lengthy calculations can save valuable time.

For example, when the exact value is not needed, rounding numbers or approximating square roots can help you eliminate unlikely answer choices swiftly.

Mental math exercises, such as multiplying numbers in your head or quickly calculating percentages, improve your efficiency and confidence.

Avoid Common Pitfalls: Don’t Get Trapped by Tricks

GMAT questions often include traps designed to mislead or confuse test-takers. Watch out for:

• Assuming information that is not given
  
  
• Misreading the question stem or the answer choices
  
  
• Overcomplicating simple problems
  
  
• Ignoring units or the specifics of the question

Careful reading and practicing under timed conditions help develop a mindset to avoid these pitfalls.

Verbal Reasoning: Sharpen Your Analytical and Language Skills

The Verbal section consists of Reading Comprehension, Critical Reasoning, and Sentence Correction questions.

Reading Comprehension

This subsection evaluates your ability to understand and analyze written passages. To improve:

• Practice reading diverse topics regularly, from business articles to literature
  
  
• Summarize paragraphs in your own words to check comprehension
  
  
• Focus on the author’s tone, main idea, and structure

Try to answer questions without rereading the passage multiple times, as time management is crucial.

Critical Reasoning

Critical Reasoning questions ask you to evaluate arguments, identify assumptions, strengthen or weaken arguments, and draw conclusions.

Approach these questions by:

• Identifying the conclusion and premises clearly
  
  
• Recognizing assumptions and logical fallacies
  
  
• Considering alternative explanations or counterarguments

Developing these skills can transform your ability to analyze complex arguments effectively.

Sentence Correction

Sentence Correction tests your knowledge of grammar, syntax, and clarity. Key focus areas include:

• Subject-verb agreement
  
  
• Parallelism
  
  
• Modifier placement
  
  
• Pronoun clarity
  
  
• Verb tense consistency

Regular practice with grammar exercises and reading well-written texts will improve your accuracy.

Develop a Robust Reading Habit

One of the best ways to boost your verbal skills is by cultivating a daily reading habit. Challenge yourself with materials that vary in style and complexity. Editorials, scientific articles, and classic literature expose you to a broad vocabulary and diverse sentence structures.

Moreover, reading with intent—actively questioning the material, predicting what comes next, and analyzing the author’s argument—builds the critical thinking skills needed for the GMAT.

Time Your Practice Sessions

Time pressure is one of the most significant hurdles in the GMAT verbal section. Practice answering questions within strict time limits to simulate exam conditions.

Set mini-deadlines for each passage or question type. This trains you to quickly identify the relevant information and make decisions efficiently without sacrificing accuracy.

Use Process of Elimination Consistently

When unsure about an answer, use the process of elimination to remove clearly incorrect options. This increases your chances of selecting the right answer even if you must guess.

In sentence correction, eliminate choices that violate basic grammar rules first. In critical reasoning, discard answers that don’t directly address the question or contain irrelevant information.

Combine Quantitative and Verbal Practice

While practicing sections individually is important, integrating quantitative and verbal practice better simulates the exam experience. The GMAT requires endurance and adaptability.

Schedule practice sessions that alternate between question types or combine sections. This will help you stay sharp and focused throughout the entire test duration.

Track Your Progress and Adjust Your Plan

Keep a detailed record of your practice scores, question types that challenge you, and time management patterns. Regularly review this data to identify trends and adapt your study plan accordingly.

For example, if your verbal section consistently lags, allocate more time to reading comprehension and grammar. If data sufficiency questions take too long, practice pacing and decision-making.

Stay Motivated and Avoid Burnout

Preparing for the GMAT can be exhausting, but maintaining motivation is key to success. Set small, achievable goals and reward yourself when you meet them.

Incorporate breaks and leisure activities into your schedule to recharge mentally. Remember, quality study time trumps quantity; focused sessions yield better results than marathon cram sessions.

Quantitative and Verbal Reasoning sections are the heart of the GMAT. Mastery of these areas requires disciplined study, logical reasoning, and effective time management.

By reinforcing core math skills, developing a logical approach to data sufficiency, honing verbal comprehension and reasoning, and integrating strategic practice habits, you can significantly boost your GMAT score.

The final part of this series will delve into advanced tips, test-day strategies, and how to combine your GMAT performance with other parts of your business school application for the best outcome.

 we explored the structure of the GMAT, foundational study strategies, and specific tactics to improve your performance in the Quantitative and Verbal sections. In this final part, we will focus on advanced strategies, test-day preparation, and holistic approaches to maximize your score. Beyond the exam itself, these insights will also enhance your overall business school application profile.

Master Advanced Question Types and Techniques

As you progress, it is crucial to tackle more difficult GMAT question types and refine your problem-solving techniques.

Integrated Reasoning Section

Integrated Reasoning requires analyzing data from multiple sources presented in graphics, tables, or text. It tests your ability to synthesize and interpret complex information quickly.

Practice by:

• Familiarizing yourself with various data presentation formats
  
  
• Enhancing your skills in comparing data sets and spotting inconsistencies
  
  
• Working on multi-step problems where you must use different pieces of data together
  
  

Integrated Reasoning can be a differentiator since many candidates overlook its significance.

Advanced Quantitative Strategies

Some GMAT Quant questions challenge your ability to think creatively and use alternative methods. For example:

• Using backsolving (plugging answer choices into the problem)
  
  
• Employing estimation to eliminate choices early
  
  
• Recognizing special patterns, such as sequences and number properties

Regularly practicing these methods increases speed and accuracy for tough questions.

Nuanced Verbal Approaches

In Verbal, advanced skills include:

• Identifying subtle logical flaws in critical reasoning
  
  
• Understanding complex sentence structures in reading comprehension
  
  
• Detecting nuances in grammar for sentence correction

Refining these skills demands careful review of your mistakes and understanding why the correct answer works.

Develop a Personalized Study Plan with Milestones

To maintain steady progress, build a customized study plan that fits your schedule and learning style. Include:

• Weekly goals for topics and question types
  
  
• Regular full-length practice tests to track your readiness
  
  
• Time allocated for review and reinforcement of weak areas

Incorporate flexibility to adjust your plan as you identify strengths and weaknesses. Consistency and adaptability are key.

Simulate Real Test Conditions in Practice

Taking practice exams under authentic conditions is invaluable. This includes:

• Strict timing without interruptions
  
  
• Mimicking the computer-adaptive test format
  
  
• Using the official GMAT interface or reliable simulators

This helps you build stamina and acclimate to the pressure and pacing of the real test.

Manage Test Anxiety Effectively

Anxiety can undermine even the best preparation. Techniques to manage test-day nerves include:

• Deep breathing exercises and mindfulness meditation
  
  
• Visualization of success and calm scenarios
  
  
• Positive self-talk and confidence building

Develop a pre-test routine that centers and relaxes you, ensuring you enter the exam with a focused mindset.

Optimize Your Test-Day Logistics

Plan your test day meticulously:

• Know the location, how to get there, and check-in procedures
  
  
• Prepare your identification and materials the night before
  
  
• Dress comfortably and bring snacks and water for breaks

Avoid rushing or last-minute surprises that can spike stress.

Use Time Management Strategies During the Exam

Effective pacing can make or break your score:

• Don’t spend too long on any single question; make educated guesses if stuck
  
  
• Monitor your time regularly, allocating minutes per question type
  
  
• Use the flagging feature to mark questions to revisit if time permits

Balancing speed with accuracy is critical.

Understand When and How to Guess

Since the GMAT penalizes neither wrong answers nor skipped questions, guessing strategically is smart:

• Eliminate as many incorrect options as possible before guessing
  
  
• Avoid spending excessive time on questions that are unclear or overly difficult
  
  
• Make sure to answer every question, even if by educated guess

This approach maximizes your chances of scoring well.

Review and Learn from Practice Tests

After each practice exam, thoroughly analyze your results:

• Identify patterns in mistakes and question types missed
  
  
• Reflect on time management and mental fatigue issues
  
  
• Adjust your study plan accordingly to address gaps

This iterative feedback loop accelerates improvement.

Prepare Holistically for Business School Applications

Your GMAT score is a vital component of your MBA application but not the sole criterion. Complement your exam preparation with:

• Crafting compelling essays that showcase your story and goals
  
  
• Securing strong recommendation letters
  
  
• Building a professional resume highlighting leadership and impact
  
  
• Preparing thoroughly for interviews

An integrated approach enhances your candidacy beyond numbers alone.

Leverage Online Resources and Study Groups

Engage with communities and resources:

• Participate in online forums for tips, motivation, and question discussions
  
  
• Join or form study groups for peer learning and accountability
  
  
• Use reputable online courses, practice questions, and video tutorials
  
  

Collaborative learning enriches your preparation experience.

Maintain a Balanced Lifestyle

Sustaining energy and mental clarity requires:

• Regular exercise to boost cognitive function and reduce stress
  
  
• Balanced nutrition to support focus and endurance
  
  
• Adequate sleep to consolidate memory and prevent burnout

A healthy lifestyle underpins effective study habits and performance.

Achieving a high GMAT score demands a strategic blend of foundational knowledge, practiced techniques, test-day readiness, and personal wellbeing. By mastering advanced question types, simulating real exam conditions, managing anxiety, and adopting a holistic preparation strategy, you maximize your potential.

Remember, the GMAT journey is not just about numbers but about cultivating skills that will serve you throughout your business career. Stay committed, learn from each step, and approach the exam with confidence.

Leverage Technology and Apps for Efficient Study

In today’s digital age, numerous apps and technological tools can optimize your GMAT preparation. From flashcards and question banks to adaptive learning platforms, technology enables personalized and efficient study sessions. Consider using:

• Mobile apps for on-the-go practice during commute or breaks
  
  
• Timers and productivity apps to maintain focus during study periods
  
  
• Analytics tools to track progress and identify weak spots

Integrating technology smartly helps maximize your study time and keeps motivation high.

Master Time Management Skills

Time management is a critical factor for GMAT success. Each section of the exam has strict time limits, and you must balance speed with accuracy. During practice, use timers to get a realistic sense of pacing and learn when to move on from questions that are consuming too much time. Develop a strategy for tackling easier questions first to secure quick points, then allocate remaining time for tougher problems. Refining this skill not only boosts your score but also reduces stress on test day by giving you a sense of control over the exam.

Cultivate a Growth Mindset

Approaching your GMAT preparation with a growth mindset can transform your study experience. Instead of viewing mistakes as failures, treat them as valuable learning opportunities. This attitude encourages resilience, persistence, and continuous improvement, which are essential for overcoming challenging topics and concepts. Reflect regularly on your progress and adjust your study plans to address weaknesses. Celebrate small victories along the way to keep morale high and maintain motivation for the long haul.

Seek Professional Guidance When Needed

While self-study can be effective, sometimes expert guidance is necessary to break through plateaus. Consider enrolling in a reputable prep course or hiring a tutor who can provide personalized feedback and structured learning paths. Professionals can help you identify hidden weaknesses, refine test-taking strategies, and offer moral support. If you choose this route, research credentials carefully and select tutors or courses with proven success records. Combining professional assistance with self-study often yields the best results.

Build Test Day Stamina and Mental Toughness

The GMAT is not just a test of knowledge but also of endurance and mental resilience. The exam lasts about three and a half hours, and maintaining focus and energy throughout is crucial. To build test-day stamina, simulate full-length practice tests under realistic conditions, including timing and breaks. Pay attention to nutrition, hydration, and sleep in the days leading up to the exam. Develop mindfulness techniques such as deep breathing or brief meditation to manage stress and stay calm during challenging moments. Cultivating mental toughness helps you maintain peak performance from start to finish.

Conclusion:

Preparing for the GMAT is an intricate process that goes far beyond simply memorizing formulas or vocabulary. It involves cultivating a mindset of strategic thinking, persistence, and adaptability. Throughout this series, we have explored foundational concepts, specific tactics for each GMAT section, and advanced strategies for maximizing your score. Equally important are the elements of test-day preparation, managing stress, and maintaining overall well-being.

The GMAT is designed to evaluate not only your academic aptitude but also your analytical reasoning, decision-making, and time management skills — all of which are essential in the business world. By mastering these skills during your preparation, you set the stage not just for a strong score but for future success in your MBA program and professional career.

Remember to tailor your study plan to your unique strengths and weaknesses, regularly practice under real conditions, and review your performance critically. Don’t neglect your mental and physical health, as they directly influence your capacity to absorb and apply knowledge effectively. Use technology and community support to keep your preparation dynamic and engaging.

Ultimately, the GMAT journey is a transformative experience that sharpens your intellect and resilience. Approach it with determination and an open mind, and you will emerge not only with a competitive score but also with skills that will empower your leadership potential.

Good luck on your GMAT endeavor and your exciting path ahead toward business excellence!