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Your performance on the GMAT or GRE is an important indication of potential success in a rigorous graduate program. As such, you’ll spend weeks, or even months, preparing for your entrance exam. And despite all that preparation, mistakes are inevitable. There are, however, ways to minimize mistakes. Consider the following tips to improve your likelihood of success on test day.
Prepare, Prepare, Prepare
This is an obvious one. With all the test prep services and practice quizzes available, there’s no reason you should be unpleasantly surprised by the types of questions you face on test day. The amount of time you put into preparation is up to you, but nearly half of test-takers spend around 50 hours studying, and fewer than a quarter spend less than 20 hours on prep work, according to GMAC, which administers the GMAT. Perhaps more significantly, the average number of hours spent studying was reflected in higher test scores.
Set aside time every day or week to get familiar with the type of questions you’ll be expected to answer on test day. The more familiar you are, the less likely you’ll be to make silly mistakes under comfortable conditions.
Make a List—and Check It Twice
Show your work, especially when it comes to math. Jotting down the problem can help you work it through correctly, and give you a record of steps to backtrack through if the numbers just don’t add up. The easiest way to correct a mistake is to catch it, so work a problem out on paper before committing to an answer. Don’t wait to show your work on test day. Showing your work throughout test prep can reveal issues you have with particular questions, allowing you to resolve them prior to the test.
Keep Calm and Carry On
Rather than speeding through the test or focusing solely on a complete answer sheet, answer as many questions as you can, to the best of your ability. Test questions will vary, as will your preparedness to complete them, but level of difficulty matters little if you stay calm and focus on your strengths.
Develop and practice test-taking strategies to improve the ease with which you make decisions, eliminate bad answers and pace yourself on test day.
Stay on Track
Finally, keep in mind that the GMAT and GRE require planning, time and focus. Develop a test prep strategy and schedule to ensure nothing slips through the cracks. It will help you study and address the concerns you need to tackle, ensuring you’re comfortable, relaxed and ready for your entrance exam.
