Pursuing a Master of Business Administration (MBA) is a significant milestone in the advancement of a graduate’s career. An essential early step in this journey is the preparation for and successful completion of the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT).
The GMAT is the only business exam that is accepted by 7,700+ programs at more than 2,400 business schools worldwide. It assesses skills in verbal and quantitative reasoning and data insights. The resulting score is one of a number of key indicators of a candidate’s academic readiness for advanced business studies.
In this article, proven GMAT preparation strategies, actionable tips, and effective techniques are shared to help aspiring MBA candidates excel in the GMAT exam, and essential test preparation plans are provided along with a variety of useful study resources.
We also discuss the relevance of the GMAT for candidates applying to the Stern at NYU Abu Dhabi One-year Full-time MBA Program, explaining how the GMAT results are just one of a number of application components to evaluate candidates for admission.
GMAT Preparation Tips
Develop a GMAT Study Plan Early: Start preparing well in advance to efficiently manage study and preparation time. An organized GMAT study plan, such as the free 8-week study planner provided by GMAT, can help candidates stay on track and systematically cover all necessary topics.
Understand the Exam Structure: The GMAT has three sections: Quantitative Reasoning (21 questions), Verbal Reasoning (23 questions), and Data Insights (20 questions). This equates to a two-hour and 15-minute test. Understanding these sections will help test participants effectively plan study time.
Choose High-Quality Preparation Materials: Utilize official GMAT prep materials as they accurately reflect the actual exam. The GMAT Official Guide, Manhattan Prep, and Kaplan are highly recommended. These resources provide past exam questions and use the same scoring algorithm as the actual test. Official materials ensure that candidates practice with the most relevant content and understand the scoring mechanics.
Identify and Focus on Weak Areas: Take practice tests to identify weak points and concentrate on improving them. Regularly assess performance and adjust the study plan accordingly. This approach will enhance overall preparedness. The GMAT Official Guide Series can also help measure strengths and identify areas needing improvement.
Simulate Exam Conditions: Take full-length practice tests in a setting that mimics the actual exam environment. This practice helps build stamina and familiarizes test participants with the pressure of the test environment, format, and timing. Simulating exam conditions can reduce anxiety and improve time management skills on the actual test day.
Join Study Groups: Collaborating with other GMAT participants can keep students motivated and accountable. Engaging with peers also allows candidates to share insights, discuss challenging questions, and benefit from different perspectives. Online platforms such as the GMAT Club offer forums and study groups where candidates can connect with fellow test-takers and explore various study options.
Prioritize Wellness: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is crucial for optimal performance. Ensure adequate sleep, a balanced diet and regular exercise. Good health habits improve concentration, reduce stress, and enhance overall performance during preparation and on the exam day itself.
Recommended Study Resources
- The Official Guide for GMAT Review: Provides a comprehensive overview of the exam and offers practice questions and answers.
- Manhattan Prep GMAT Strategy Guides: In-depth insights into all GMAT sections, suggesting strategic approaches on how to tackle each type of question.
- Kaplan GMAT Prep Plus: Known for its extensive practice tests and adaptive learning technology, Kaplan’s resources are excellent for simulating real test conditions.
- GMAT Club: An online community that offers forums, study resources, and advice from other GMAT test-takers.
- Magoosh GMAT Prep: An online platform that provides video lessons, practice questions, and study schedules tailored to the student’s learning and testing pace.
GMAT and Admissions for the Stern at NYUAD MBA Program
While the GMAT is an important component of the MBA admissions process, the Stern at NYUAD One-year Full-time MBA Program takes a holistic approach to evaluating candidates.
In addition to standardized test scores, the program assesses a candidate’s undergraduate and, if applicable, graduate transcripts, professional achievements and aspirations, and personal characteristics – a comprehensive review that ensures a balanced evaluation of all aspects of an applicant’s qualifications. Additionally, the Stern at NYUAD One-year Full-time MBA Program does not have a minimum GMAT score requirement.
Candidates with strong evidence of academic readiness also have the option to apply for a GMAT waiver.
For more details about the admissions process and the GMAT waiver, please visit the program’s website.
In Conclusion
The Stern at NYUAD One-year Full-time MBA Program will commence in January 2025. The only MBA of its kind to be offered by a leading US business school in the MENA region, this program presents a unique opportunity to pursue a business education in one of the world’s most dynamic business hubs.
Applicants to the Stern at NYU Abu Dhabi One-year Full-time MBA Program are encouraged to carefully review these guidelines and allocate ample time to strategically prepare for the GMAT standardized test. However, it is also important to recognize that the admissions process for this MBA is not fully GMAT-reliant; rather, it is holistic in nature.
To learn more about the program’s standarized test requirements and speak with a member of the Stern at NYUAD MBA admissions team (available from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM in both Abu Dhabi and New York time zones), contact +971 262 88777 or email sternnyuad.mba@stern.nyu.edu.