Once you’ve decided to attend a graduate management program and further your career or education, you’ll need to pass the GMAT test to become eligible for your chosen school.

What is the GMAT?

The Graduate Management Admission Test, or GMAT, tests specific knowledge of grammar, geometry, arithmetic, and algebra. The GMAT exam is explicitly designed to assess your problem-solving abilities, critical reasoning skills, and writing abilities.

The test includes four different sections that include Verbal, Quantitative, Integrated Reasoning, and Writing. The test scores range from 200 to 800 with points earned in increments of 10.

Why Does the GMAT Matter?

The GMAT is an integral part of the admissions process for over 7,000 different business schools. Although the applicant’s GPA is the top factor for review, their GMAT score is the second most important part of the application process.

How to Decide What GMAT Study Aid is Best for You

When you want to enhance your test performance, you’ll need to have access to study aids. We’ve provided a few options on study aids that are available, which you can choose based on your learning style and the score that you want to achieve.

Courses

GMAT prep classes are available, which means that you can learn from an expert while receiving multiple practice tests, lessons, drills, and quizzes each week. You’ll also need to complete homework assignments in your free time, which can strengthen your knowledge and skill level.

If you learn best via one-on-one attention, then GMAT prep classes may not be the best choice for you. This option doesn’t allow some students to work on specific areas that they may be struggling in, which can end up hurting their GMAT score.

Online courses can save time and are convenient because they allow students to learn in the comfort of their home or in a remote location. They typically begin with a diagnostics test that evaluates your skill level and knowledge in advance.

Books

Studying different GMAT prep course books is one of the most effective and common resources for preparing for the test. Purchasing specific books is ideal for those who benefit from self-studying, which is the most affordable study aid available.

Although using books to prepare for the GMAT offers many advantages, it can also make it difficult to track your progress without the help of an expert or tutor.

Tutors

Tutors are another option that’s available when preparing for the GMAT. This option provides the one-on-one attention you might need to work on specific areas where you may score low.

Working with a tutor means that you’ll need to have the time to meet with the expert at least once each and every week, which can be challenging for those with busy schedules.

Studying Hard for the GMAT

No matter the method of study you choose to prepare for the GMAT, it’s important to invest your time and energy into the studying process to ensure that you can succeed and improve your skill level over time.