Best GMAT Prep

The GMAT exam is divided into four sections – Analytical Writing, Integrated Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Verbal Reasoning. You have a chose the order of the sections from 3 available choices.

Option 1	Analytical Writing, Integrated Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning
Option 2	Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, Integrated Reasoning, Analytical Writing
Option 3	Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, Integrated Reasoning, Analytical Writing

The total exam time is 3 hours and 7 minutes. The exam will be conducted on a computer, and it is essential to note that after you answered a question and go to the next question, you cannot go back to the previous question. The exam itself is a computer adaptive; what this means that the questions are chosen based on their difficulty level. For example, if you answer a question correctly, the next question will be slightly more complicated. If you answer that also correctly, you will get an even more difficult question. If you answer incorrectly, the next question will be easier. This way, the computer can truly measure your abilities and provide a score accordingly.

Although each section has different scores, the total GMAT score has a range of 200 to 800. This total score is a scaled score of Quantitative Reasoning score and Verbal Reasoning score. The Analytical Writing and Integrated Reasoning scores are shown separately in the scorecard.

Source: MBA.com

• Total Score – 200 To 800 (scaled up score of Quantitative and Verbal sections; Analytical and Integrated Reasoning scores are shown separately)
• Total Time -3 hours, 7 minutes + 2 optional breaks of 8 minutes each.

Preparing for GMAT is not difficult. First, it is crucial to understand each section of the exam and what those sections are testing. And then create a GMAT preparation strategy. We will walk you through those GMAT sections, provide sample questions, and how to tackle these sections.

Analytical Writing

Analytical Writing is a section in which you are tested for your analytical abilities to read a given argument and come up with your analysis of that argument. You will be presented with one argument, and you have 30 minutes to perform that analysis and type up your analysis. The scoring range is 0-6. Your analysis should include your thoughts on what the argument lacks, loopholes in that argument, how to improve that argument, or provide an alternative way of that argument. You will be given one argument, and you have 30 minutes to write your critique. Your response should be well-organized; you should justify the points in your analysis with well-written support. Your critical-thinking abilities and communicating that analysis is tested and scored.

GMAT Sample Question 1 – Analytical Writing

“People should not be misled by the advertising competition between Coldex and Cold-Away, both popular over-the-counter cold medications that anyone can purchase without a doctor’s prescription. Each brand is accusing the other of causing some well-known, unwanted side effect: Coldex is known to contribute to existing high blood pressure and Cold-Away is known to cause drowsiness. But the choice should be clear for most health-conscious people: Cold-Away has been on the market for much longer and is used by more hospitals than is Coldex. Clearly, Cold-Away is more effective.”

Show Answer

Source: ExamFocus.com

GMAT Sample Question 2 – Analytical Writing

“Most companies would agree that as the risk of physical injury occurring on the job increases, the wages paid to employees should also increase. Hence it makes financial sense for employers to make the workplace safer: they could thus reduce their payroll expenses and save money.
Discuss how well reasoned you find this argument. In your discussion be sure to analyze the line of reasoning and the use of evidence in the argument. For example, you may need to consider what questionable assumptions underlie the thinking and what alternative explanations or counterexamples might weaken the conclusion.
You can also discuss what sort of evidence would strengthen or refute the argument, what changes in the argument would make it more logically sound, and what, if anything, would help you better evaluate its conclusion.”

Show Answer

Source: MBA.com

How to prepare for Analytical Reasoning?

The best way to prepare for the Analytical Writing section is by understanding the intent of the Analytical section. And how this section is scored. The Analytical Writing section is not intended to test your opinion on the topic or which side you might want to take on the provided argument. But the intent is to check your analyzing skills and how you communicate your analysis. It is important to note that whichever side of the argument you are on, you should frame your answer to support that side only and not flip-flop in your analysis. We recommend that you follow the below steps

1. You should first read the provided argument thoroughly
2. Clearly understand the argument
3. Write down the strengths and weaknesses in the argument
4. Create a structure of your answer following this format :

Introduction

State each critique point and a case supporting your critique (like why, how, etc.)

See if you can poke a hole in the presented argument by highlighting what points the argument is missing and what can add value to the given argument

Provide your analysis of what would have strengthened the provided argument.

Conclusion

5. And finally, proofread your answer for the following

Grammatical mistakes

Typos

Effective organization of your answer

Check direct/indirect communication

Finally, make sure that your answer is following the format mentioned above

It is essential to practice a lot. Follow the above method dozens of times before your exam day, and you will score a perfect 6.0 in the Analytical Writing section.

Integrated Reasoning

Integrated Reasoning is a section that tests your ability to read and understand all the provided data and solve a problem using that data. The data can be provided in the form of graphics, tables, graphs, numbers, or text. You will have to answer 12 questions within 30 minutes. The scoring range is 0-8. There are 4 types of questions that you will face.

1. Multi-source Reasoning
2. Table Analysis
3. Graphics Interpretation
4. Two-part analysis

Sample Question for Multi-source Reasoning – Integrated Reasoning

Source: MBA.com

Sample Question for Table Analysis – Integrated Reasoning

Source: MBA.com

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Sample Question for Graphics Interpretation – Integrated Reasoning

If one student is selected at random from the 300 surveyed, the chance that the student will be under 30 or a high school graduate or both is

A. 1 out of 6
B. 1 out of 3
C. 2 out of 3
D. 5 out of 6

If one student is selected at random from the 300 surveyed, the chance that the student will be both under 30 and a high school graduate is

A. 1 out of 6
B. 1 out of 3
C. 2 out of 3
D. 5 out of 6

Source: MBA.com

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Sample Question for Two-Part Analysis – Integrated Reasoning

Source: MBA.com

How to prepare for Integrated Reasoning?

The goal of the Integrated Reasoning section is to see how well you can integrate all the provided data and interpret that data to solve problems. Your ability to see relationships between different data points will be tested.

• You need to read carefully and digest all the presented data.
• The data might be using different units of measurement, and you need to keep an eye for it and quickly convert all the data to be in the same units.
• When the data is presented in a table form, you can use the sorting functionality on the top, and it might save some time for you.
• You should practice reading graphs. Keep an eye for the accompanying text.
• Look if there is any relationship between various data points and see if there is any trend.
• You can use an on-screen calculator.
• Look for the labels used on the graphs.
• Always remember to look for individual numbers and percentages.
• And finally, just like other sections, remember to practice a lot before the exam.

Quantitative Reasoning

In the Quantitative Reasoning section, you will be tested for your ability to solve problems mathematically, interpret data and use your quantitative skills. This section needs some math knowledge especially in the areas of algebra, geometry and basic arithmetic. The math is not that difficult, and it is not the emphasis of the section. But the real test is how you use the provided data, use your quantitative skills to solve a given problem. There are 31 questions in this section, and you have 62 minutes for this section. There are two main types of questions –

1. Problem Solving
2. Data Sufficiency

Sample Question for Problem Solving – Quantitative Reasoning

Directions – Solve the problem and indicate the best of the answer choices given.
Question – If u > t, r > q, s > t, and t > r, which of the following must be true?

1. u > s
2. s > q
3. u > r

(A) I only

(B) II only

(C) III only

(D) I and II

(E) II and III

Source: MBA.com

Sample Question for Data Sufficiency – Quantitative Reasoning

Directions – This data sufficiency problem consists of a question and two statements, labeled (1) and (2), in which certain data are given. You have to decide whether the data given in the statements are sufficient for answering the question. Using the data given in the statements, plus your knowledge of mathematics and everyday facts (such as the number of days in July or the meaning of the word counterclockwise), you must indicate whether:

Statement (1) ALONE is sufficient, but statement (2) alone is not sufficient to answer the question asked.
Statement (2) ALONE is sufficient, but statement (1) alone is not sufficient to answer the question asked.
BOTH statements (1) and (2) TOGETHER are sufficient to answer the question asked, but NEITHER statement ALONE is sufficient to answer the question asked.
EACH statement ALONE is sufficient to answer the question asked.
Statements (1) and (2) TOGETHER are NOT sufficient to answer the question asked, and additional data specific to the problem are needed.

Question –
If a real estate agent received a commission of 6 percent of the selling price of a certain house, what was the selling price of the house?

(1) The selling price minus the real estate agent’s commission was $84,600.

(2) The selling price was 250 percent of the original purchase price of $36,000.

(A) Statement (1) ALONE is sufficient, but statement (2) alone is not sufficient.

(B) Statement (2) ALONE is sufficient, but statement (1) alone is not sufficient.

(C) BOTH statements TOGETHER are sufficient, but NEITHER statement ALONE is sufficient.

(D) EACH statement ALONE is sufficient.

(E) Statements (1) and (2) TOGETHER are NOT sufficient.

Source: MBA.com

How to prepare for Quantitative Reasoning?

The quantitative Reasoning section can look daunting for a lot of people, especially for people that don’t have a math background. But it is important to note that this section will be scored based on your quantitative ability. But if you are good at high school level math, it will help save time on the exam day. Note that calculators are not available during the exam. So, it is essential to brush up your math knowledge long before the exam and keep practicing the math questions. We recommend spending some time reading, understanding, and practicing algebra, geometry, and graphical calculations. We also recommend that you develop a process for solving each problem. Many people create their method of going through a quantitative problem. Here is one procedure that can be useful

Read – the provided data.

Understand – Is there anything you can see more than what is stated from each piece of data?

Normalize – Convert all data into same types of units (e.g., all time can be in seconds instead of some variables using hours or all lengths can be in meters instead of a mix of units)

Standardize – Convert all language and data into one type. For example – if there is any mention of time taken in language, like “Person B took half of what Person A took,” convert that into an equation. B = A/2

Imagine – look at the provided visuals and data. Imagine how the visual would look like for that data or how the visual would look like in data form. This way, you get a perspective of what fits where.

Solve – Attempt to solve the problem.

Other tips-

• Use the elimination method to eliminate possibilities and narrow down the correct answer.
• Establish dependencies within the provided data.
• Evaluate each statement separately.
• Calculators are not allowed. So, it is essential to practice basic math to save time in the exam.

Verbal Reasoning

Verbal Reasoning section tests your ability to read, understand, evaluate arguments, and communicate effectively using proper English. It is essential to note that the verbal section is not looking to test your knowledge on a given topic, sentence, or your subject matter expertise on issues. But this section only tests your ability to grasp the meaning of the given text and your ability to fix the sentences. You have 65 minutes for this section. The section contains 36 questions, and these questions are split into the following areas.

• Reading Comprehension – You will be presented with a passage, and you will be given questions about the passage. You will be asked to summarize the passage, describe the tone of the author, or you will be asked to draw inferences based on the provided text. The subject of the passage varies from social issues, humanities, business-related topics, etc.
• Critical Reasoning –In this type of question, you will be given an argument or set of statements. And questions are intended to test your ability to make/evaluate arguments, present your case, or assess a presented situation.
• Sentence Correction – These type of questions tests your language skills. There are two types of questions within this. A) Correcting sentences for grammar and structure. B) Modifying sentences for better and concise communication, along with grammar and structure.

Sample Question for Reading Comprehension – Verbal Reasoning

Directions – The questions in this group are based on the content of a passage. After reading the passage, choose the best answer to each question. Answer all questions following the passage on the basis of what is stated or implied in the passage.”
Question – “Schools expect textbooks to be a valuable source of information for students. My research suggests, however, that textbooks that address the place of Native Americans within the history of the United States distort history to suit a particular cultural value system. In some textbooks, for example, settlers are pictured as more humane, complex, skillful, and wise than Native Americans. In essence, textbooks stereotype and depreciate the numerous Native American cultures while reinforcing the attitude that the European conquest of the New World denotes the superiority of European cultures. Although textbooks evaluate Native American architecture, political systems, and homemaking, I contend that they do it from an ethnocentric, European perspective without recognizing that other perspectives are possible.

One argument against my contention asserts that, by nature, textbooks are culturally biased and that I am simply underestimating children’s ability to see through these biases. Some researchers even claim that by the time students are in high school, they know they cannot take textbooks literally. Yet substantial evidence exists to the contrary. Two researchers, for example, have conducted studies that suggest that children’s attitudes about particular cultures are strongly influenced by the textbooks used in schools. Given this, an ongoing, careful review of how school textbooks depict Native Americans is certainly warranted.

Which of the following would most logically be the topic of the paragraph immediately following the passage?

(A) Specific ways to evaluate the biases of United States history textbooks

(B) The centrality of the teacher’s role in United States history courses

(C) Nontraditional methods of teaching United States history

(D) The contributions of European immigrants to the development of the United States

(E) Ways in which parents influence children’s political attitudes

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Sample Question for Critical Reasoning – Verbal Reasoning

Directions – For this question, select the best of the answer choices given.

Question – The cost of producing radios in Country Q is ten percent less than the cost of producing radios in Country Y. Even after transportation fees and tariff charges are added, it is still cheaper for a company to import radios from Country Q to Country Y than to produce radios in Country Y.

The statements above, if true, best support which of the following assertions?

(A) Labor costs in Country Q are ten percent below those in Country Y.
(B) Importing radios from Country Q to Country Y will eliminate ten percent of the manufacturing jobs in Country Y.
(C) The tariff on a radio imported from Country Q to Country Y is less than ten percent of the cost of manufacturing the radio in Country Y.
(D) The fee for transporting a radio from Country Q to Country Y is more than ten percent of the cost of manufacturing the radio in Country Q.
(E) It takes ten percent less time to manufacture a radio in Country Q than it does in Country Y.

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Sample Question for Sentence Correction – Verbal Reasoning

Directions – This question presents a sentence, part of which or all of which is underlined. Beneath the sentence you will find five ways of phrasing the underlined part. The first of these repeats the original; the other four are different. If you think the original is best, choose the first answer; otherwise choose one of the others.

This question tests correctness and effectiveness of expression. In choosing your answer, follow the requirements of standard written English; that is, pay attention to grammar, choice of words, and sentence construction. Choose the answer that produces the most effective sentence; this answer should be clear and exact, without awkwardness, ambiguity, redundancy, or grammatical error.

Question – While larger banks can afford to maintain their own data-processing operations, many smaller regional and community banks are finding that the cost associated with upgrading data-processing equipment and with the development and maintenance of new products and technical staff are prohibitive.

(A) cost associated with
(B) costs associated with
(C) costs arising from
(D) cost of
(E) costs of

How to prepare for Verbal Reasoning?

One of the best ways to tackle this section is to read and understand the meaning of the provided text thoroughly. There is a difference between merely reading and understanding. When you spend time understanding the provided text, you can easily infer other things from that text, and this is where the focus of the section is. After this step, it is all your language skills that will let you rephrase a given sentence for concise communication or a better structure. Language skills can be improved by reading a lot of formal writing – newspapers, technical journals, etc. It is important to note that your vocabulary is not a test, but it is your grasping power. It is being tested.

You should expect that some of the sentences will be very long and complicated. Breaking down these sentences into smaller parts will help you understand it quickly. You will need a practice that process of breaking down before the exam.

Finally, just like other tests or other sections, you will need to practice a lot for the verbal reasoning section. Read a lot of material that has elaborate descriptions and learn how to spend less time on shorter sentences and use that saved time on long and complicated sentences.

Methodically preparing for the GMAT yields the best results. Every person has different abilities, strengths, and weaknesses. There is no secret way to prepare for the GMAT. But studies have shown that if you come up with a plan for preparing and if you implement that plan, it will make a lot of difference. Here is a plan that we recommend.

Different people have adopted various strategies concerning what to study as part of the preparation. There is a wide variety of choices that are available for GMAT study, such as study apps, GMAT prep books, online classes, tutors, etc. We have compiled a list of such resources below.

GMAT Apps	GMAT Tutors	GMAT Prep Books	GMAT Online Practice Tests	GMAT Videos
1. MBA.com – MBA.com offers a GMAT Prep App that costs $4.99. The App consists of questions from the previous GMAT tests and also the answers with a full explanation. 2. Magoosh – Magoosh is a free app for GMAT Prep and Practice. Magoosh provides video lessons and practice questions. In the premium version, Magoosh provides a lot more content for preparation that includes many more video lessons, practice tests, progress trackers, etc.	1.Economist – Economist GMAT tutor is a private tutor service that provides one-on-one tutoring sessions with expert tutors. They also offer thousands of practice questions. This tutoring service comes with three different tiers – Complete Prep, Premium Prep, and Ultimate Prep, with costs ranging from $799 to $1099. 2. Princeton – Princeton GMAT Private Tutoring provides 1:1 tutoring sessions, video lessons, practice materials. There are two tiers of tutoring – GMAT Comprehensive Private Tutoring that has a price tag of $167/hour and GMAT Targeted Private Tutoring that costs $180/hour.	1. McGraw-Hill – This is an all-in-one GMAT Prep book that provides you with a review of all aspects of the GMAT test. The book also includes practice questions, tips, and techniques to score well. 2. Kaplan – Kaplan’s GMAT Prep Plus book provides a comprehensive GMAT preparation material with more than 2000 practice questions, answers, and explanations along with strategies and full-length tests.	1. Manhattan – Manhattan Prep provides one GMAT practice test. They also offer 6 full-length Practice tests and assessment reports. The 6 tests pack costs $49. 2. Veritas – Veritas Prep provides 1 free full-length practice test. Veritas also provides 7 full-length practice tests for a discounted price of $19 in April 2023, and the regular price is $49.	1. YouTube GMAT – Many GMAT Prep courses are available on YouTube. Some of these videos are created by professionals with a ton of experience in GMAT. Simply search for GMAT Prep on YouTube, and you will find a ton of resources. Here is one such video resource. 2. Khan Academy GMAT – Khan Academy is one of the very popular GMAT prep videos. Khan Academy provides a lot of Problem Solving and Data Sufficiency questions, answers, and videos.

Whichever method you chose to prep with, it is important to read through study materials thoroughly and follow the preparation models that they have described in those materials. While most test-takers follow the above-prescribed study materials, some test-takers want to explore the test and its preparation on their own. If you’re going to take that path, we recommend that you make sure you’re your preparation method includes the below steps.

1) Read a lot of formal write-ups like newspapers, technical documents that have graphs, images with labels, etc.
2) Spend time brushing up high school math – algebra, geometry, etc.
3) Download and use the free GMAP Prep software.
4) Use a lot of practice tests throughout your GMAT preparation journey.

1. Check ID requirements and make sure to carry them.
2. Check the driving directions, traffic information, and weather conditions and plan to arrive 30 minutes before your exam time.
3. Don’t do vigorous exercise.
4. Don’t stay up late preparing and doing the last-minute reading. It’s too late for that. Eat well, and just get a good night’s rest.
5. Make a list of four schools that you want to report your score to. Remember that this facility is included in the GMAT fee, and if you wish to report your score at another time, it will cost you more.
6. Remember that you can choose the order of sections. Decide the order before you go into the exam based on what are your strengths and weaknesses, such as – which section is easy for you or tough, your ability to concentrate for a long time, etc.

1. Leave your cell phone and other devices home.
2. Arrive at the test center at least 30 minutes early.
3. Present your ID and appointment documentation.
4. Stay calm and don’t panic throughout the exam. Note that you will face questions that will eat up the clock or tough. It is essential not to panic and make the right choice by doing the best you can on those questions and/or quickly marking an answer and move on to the next question, to save time.
5. Your unofficial GMAT score will be shown right after the exam. You have a choice to accept the score or cancel the exam.

Many schools offer online masters programs. Most of the schools want either a GRE or a GMAT exam results to be reported. But more schools take a holistic approach towards entrance criteria. Some of these schools either don’t need a GMAT or they waive the GMAT requirements for students that meet the requirements such as 

• A good GPA in the undergrad degree Or
• A student that has an accredited graduate degree in any other discipline Or
• A student that has a professional certification such as a CPA or CFA etc. Or
• A certain number of years of experience as a professional.

Here is a list of such schools that don’t need a GMAT for admission into their online master’s programs.

Purdue University Global	Michigan State University
Southern New Hampshire University	Saint Joseph’s University
Penn State World Campus	Golden Gate University
Kansas State University-Global Campus	Texas A&M University, Commerce
Johns Hopkins University

Q: Is GMAT hard?

A: No, it is not hard if you prepare well.

Q: Are calculators allowed in GMAT?

A: No, calculators are not permitted in the GMAT test. However, there will be an on-screen calculator available for the Integrated Reasoning section of the GMAT.

Q: How long should you prepare for the GMAT?

A: The answer really depends on what is your scoring goal. Various studies have shown that the longer you prepare, the better score you will get. Read more here.

Q: How many questions are on the GMAT?

A: GMAT consists of a total of 80 main questions spread across 4 different sections. Please note that each question may have sub-questions or separate parts to it. Read about the GMAT Format here.

Q:How to prepare for GMAT?

A: The best way to prepare for the GMAT is by creating a plan based on your background and your current scoring ability, which can be tested through practice tests. We have created a detailed process of how to prepare for GMAT here.

Q: What does the GMAT test include?

A: GMAT test consists of 4 sections – Analytical Writing, Integrated Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Verbal Reasoning. Read more about the GMAT test structure here.

Q: What is a good GMAT score?

A: The answer depends on what school you are targeting for. According to GMA, the majority of test-takers score between 400 and 600, and the average GMAT score is 556. So, a good GMAT score is really about if you want to be above the GMAT average score or below, along with which schools you wish to apply for and what is their GMAT score requirements.

Q: How long do the GMAT scores last?

A: GMAT scores last for five years.

Q: How many times can you take the GMAT?

A: You can take the GMAT test for a total of 8 times and once in every 16 days. And there is also a restriction that you cannot take the more than five times in 12 months.

Q: How long does it take to get the GMAT scores?

A: The unofficial GMAT score will be displayed to you right after you finish the online GMAT test. The official GMAT score report will be available within 3-weeks of the exam date.

Q: GMAT or GRE

A: There are a lot of questions about GMAT or GRE, which is easy, which is best etc. It is essential to understand that there is a lot of difference between GMAT and GRE. Please see the below table

	GMAT	GRE
Why?	It is a requirement for most business schools for admission into their MBA programs	It is a requirement for most graduate schools for admission into their graduate programs.
Who accepts the test?	Business Schools. A lot of online master’s schools accept a GRE score also.	Graduate schools. A lot of online master’s schools accept a GMAT score also.
Format	4 Sections – Analytical Writing, Integrated Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Quantitative Reasoning.	3 Sections – Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing.
Scores	200 to 800	120 to 170
Cost	$250	$205
Time	3.5 hours	3.75 hours
Score Validity	5 years	5 years

1. The Grad Café – GMAT/GRE Forums: Grad Café is a blog where test-takers can exchange ideas, ask ad receive help from fellow test-takers.
2. MBA.com: MBA.com is an excellent website that all the information you will need for GMAT along with an 8-week study plan.
3. Magoosh GMAT Blog: Magoosh provides various GMAT services, and their blog is an excellent resource for every GMAT topic from studying to scores to test strategies, etc.
4. Beat the GMAT: Beat the GMAT is a place where you can find various GMAT study materials for all sections of the GMAT.
5. Discover Business: Discover Business is a place where you can find a detailed description of strategies for each section of GMAT, along with tips and common test-taker mistakes.
6. Quizlet: Quizlet is a free tool to make flashcards for any exam, including GMAT.