Please do not try this at home

“Do not follow what I did, if you want a good GMAT score!”

Now that I’ve got a headline-grabber, let me assure you: I’m serious - despite getting a good GMAT score myself, I’ve thought about what I did for my preparation, and whether I would do things the same way again – the answer is a strict “NO”. Thats exactly what I’ll tell everyone who’s still to give his/her GMAT… dont do what I did, I wouldn’t either.

Now there are 2 ways of looking at this. The first is that this guy has been thru it and knows what he’s saying. The other is that his score has gone to his head and he’s saying that he got there despite his study process, because he wants to believe that he’s very intelligent, a born genius, blah, blah…. So while I’d recommend the former, you are at will to decide your own path. It’s your GMAT after all.

I’ll start with what I did, then try to highlight what I consider wrong, and possibly my alternative ‘non-wrong’ method (I say this because I sincerely believe there is no one ‘right’ way, but some ways are definitely ‘wrong’)

1. I started 2 months before my target G-date

Now this in itself may not be a suicidal idea, but for someone who’s not picked up his books for 7-8 years, it may be a problem. Thankfully, the sound math fundamentals helped me in saving on a huge amount of time to focus on the verbal. But this may not work for everyone, so make sure you’re giving yourself atleast 6 months esp. if you have a strenuous and traveling job like mine. That would also give you scope for retest which I didnt have. And give you enough time for essays unlike me, who’s scrambling to start now. Maybe even a 2-3 week break btween the GMAT and essays, which is much needed, believe me.

2. I hardly practiced any AWAs

This again may not be something crucial for some with a good englsh background. But if you’re out of touch with essay writing, or a non-native, its best to start AWA prob a month into GMAT prep, once you’ve got into the math/verbal groove. Need not do too much, 1 each of issue/arg, possibly 3 days a week for 2 months is great practice for most.

3. I did not finish my scheduled practice tests atleast a week before G-day

This is the most crucial part. Make sure you draw up a schedule, which buffers any sudden work requirements that may crop up. And make sure this schedule ends 5-7 days before your test date. Dont planpractice tests in the last week. You may still do 1-2 repeats, but I’d suggest keep this for the GMAC Prep test #2 (GMAC prep test #1 should ideally be done as your first test, 1 month into practice.

So what should one do / not do in the last week before G-day. Here’s my ideal list (I didnt follow it, but then like they say  “Those who can, Do. Those who cannot, Consult”)

1. No more practice tests, except the GMAC#2 possibly 2 days before the test date.

2. Hopefully you’d know your strengths & weaknesses by now. Go thru (read) the questions from OG in the areas which you need improvement, and try to solve them, and thoroughly read the explanations

3. Adding to this point above, read thru all OG explanations in the critical areas – even the so-called sitters or easy ones

4. On the penultimate day, revise all topics once. Just the concepts (or formulae in Math) but no more questions. Stuff like idioms (esp if you’re non-native). And definitely go through all the GMAT instructions in your GMAC application.

5. For test day, have a good meal atleast 2 hrs before (dont overdo it, it might work negatively) and report at the venue 45min-1 hour before. This will take care of nerves, since by the time the test starts, you’d be extremely accustomed to the environment.

One last point: Make sure you have all the documents required for ID proof,  many countries like India & China the driving license doesnt work, they want only the passport. So be proactive and get this in one place possibly 5-6 days before (I didnt and was in for a rude shock when I realized my passport was in my hometown, with 30 hrs to go for the test!!!)

All the best to all test takers, and I hope this helps some of you.