GMAT Preparation: Tips for Success

March 22, 2024 | Read Time: 8.5 Minutes

By Alexandra Koktsidis

What is the GMAT exam?

The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is the exam most commonly used by top business schools. While many schools, Babson included, use a holistic approach to the application process, scoring well on the GMAT can help applicants showcase their quantitative aptitude and qualitative communication skills, both important characteristics for successful graduate students. How the GMAT is scored depends on four key areas of focus: Analytical Writing, Integrated Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Verbal Reasoning.

GMAT Tips: Preparing for the GMAT

• One of the first steps for how to start preparing for the GMAT is to familiarize yourself with the exam. When you’re preparing for the GMAT, you’ll want to know exactly what to expect going into it—the types of questions being asked and the structure of the exam—so you can tackle each section with confidence. There are four main sections of the GMAT exam:
• Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA section) – In this section, your critical thinking and effective communication skills are measured. This 30-minute writing test will have you look at a line of reasoning and evaluate your ability to decipher the information clearly and critically.
• Integrated Reasoning (IR section) – In this section, your ability to analyze and interpret data in various formats is evaluated. It will be important to display your ability to take in large sets of data and make sound decisions as a result.
• Quantitative Reasoning (Quant section) – This section looks at your ability to reason mathematically, solve quantitative problems, and interpret graphic data. Through two types of questions—problem solving and data sufficiency—you will display your ability to sort through relevant data and use logic to solve a problem.
• Verbal Reasoning (Verbal section) – This section looks at your ability to read and comprehend written passages, your editing abilities, and if you can make sense of written arguments. Through three types of questions, Reading Comprehension, Critical Reasoning, and Sentence Correction, you will display your verbal skills of comprehension and analysis.

GMAT Tips: Create a study schedule

GMAT test prep is going to take up a sizable portion of your time. For that reason, you’ll have to build it into your existing schedule. When preparing for the GMAT and creating your schedule, consider what time of day you will study. You might also break up your study periods into larger, or smaller periods, based on how you work best.

GMAT Tips: Complete practice questions

One of the top tips for the GMAT is to start studying for the GMAT as soon as possible. This will give you enough time to study at your own pace and reduce the amount of stress you’ll have on exam day. GMAT practice questions and exams are a great way to expose yourself to the exam format. Familiarizing yourself with the style of the questions asked in the GMAT will set you up for success.

GMAT Waiver for MBA Programs

Many graduate schools, Babson included, have temporarily moved to a test-optional policy. This means GMAT/GRE test scores will be waived for all full-time graduate applicants until further notice. All part-time MBA programs at Babson are test optional.

In Babson’s case, the admissions committee will continue to use a holistic review process that evaluates your quantitative readiness, past academic performance, and your written and verbal communication. This is done by looking at responses to short answer questions, interviews, and career potential and/or progress through each applicant’s resume and references. Learn more about the application process, and how to apply.

Students can elect to further demonstrate their individual qualifications for graduate school by submitting an optional essay. This not only shows the student’s interest in attending Babson, but also enables the student to share any additional information they find pertinent and gives the admissions team the opportunity to learn more about the applicant.

What else is considered in a holistic review? Babson students are leaders who understand the importance of collaboration and creativity. They are global-minded and bring with them experience, skill sets, and world views that enrich the learning environment for their peers.

Our students possess an entrepreneurial mindset and whether they are looking to build a startup from the ground up, advance a family business to the next level, or elevate their current corporate or non-profit organization, they come ready to take action and learn by rolling their sleeves up.

If you have any questions regarding the GMAT, GMAT test prep, admissions requirements, or other parts of your application, please don’t hesitate to contact the office of Admissions at gradadmissions@babson.edu. Or, visit our most frequently asked questions page.

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