GMAT Prep: The wrong way to do it
They say the best learnings come from knowing what not to do
My decision to do an MBA was not the most ideal one, I had my doubts because I was not 100% committed to it at the start of the journey. This also reflected on how I approached the initial steps in the journey, the major one being the GMAT.
So let me list down the mistakes I committed with GMAT:
Not enough research: I procrastinated starting my GMAT prep to the point that I needed more time for proper research on how to approach it and the best resources/tutors available for the preparation. My research can be merely counted as a Google search and selecting the top-rated/most popular resource.
Not enough time for preparation: Since I started late, I did not have enough time for proper preparation. It is not that the preparation is difficult but when you have a looming knife on your head of the application deadlines, the anxiety to get a good score and get it fast reduces your efficiency and confidence.
Tried to balance it with applications: You need to reflect on your experiences to write multiple essays for multiple schools that you’re applying to. The process is time-consuming and very hard to shorten since it’s about tying your story to the aim of doing an MBA — you have to introspect and bring out the gems to be showcased in your applications to make you stand out. When you try to balance this with GMAT prep along with a job (assuming you would be working as well), it gets pretty hectic and reduces focus.
Panicked: When I took my GMAT for the first time, I scored badly, I panicked and decided to give another attempt in 2 weeks. It did not give me enough time to evaluate where I was performing badly and put in efforts to improve significantly there. I scored the same again. Then I decided to take some time and identify my weak points to improve before taking the test again.
How can you not commit these mistakes?
Start early: Take the decision to do an MBA early- at least a year before the R1 deadlines, so around September of T-2 year (T-1 year is when you apply, T is when you actually start your MBA)
Timebox each step of the process: Once you have decided to apply for an MBA, timebox every step you need to take to achieve this goal. GMAT would be one of them, you should keep aside at least 3 months — 2 months of the preparation, 1 month in case you need to retake it. Decide which mode works better for you — online or at the center, and prepare accordingly. Try to simulate real situations of time foundation in your practice tests to get acclimatized to what will happen on the test day.
Research well: Talk to people who’ve been through the process, realexperience has the best advice. Understand what type of resources will work for you — do you prefer a tutor approach or learn better on your own? Decide accordingly, make a plan, and then stick to it. Consistency and discipline simplify a lot of things, prevent anxiety, and give a sense of control to you over the preparation.
Do not panic: In the unfortunate incident that you are not satisfied with the score — do not panic, ~50% of the people take the GMAT more than once. Do not book the next test date in a hurry, first evaluate what went wrong — was it the environment (online vs test center), your preparation, your health on test day, or any other reason? See how it can be rectified and how much time it would take, then only book the next test date.
Keep GMAT prep and application separate: As far as possible. While I do understand it could be difficult to separate the two processes at least try. Try to get done with your GMAT by May of the application year (T-1) and start with your applications in June (do finalize your consultant before, preferably in March, T-1). This gives you a dedicated headspace to deal with and conquer both steps with full focus.
GMAT is a valid score for 5 years, hence you can take it a couple of years earlier as well. I have written the above in context with people who are deciding to go for the MBA in T-2 years. All the best for your preparations!