Top 7 Misconceptions of the GMAT

There’s a bit of an age-old myth that success on the GMAT is dependent upon doing well on the first 10 questions. While there is some truth to this, as the paper-based, pre-1990s test did emphasize through an algorithm, importance on the first ten questions, this is no longer true of the computer-based GMAT offered today. Basically, get everything right that you can without wasting too much time and know the best scores come from disseminating errors throughout the whole exam.

The purpose of the quantitative section is to evaluate critical and analytical thinking. You’re basically getting tested on high-school level math and applying its foundations, which is conceptually basic and simple to review, learn and master. Think of the math section as similar to the rest of the exam, only the word problems are replaced by numbers. Regard the GMAT as a riddle and not impossible trigonometry.

The GMAT is really about pacing and many test-takers lose valuable time focusing on harder questions towards the beginning of the exam where, even if they are correct, don’t end up helping your overall score. By testing your ability to be a good businessperson, the GMAT is testing you on how well you manage your time, what your priorities are and what can be pushed to the side. It’s important to recognize which questions you should skip, guess, and which ones are worth completing.

The GMAT is not a business test and doesn’t require business knowledge or concepts beyond an undergraduate level. This test does, however, require you to pay close attention to the details. Look at the GMAT as a series of riddles and brainteasers, where the questions aim to make your brain work, ranging from analytical and critical thinking to extracting and dissecting data. There’s no need to cram advanced business theories and models to get ahead on the test; instead, familiarize yourself with primary formulas and remain flexible in how you apply them to fit the context of the questions.

The test-makers aim to discriminate amongst a well-educated audience, meaning there’s continual pressure to produce very difficult questions. Attempting to familiarize yourself with possible topics isn’t a good strategy, as the test-makers do whatever possible to increase the test’s difficulty. (For example, posing alternative question formats, presenting information in unhelpful formats, etc.) A previous knowledge of medieval architecture or quantum physics won’t give you a leg up for test day. Studying hard and consistently over months is a strategy sure to assist you in achieving a high score, not trying to cut corners by memorizing countless topics.

As you see, myths, falsehoods and misconceptions run rampant when it comes to the GMAT. Make sure you start on the right foot by avoiding these false impressions and get ahead of the game by devoting real study time that flexes both your analytical and critical reasoning muscles. Preparing for the GMAT is like preparing for a job interview; in the end, you will feel less anxiety and need a smaller amount of time on tricky problems if your foundation is built correctly. Know fact from fiction when it comes to the GMAT and map out the territory in front of you so that you don’t slip on something thrown your way.