GMAT Hacks, Tricks, and Tips to Make Studying and Preparing for the GMAT Simpler

The GMAT measures four general types of knowledge: Verbal, Quantitative, Integrated Reasoning, and Analytical Writing. The entire test takes about three hours and 30 minutes to complete. Preparing for this important exam may seem like a daunting task, but you can simplify the process with the help of some GMAT tips and tricks. Use Mnemonics to Learn Vocabulary Words Making a GMAT cheat sheet complete with mnemonics simplifies the process of learning vocabulary words for the Verbal section. Word pictures can help you to retain the words youre learning. For instance, suppose youre trying to learn the word extricate. Extricate means to free something or someone from a constraint or problem. You may pair the word with a mental picture of a group of people being freed from a stuck elevator by a technician. Creating mnemonics that relate to your life, family, or job can make them all the more memorable. Look for Vocabulary Words in Context Studying a GMAT cheat sheet full of words and mnemonics shouldnt be the end of your vocabulary studies. Its just as important to be able to recognize those words in context. If youve signed up to take the GMAT, theres a good chance that you already read several business publications, so keep an eye out for the words used within those resources. Reading financial newspapers, magazines, and online articles that contain GMAT vocabulary words helps you become more familiar with them. After a while, youll know what the words mean without having to think about them. Learn the Test Instructions Before Test Day When you read the instructions for each section before test day arrives, youll know what to expect on the actual day. This can make you feel more relaxed about tackling each section. Also, you wont have to use your test time reading instructions because you will already know what youre doing. Always Keep Some Study Materials Close By When it comes to GMAT tips and strategies, the easiest ones can sometimes be the most effective. Even busy working professionals have free moments throughout the day. Its a smart idea to use those moments for study and review. For instance, you can work on some practice math problems during a lunch or coffee break. If you have a dentist or doctors appointment, you can use virtual flashcards to quiz yourself on GMAT vocabulary words while youre sitting in the waiting room. Taking a few minutes each day to review can add up to a lot of productive study time by the end of a week. Set a Timer for Practice Tests If youre concerned about completing each section of the GMAT within the allotted number of minutes, one of our favorite GMAT hacks is to try setting a timer as you begin each section of a practice test. If the timer goes off before youre finished with the section, you may be spending too much time on puzzling problems. Or perhaps youre taking too much time to read the directions for each section rather than familiarizing yourself with them ahead of time. Timing your practice tests helps you establish a rhythm that allows you to get through each section with a few minutes to spare for review. At Veritas Prep, we provide you with the opportunity to take a free exam. Taking this practice exam allows you to get a clear picture of what youll encounter on test day. Get Into the Habit of Eliminating Wrong Answer Options Another very effective GMAT strategy is to eliminate answer options that are clearly incorrect. With the exception of the analytical essay, this can be done on every portion of the test. Taking practice tests gives you the chance to establish this habit. By eliminating obviously incorrect answer options, you are making the most efficient use of your test time. Also, you are making the questions more manageable by giving yourself fewer answers to consider. Here at Veritas Prep, our GMAT instructors follow a unique curriculum that shows you how to approach every problem on the test. We teach you how to strengthen your higher-order thinking skills so youll know how to use them to your advantage on the test. Contact our offices today to take advantage of our in-person prep courses or our private tutoring services. Learn GMAT hacks from professional instructors whove mastered the test! Getting ready to take the GMAT? We have  free online GMAT seminars  running all the time. And, be sure to follow us on  Facebook,  YouTube,  Google+, and  Twitter!