Though Covid-19 had initially brought most activities, including those associated with education, to an unprecedented halt, with the unlock process in motion, things are slowly limping back to normalcy. More than three lakh Indian students abroad; the number is second only to China. With students adapting themselves to the new normal, a large number of them have again started looking for opportunities to study abroad.
With students considering GMAT and GRE as their gateway to their dream colleges abroad, The Daily Guardian finds out some of the common mistakes committed by students while appearing for GMAT and GRE exams.
1. GMAT, GRE EXAMS AREN’T ALL ABOUT CORE SUBJECTS
Yes, the knowledge of core subjects is important but these two exams also look at a candidate’s business communication skills, analytical application skills. These tests aren’t just about his/her knowledge of English and Mathematics.
2. ALWAYS GO FOR RIGHT ANSWERS FROM FIVE OPTIONS
A student must understand that he has to find answers from the five options provided in the question paper. Sometimes they make the mistake of looking for the precise answers, rather than the right answers from the given options. Stick to the options given in the question paper.
3. TIME MATTERS THE MOST
GMAT and GRE tests also look at how students do time management while answering questions. Only those who, besides preparing well, handle the time better get selected. A candidate’s efforts go in vain if he fails to answer each question in a given time.
4. GO FOR GUESS WORK
We are generally taught in our schools to answer only when we are 100% sure. But here in GMAT and GRE tests, a candidate needs to learn to make educated guesses while answering questions. This calculated risk will help him/her in saving enough time for the ones he/she can solve.
5. BE SMART WHILE PREPARING FOR EXAMS
It’s all about being smart as far as the clearing of the tests are concerned. It just isn’t about hard work; it is equally about planned work. Work hard, no doubt, but only those are successful who plan their preparation for exams well. It is all about studying smartly by practicing and analysing the questions and answers.
6. NEVER EXPECT STRAIGHT-FORWARD QUESTIONS
While preparing for the exams, be ready to face tricky questions. Often, these questions are so deceptively put that students spend time on solving wrong questions. The end result is: He/she fails to have enough time for the questions that could have been easily answered. So, while answering questions, always keep a cool mind, look through the question paper, and approach them with calm demeanour.
7. PRACTISE AT HOME UNDER EXAM-LIKE MILIEU
GMAT and GRE tests last up to three hours. When candidates practice questions at home, they will solve them because they are not under any pressure and because their sessions might be short. But it’s a different ball game during the exam. So, in order to be better prepared for the big exam day, a student must practice at home under exam-like milieu. Ideally, he/she should have 3-hour tests at home on a regular basis. Also, such test practice at home should be organized regularly. The more it is done, the better would be the preparations for the big day.
8. LOOK FOR RIGHT GUIDES, STUDY MATERIALS
There are so many educational institutions online that sell GMAT and GRE materials. But most of them will teach techniques that the candidates will not be able to implement quickly while taking the exams. So, always look for right guides and study materials, the ones that suit your style of studying.
These eight mantras will help students crack the exams. But one fundamental fact remains: And that’s hard work. There’s no substitute for that. Except that one needs to rightly channelise that hard work to get maximum output.
