By Amar Singh, Founder & Head Trainer at Global Course.
After the introduction of The Focus GMAT in 2024, it has become more challenging to score in The GMAT. The topics most of the candidates found high scoring, such as Plain Geometry, Solid Geometry and Co-ordinate Geometry, have been removed. In The GMAT Verbal Section, Sentence Correction – which used to be a major score booster in The GMAT – has been discontinued. Moreover, the introduction of Integrated Reasoning Section has proved to be the last nail in the coffin for those candidates whose numerical skills are not very strong because, effectively, now The GMAT is two thirds Quants. and one third Verbal.
Nevertheless, the business schools see the percentiles, which are based on comparative performance of all the test takers. Hence, to get a good score in The GMAT, one needs to follow a holistic approach in all the three sections, i.e. Verbal, Quants. and Data Insights (DI). Here are a few tips by Amar Singh, The Founder and Head Trainer, Global Course, Mumbai:
1. Verbal Reasoning
The Verbal Ability Section of the Focus GMAT consists of only Reading Comprehension and Critical Reasoning.
Reading Comprehension (RC): This is a non – adaptive part of the GMAT. You may start your preparation by mastering the Rapid Reading Techniques – Skimming and Scanning. You should understand the passage – its main idea, scope, etc. There are some tried – and – tested techniques developed by Global Course to tackle different types of RC questions fast and accurate. Thereafter, you may practice higher difficulty level questions to boost your score.
Critical Reasoning (CR): first of all, it is recommended that one understand the anatomy of a Critical Reasoning question, i.e. Argument, Premise, Assumption, Inference, Conclusion, etc. Then you will be able to understand different types of question and the ways to answer them effectively within the time limit before you start attempting higher difficulty level questions.
2. Quantitative Reasoning
This section covers almost 20 chapters of mathematics viz Arithmetic, Algebra, Probability, Permutations and Combinations, Statistics, etc. You should brush up theses topics one by one learning the basic concepts and properties. While attempting the GMAT questions, ensure that you understand them properly. GMAC appoints the test makers to complicate the language of the questions deliberately.
3. Data Insights (DI)
Data Insights questions are based on Data Sufficiency, Table Analysis, Multi – source Reasoning, Graphics Interpretation and Two – part Analysis. You should develop the skills to read Line Graph, Bar Chart, Pie Chart, Table, etc. Additionally, you will be required to extract the needed information and do basic mathematics calculations. An on – screen calculator is provided only in this section.
After you have understood the fundamental concepts in the above – mentioned three sections of GMAT, you should focus on higher difficulty level questions from different sources: all the four GMAT Official Guides, books from well – known publishers and online resources. Never rely on the material ‘developed’ by different coaching institutes. It’s a waste of time. Finally, take 5 – 10 GMAT full tests, including GMAT Prep and from other reputed publishers and websites. It is suggested that you attempt these tests on alternate days, i.e. if you are taking test one on day one, day two must be utilized to review and take the remedial measures. Similarly, take the second test on day three and so on.
You are strongly advised against taking any ‘expert’ advice from someone who has not either scored 700+ in GMAT or spent a few years on research and training of GMAT. Good luck!
