So, you have started your GMAT prep with a target of making it to your dream Business School.
But, are there questions in your mind, like whether you are ready to take the GMAT or not? Or when is the right time to take this test?
Well, such floating thoughts are quite natural. Keep in mind that preparing for the GMAT is a time-taking and serious consideration. However, one good thing is unlike other tests such as SAT or ACT you can sit for GMAT on multiple days in a year. You will get repeated chances to appear for the test. You can take the GMAT five times in one year, and up to eight times in a lifetime. So yes, you get several chances here.
Now, let us help you understand the right time to take the GMAT and crush it!
- Keep a track of your first application deadline. The general rule is you can aim at taking the test two months before applying. This way, you can send the scores to your dream business schools for the respective programs. Visit the website of the school to find out application deadlines. Suppose you feel there is not ample time to take the GMAT test or even prepare for it, worry not because some top-notch MBA colleges have several rounds of accepting applications. You can consider applying later.
- The rate of improvement of your score is directly proportional to the number of study hours. The more you study, the better, and if so, you might want to sit for the GMAT test later (you are well aware of your application deadlines). This way, you will get adequate time to develop your foundation skills and improve remarkably. For instance, if you are willing to invest a hundred hours of study time, then you will need at least three months to prepare for the exam comfortably.
- GMAT practice tests will help you discern whether you are ready or not. Say you are performing remarkably well in each of the practice tests, and scoring consistently, get it that you are ready for the real challenge. Suppose your score is not consistent, sometimes you are scoring seven hundred and sometimes below six hundred, then take some more time to prepare well. Probably, your ways, techniques, skills, concepts, and more need further refinement. Do not be hasty while taking the test. Make sure that all the concepts are crystal clear. Precisely find out all the weaknesses and work on them.
- Taking many CAT or Computer-Adaptive Tests will guide you through. If you feel your scores are satisfying, then it is time for you to sit for GMAT confidently. CAT scores will provide insights into how much your ability level has developed. It is the key factor to stress upon while appearing for the GMAT. You can better assess your efficiency, accuracy, and concentration levels, with CATs.
- Your strengths are your weapon, but not to forget that weaknesses need attention too. GMAT is all about answering as many questions correctly as possible within the stipulated time. So, you have to put stress on your strengths. If you find that you are doing reasonably well in the sections you were previously weak in, you must start spending more time to nurture your strengths. Investing at least fifty to sixty hours of study time to nurture the strong areas and honing the skills should be enough to sit for the GMAT. Now, you can be at peace because you will be able to handle it confidently.
- People who are preparing for the GMAT, know that it requires a lot of time as well as money. If you choose to sit for the test, you have to pay somewhere around USD 250 (just for the test, the cost is exclusive of study materials). When it comes to sitting for the examination, you might suffer from several problems such as stress, anxiety, analysis paralysis, self-doubt, and more that are completely normal. But, if you feel confident that the date you chose to sit for the exam is perfect for you, and you followed a solid study plan throughout, then you are ready for the test.
You have to decide for yourself whether it is the right time to sit for the test or not. Just have faith in yourself and take the tough call because the “more is better” approach can stop you from taking the test in the first place. So, go for it!
