GMAT® Test Day Decisions You Should Know

All the exam prep you have been doing will pay off when you get admission into your dream MBA program. However, there are some key GMAT® test day decisions you need to make before and after the test.

I. You should select your score-receiving schools before commencing your GMAT® exam.

Your GMAT scores are part of the business school application, and you can select up to five schools that will receive your official score report. You should select the MBA programs of your choice after checking in at the test center and before taking the exam.

You should decide on the business schools you are applying to that receive your GMAT scores before the test day. It would be best to choose these schools wisely since you cannot change your decision after making the selection.

Your registration fees cover this service, and the GMAC sends your official score report within 20 calendar days after the test. However, you can select additional schools to receive your GMAT scores for a fee. This is one of the GMAT® test day decisions you should consider before taking the test.

II. Select your GMAT section order before starting the exam

The GMAT exam has four sections, and you should choose the order in which you will take the test immediately before starting your exam. After selecting the business schools to send your GMAT score report to and the navigation tutorial, the select section order screen will appear on the computer.

Once the select section order screen appears, you will have three options and one minute to make your selection. The first order will be selected by default if you do not make a selection. The options are;

• Analytical writing assessment, integrated Reasoning, an eight-minute optional break, quantitative Reasoning, an eight-minute optional break, and Verbal Reasoning.
• Verbal Reasoning, eight-minute optional break, quantitative Reasoning, eight-minute optional break, integrated Reasoning, analytical writing assessment
• Quantitative Reasoning, eight-minute optional break, verbal Reasoning, eight-minute optional break, integrated Reasoning, analytical writing assessment

You should consider your strengths and weaknesses when selecting the section order. For instance, you can start with the most challenging section when you are more focused or start with the easier part to boost your confidence.

The eight-minute breaks are optional, and you can skip them and go on to the next section of your exam. If you choose to take a break and exceed the time limit, you will deduct the time from your next section.

III. You should accept or cancel your scores after your GMAT exam

The computer shows your unofficial GMAT score report immediately after completing your test. This unofficial score consists of verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, Integrated Reasoning, and the total score. The scores for the analytical writing assessment are not included but are reported in the official score report.

You will have two minutes to decide whether to accept or decline your score. Therefore, you should think about the score you are willing to accept before arriving at the test center. If the two minutes lapse before you choose, the computer cancels the score by default.

Canceling your unofficial score means that your selected schools won’t receive the official score report. The canceled scores will not appear in any of your score reports. In addition, you will not get a hard copy of the results at the test center or see the official score report.

The GMAC has an extended score cancellation policy, and you have up to 72 hours to cancel the score after completing the exam. You will pay a $25 fee. Alternatively, if you cancel your score at the test center, you can recover your GMAT scores online. Online recovery of your scores will cost you $50, and you can reinstate your scores four years and 11 months later, after which you cannot access your results.

Now that you’re aware of the GMAT® test day decisions you need to make before and after the exam, here are study tips that will help you get a high score.

1. Create a customized study plan

To make the most of your study time, create a plan that focuses on improving your weaknesses. A customized study plan will help you answer challenging questions correctly and pace yourself throughout the test.

2. Develop a study plan early

MBA programs have varied application deadlines, and you need to get your GMAT scores in time to beat the earliest deadline. In addition, your application includes other components such as essays, resumes, and letters of recommendation, and you do not want to rush to get everything in order at the last minute.

You should dedicate at least three months to studying for the GMAT—the candidates who scored in the 90th percentile put in at least 90 to 120 hours of study.

3. Improve your mental math skills

The quantitative section of the GMAT exam tests your numerical abilities and mathematical literacy. Mental math is a time-saving skill that will help you pass this section. Additionally, you will not have a calculator when taking the test, so you should practice doing calculations in your head.

4. Practice visual literacy

The GMAT exam consists of questions in various types and formats, including charts and tables. The quantitative reasoning section may also include symbols that you need to understand. One way to improve efficiency during the test is to master the ability to read and interpret this visual data and answer the questions quickly and correctly.

5. Choose the best GMAT prep materials

There are various GMAT prep materials available, and you should choose the best resources. Choose prep materials and practice questions that simulate the actual test. Contact us at Analystprep.com and get the best partner while preparing for your GMAT exam. We have the best resources and prep materials to help you get a high score and start your dream towards attaining your MBA.