The GMAT™ is a test that demands multiple weeks to months of preparation and a well-organized study plan. Before diving into your GMAT preparation, it's essential to familiarize yourself with the nature of the test, question types, and other critical aspects of the test. This article will guide you through the preliminary steps you need to take to ensure you can prepare effectively.

Understanding the Purpose of the GMAT

First and foremost, it's important to know who the GMAT is for and its significance to universities, students, and companies. The GMAT is a standardized test used primarily for admission to graduate management programs, such as various pre-experience Masters and post-experience MBA programs. Universities use GMAT scores to assess the analytical, quantitative, verbal, and reading skills of applicants in written English. Students take the GMAT to enhance their applications and demonstrate their readiness for business school. Companies, particularly those in consulting and finance, may also consider GMAT scores when evaluating job candidates, because a high score serves as good indicator for analytical competence for top firms. For more detailed information, we recommend the article we wrote on: 0.1 | Taking the GMAT™ in 2024

Familiarizing Yourself with GMAT Content

Before you start preparing for the GMAT, it's crucial to understand the content and structure of the test. The GMAT consists of several sections, each testing different skills:

Each section has a unique format and tests specific skills. For example, the Quantitative section includes reasoning with geometry and exponents, while the Verbal section tests reading comprehension and critical reasoning. Familiarize yourself with the types of questions in each section. Reviewing some basic questions can help you get a feel for what is expected. Additionally, compare the knowledge tested on the GMAT with your current knowledge. For instance, reflect on when you last practiced algebra or how strong your English vocabulary is. This comparison will help you identify areas where you may need supplementary material and additional practice. 

It is also useful to make sure you know the difference between the older GMAT and the new GMAT Focus. Some key points are the scrapping of Geometry, Sentence Correction, and the Writing assessment. This still matters for you, because when you are looking for materials, you don’t want to include or study items that are irrelevant to you. 
Here you can find a GMAC article on the changes between GMAT Focus and the old GMAT. 

Understanding the Scoring System 

A crucial aspect of preparing for the GMAT is understanding how the scoring system works, especially with the introduction of the GMAT Focus Edition. Knowing the difference between percentiles and absolute scores is vital. What constitutes a good score varies depending on your target schools, so research what scores they consider competitive. 

The GMAT is a Computer Adaptive Test (CAT), meaning the difficulty of questions adapts based on your previous answers. This adaptive nature makes understanding how your performance impacts your score essential. Additionally, with the transition to the GMAT Focus Edition, there are new features to be aware of, such as changes in the time allocated for each question, the introduction of Data Insights, and the option to review and edit up to three answers. Familiarizing yourself with these features can give you a strategic advantage even before you start studying. 
Here you can find a GMAC article on interpreting your GMAT Focus test score. 
Here you can find a GMAC article on the exact exam structure of the GMAT Focus. 

Conclusion 

Before starting your GMAT preparation, take the time to understand the test's purpose, content, and scoring system. This foundational knowledge will enable you to prepare more effectively and tailor your study plan to your specific needs. By doing so, you'll be better equipped to achieve your target score and enhance your business school application. For further reading and detailed insights, refer to the bibliography at the bottom of the page.