Parting Shots

Don’t be afraid to ask for help – most people need assistance getting the score improvement they want. Quality help generally comes at a price. As a prospective business school applicant, you should see preparation help as a sound investment. Just consider what the potential ROI is.

Get the right help – Make sure you’re getting advice from the right sources, and preparation help from the right sources. While mentors and friends may provide valuable insights, your best bet is to go with a professional who is qualified to guide you through your GMAT preparation.

Remember the end game – While doing well on an upcoming GMAT is a goal, it is not the ultimate goal. Many people end up retaking the GMAT. Relax and do as well as you can on the test right before you, but know that you can continue studying and retake, and that doing so won’t hurt your chances of getting into school.

Find the silver lining – Every time you review a set of questions or test note to yourself all the things you’ve done well, all the mistakes you’ve made in the past but avoided that time around, and all the ways you’ve put the studying you’ve done to your advantage. If you get more right in the first 10 of a practice test that’s IMPROVEMENT (even if the total score is the same). Then focus on what you could’ve done better. Finding the silver lining will make a big difference in your attitude, help you stick with the plan, and ultimately get you a better score.

Stay positive/apply motivational techniques – Yes the GMAT is annoying, frustrating, disconcerting and a whole lot of other adjectives that are rude to type, but you must not let it depress or dissuade you. Find ways to motivate or trick yourself into relaxing as much as possible on the test. If you get pumped up by music, create a playlist to listen to before you start any GMAT study and before your real test. If you work better when relaxed, go to the spa for a nice massage the day before your exam.

Plan a schedule and stick to it – A regular, consistent study schedule will help you keep to your study plan and make more efficient use of your time.

Don’t overdo the last few days – By the last week you will have done what you can to improve your score. Doing multiple practice tests and a ton of other practice questions in the last week is going to result in more harm than good.