Helpful for: MBA Applicants

Read Time: 8 minutes

Quick Facts:

•   A process of elimination chart (POE) is in the form of a tic-tac-toe grid. The chart lists your numbered questions in the first column and your lettered choices in the top row. Putting an “X” in a blank field, eliminates the option as the possible answer. This is an easy way to visualize your options and make a quick decision, especially on the verbal section. During exam day, instead of wasting time rewriting ABCDE over again, you can draw out the chart on your scratch card.

•   Visual memory hacks are strengthened using color. When studying for the GMAT, use one color for correct grammar and math concepts, and a different one for wrong ones. Studies have shown that people who write by hand internalize information and remember it better than those who store it on their computer. So, make an effort to keep your notes handwritten and carry them along with you in a handy notebook to refer to when you are waiting in line, or for a bus to arrive.

•   Memorizing basic math elements will alleviate a lot of stress you may feel towards the quantitative section. Eliza explains:

Chosen Quote:

The quant section is very difficult for many students. Many people tend to run out of time. If you are struggling with timing issues, you can work to memorize basic arithmetic, exponents and fractions. That way, you won’t waste precious time doing those calculations during the actual test. Some common elements to memorize include: squares and cubes from 1-10, Pi ≈ 22/7, multiplication from 1-10, 2 to the 1-10th power, the decimal equivalent for 1/2, 1/3, 1/9.

Useful Information:

•   Using a cheat sheet is not a punishable offence, if done during your study sessions of course. Writing out the many grammar rules and math formulas on a single piece of paper you can refer to, will help your studying be more efficient. You will find that the more comfortable you get with the information, the less you’ll need the cheat sheet.

Do you use great GMAT study hacks that weren’t mentioned in the article? 

If you’re curious how your score will play out in the admission decision, read How Important is the GMAT? Afterwards, you can evaluate the pros and cons of different GMAT preparation strategies by reading Best GMAT Preparation Strategy: Computer vs. Paper. Finally, add to your bag of GMAT tricks a simple sentence correction device from the article GMAT Sentence Correction Trick.

Source: Grant Me Admission