What does the academic director of GMAT Tutor suggest?

I speak with students daily about study strategies for the GMAT and am always impressed by their motivation — everyone wants to ‘beat’ this exam! It should not come as a surprise that you’ll need more than just motivation to test well. I find one of the most important factors for GMAT success are students’ study habits.

Let’s look at one of the most important elements you should include in your study habits: the simulation exams.

Simulation exams (or “sim exams”) test you on what you have learned and give practice in using timing strategies and building up stamina. While a simulation exam will not give you your exact score, it can give an idea of how you might score.

By the time you take your sim exams, you should know the material. Ideally, sim exams should be taken after having reaching at least the halfway mark in your GMAT prep schedule. Certainly be sure to take the first one no later than about two weeks before the real test.

Once you begin adding sim exams to your studying regime, you should plan to take one every two to three days. Plan to take five sim exams to thoroughly prepare yourself. These tests should be taken in real time and in test-like conditions. Try not to take too many sim exams—you may burn out.

And remember, no sim tests the day before your actual exam! The day before your exam, do some light studying and try to relax.

Read the original article on the blog of The Economist GMAT Tutor.

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