ICON+

MYTH– If I don’t get above a 680 on my GMAT I will not be able to get into a good school.

FACT - Think about it: Do you have any idea how few people actually achieve an 800 on their GMAT? Out of more than 200,000 people who take the GMAT less that 50 will achieve an 800. It’s next to impossible. The odds are very much against you. In fact, only 1% of people taking the GMAT will score a 760 and above. The average GMAT test taker gets only around 540. Make sure you have a realistic aim and remember that your GMAT score is just one part of the application procedure.

MYTH– I need to have incredible math skills to ace the GMAT.

FACT – The majority of the quantitative section requires basic analytical skills. The concepts used are fairly basic such as geometry, algebra and arithmetic. The same logic just needs to be applied to answer the difficult questions. All you needed to do is revise your basic math skills and learn proper techniques and tactics for effective problem solving - which simply means getting lots of practice!

MYTH – If I suddenly get an easy question, it must mean I got the last one wrong.

FACT – Receiving a seemingly easier question doesn’t necessarily mean that you answered the previous one incorrectly. Most people are not skilled at guessing question difficulty as everyone has their own individual strengths and weaknesses. The examining board regulates every exam so that there is a certain amount of questions of each type to ensure fairness.

MYTH– The first ten questions on the exam are of the utmost importance and deserve the majority of your time.

FACT – The fact is all your questions are important. There is some truth however, as a Computed Adaptive Test your ability on the first ten questions will give an indicator of your initial level. What happens next is up to you as the test will self-correct when you get answers correct and move you up a level.  Your final score will be based on every single question you answered, so make sure you properly distribute your time. Spend no more than two minutes on each question so that you avoid the serious penalty for not finishing all the questions in the allotted time.