Excelling On The GMAT

1. Excelling On The GMAT Emily Gung Graduate Admissions Valdosta State University

2. Graduate Management Admission Test • Where and when can I take it? • What is it? • Scores required for VSU? • How can I prepare to do my best?

3. Where and When Can I Take It? • Candidate Information Booklet • ETS/GMAT homepage www.mba.com • Sylvan Learning Center

4. Test Format • Computer-based • Three timed sections: verbal, quantitative, and analytical writing • Verbal and Quantitative - Multiple Choice • Analytical Writing - Two Essays

5. Test Format • Test design factors • difficulty level of questions already answered • required question types • appropriate coverage of content

6. Analytical Writing • Analysis of an issue = 30 min. • Analyze a given issue or opinion and then explain your point of view on the subject by citing relevant reasons/examples

7. Analysis of an Issue • Decide on your perspective. • Work your way to a perspective instead of announcing one. • Indicate that you understand the complexities of an issue or an opinion before you take a position. • Think about personal experiences and examples that support your argument.

8. Structure of Essay • Introduction - State your perspective and summarize your points. • Body - Explore your ideas in detail and include examples. • Use fully developed sentences • Coherent organization • Logical transition between points • Conclusion - re-state your original idea

9. Analytical Writing • Analysis of an argument = 30 min. • Analyze the reasoning behind a particular argument and then write a critique of that argument

10. Ask yourself the following: • Does the claim make certain assumptions? • How do I interpret certain terms or concepts? • What reasons support my position? • How might someone dispute my position?

11. Analytical Writing • Scoring: • Quality of ideas • Ability to organize, develop, and express those ideas • Relevancy of supporting reasons and examples • Ability to control the elements of standard written English

12. Verbal and Quantitative • Questions are in a multiple choice format. • Each question must be answered. • Test takers cannot return to previous questions. • Directions are given at the beginning of each section.

13. Quantitative • Measures basic mathematical skills and understanding of elementary concepts, and the ability to reason quantitatively, solve problems, and interpret graphic data. • 37 questions = 75 min. • Two types of questions: • Problem solving • Data sufficiency

14. Quantitative • Problem Solving • arithmetic • elementary algebra • geometry • Data Sufficiency • test takers must decide whether the data given in the statements is sufficient for answering the question

15. Tips • Avoid extensive computation. Try to estimate the answer. • Geometric figures may not be drawn to scale. Therefore, comparisons should be based upon your knowledge of mathematics and the given information. • Memorize necessary algebraic formulas and basic foundations of geometry. • ETS/GRE Math Review

16. Verbal • 41 questions = 75 min. • Three questions types: • Reading Comprehension • Critical Reasoning - tests skills involved in making arguments, evaluating arguments, and formulating or evaluating a plan of action • Sentence Correction

17. Reading Comprehension • Questions will reflect the following areas: • Main idea or primary purpose • Information explicitly stated or clearly defined • ideas that are suggested or implied • Application of the author’s ideas to other situations • Author’s logic, reasoning, or persuasive techniques • Tone of the passage or the author’s attitude

18. Critical Reasoning • Argument Construction • structure of an argument • properly drawn conclusions • underlying assumptions • well-supported explanatory hypotheses • parallels between structurally similar arguments

19. Critical Reasoning • Argument evaluation • factors that strengthen or weaken the argument • reasoning errors committed in making that argument • aspects of the method by which the argument proceeds

20. Critical Reasoning • Formulating and Evaluating a Plan of Action • relative appropriateness, effectiveness, or efficiency of different plans of action • factors that strengthen or weaken the prospects of success for a proposal plan of action • assumptions underlying a proposed plan of action

21. Sentence Correction • A correct expression will contain: • noun-verb agreement • noun-pronoun agreement • pronoun consistency • pronoun case • verb tense sequence

22. Sentence Correction • Noun-Verb Agreement The beneficial effects of her enthusiastic work is apparent everywhere. The beneficial effects of her enthusiastic work are apparent everywhere.

23. Sentence Correction • Noun-Pronoun Agreement The students exchanged their essays. Neither Alicia nor Louise uses a computer to write her papers. The audience gave its approval.

24. Sentence Correction • Pronoun Case subject forms, object forms, possessive forms Kim and me spent spring vacation in Vancouver. Kim and I spent spring vacation in Vancouver. The only one to read the report was me. The only one to read the report was I.

25. Sentence Correction • A correct sentence will not have: • dangling, misplaced, or improperly formed modifiers Ex: A small fan stood on the desk which hummed quietly. A small fan, which hummed quietly, stood on the desk.

26. Sentence Correction • Unidiomatic Expressions or inconsistent expressions Ex. A willingness to compromise has been a common tendency throughout the Canadian history. A willingness to compromise has been a common tendency throughout Canadian history.

27. Sentence Correction Ex. This teacher had no interest or respect for his students. This teacher had no interest in nor respect for his students.

28. Sentence Correction • Parallel Construction Ex. Rep. Cairns criticized her opponent as soft on crime, indifferent to voters, and a tax and spend politician. Rep. Cairns criticized her opponent as soft on crime, indifferent to voters, and quick to raise taxes.

29. Tips to Improve Your Score • Practice using study guides and practice tests. • Be familiar with the structure of the test. • Beware of distractors-wrong answers are not random. Read ALLchoices. • Process of elimination. • Manage your time.

30. Practice Materials • Test Preparation Books/Materials • GMAT POWERPREP Software • 800Score.com GMAT Prep Course = 29.95 www.800score.com • Kaplan Test Prep and Admissions www.kaptest.com/gmat

31. Other Suggestions • Reduce worries related to the actual taking of the test! • Arrive early! • Bring two forms of identification (one with a picture). • Get plenty of rest. • Think positively. • Focus on each question and don’t worry about past or future questions.