MBA Application Fundamentals – Part 1: Creating Your Test Strategy

UPDATE: This article was originally posted on April 2, 2021. It has been updated with new information and tips below. 

If you’re just starting to think about applying for an MBA, you may be overwhelmed with just how complex the process is. There are so many things that go into a successful application, which is why we created this series to walk you through all of the crucial steps of your MBA application process. 

Today, we’re zooming in on the test-taking aspect of the MBA application process, as it is one of the first and most important steps you’ll take to prepare a strong profile. 

 

Setting a Study Plan for the GMAT/GRE

One of the first key steps of the application process is preparing for and taking your GMAT or GRE. While it’s easy to oversimplify this step — after all, it’s just one number amidst all the essays, references, and other responses that you’ll have to work out — we often have to remind our clients that preparing adequately for the GMAT/GRE takes more time than you may think. 

To help you understand what you must do to reduce stress, avoid last-minute disappointments, and achieve the score you want, we’ve created a study plan based on our expertise and clients’ experiences.

 

But first, what are these tests, and how are they different?

The GMAT and GRE are standardized tests that business schools use to determine applicants’ readiness for their programs. While the GMAT is the more common test to take as it is accepted at all b-schools, the GRE is accepted at some but may be required for certain programs, especially if you are seeking a dual degree. (See this article on choosing which test is best for you.)

The GMAT is around 3.5 hours long, with a 30-minute analytical writing section, a 30-minute integrated reasoning section, a 62-minute quantitative section, and a 65-minute verbal section. This test suits those with strong quantitative reasoning and analytical skills. However, there are more logic problems than geometry ones on the GMAT, so if you have the choice and lack geometry skills, the GMAT may be better for you.

The GRE, on the other hand, is about 3.75 hours long and consists of a 60-minute analytical writing section (two 30-minute essays), two 30-minute verbal reasoning sections, two 35-minute quantitative sections, and a 30-35-minute experimental section that can either be math or verbal. The GRE math section is slightly easier than the GMAT’s and allows test-takers to have a calculator on hand. 

In terms of language, the GRE includes more obscure words than the GMAT, which may be especially difficult for non-native English speakers. While the GMAT requires test-takers to move on once they have answered questions, the GRE allows you to save and return to questions during each section, which can reduce anxiety.

 

1st step of your study plan: set your target score

To know exactly how much preparation you need to do, it’s important to understand where you are at in relation to your desired score. Generally, as a benchmark, a ‘good’ GMAT score is 650, and 310 for the GRE. However, reaching these numbers isn’t always so important depending on how much different admission committees value test scores.

To determine what your target score should be, you’ll have to do some research on the school(s) and program(s) you are applying to. In particular, it’s important for you to consider the school’s average test score – this will give you an indication of what kinds of scores each school’s adcoms are looking for in admitted applicants.

Some schools care more about previous experience and achievements or a clear plan for future impact more than test scores, so in some cases focusing too much on your test score may not be the best use of your time. Additionally, if you are not a great test-taker but can showcase outstanding aspects of your career, you may even be able to impress adcoms that normally do require above-average performance on tests.

Similarly, if your previous academic performance is lacking, you may want to consider putting extra effort into achieving a high GMAT or GRE score to prove that you are ready to handle the challenges of the program(s) you are applying to.

 

2nd step: start studying and monitoring your progress

Now that you know what your target score is, it’s time to get to work. We typically recommend that students spend close to 120 hours or more studying, which usually takes applicants around 1-6 months, depending on how much they can fit into their schedules and how much improvement they need to reach their testing goals.

To study, we recommend you either look at guided online courses, like Magoosh or Manhattan, hire a private tutor, or begin self-studying with books like the GMAT Official Guide. 

During this process, it’s important to monitor your progress over time. To understand your baseline, take a mock test (here is one for the GMAT and one for the GRE). Don’t be discouraged if you don’t initially meet your target scores; this is why you have planned so much time for studying. 

Your mock test scores will help you understand how you should allocate your time, which sections and skills you need to focus on the most, and also help you understand how to manage your time during the test. We recommend taking one mock test per week to monitor your progress and see if your current study time is enough to get you to your target score on time.

Remember, the more you study, the more you will improve, so don’t get discouraged!

 

3rd step: decide if you want to retake your test

Once you have taken your test and received your results, you must decide whether you are happy with your score or if you want to take the test again. 

If you scored below your target, don’t worry! While this is frustrating, it is common; very few people actually get the score they want on their first try.

In fact, taking the test twice is often recommended (after additional studying, of course) as the average test taker is able to increase their score by 31 points on the second try. (Keep in mind that you will have to wait 16 days before retaking the GMAT and 21 for the GRE, and you can only retake each test 5 times every 12 months.)

However, improving your scores on a retake doesn’t happen magically – beforehand, you will have to put in the hours to study and improve to reach the results that you want. Look at your results and the areas that you need to improve, and think about the sections that you may have struggled to complete on time. Use this as the basis for your areas of focus as you go back to studying.

 

A note on English Testing

If you are an international student who did not complete your undergraduate degree at an exclusively English-speaking university, you will most likely need to take a language proficiency test. In some cases, you can also receive a waiver if you’ve lived in an English-speaking country for more than 2 years. We have written extensively about this topic, including tips on which tests to take, in this post! 

 

Still not sure how to set a winning test-taking strategy?

Even using all the advice we’ve given you, it can still be overwhelming to develop an effective study plan and reach your target score, especially when you are limited on time or have other responsibilities to take care of on top of your studying routine. 

Luckily, our application coaches are here to help you plan and develop an outstanding application that highlights your strengths. This includes coaching you to develop a solid GMAT/GRE strategy to achieve your target score in the most efficient way possible. 

Over 98.9% of our clients get accepted to at least one of their preferred programs. We’d love to help you, too! If you’re interested in working with us, apply to have us support you during your MBA application journey.