Common mistakes on taking the GMAT and how to avoid them

May 17
08:43

2010

John Christian

John Christian

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Mistakes are unavoidable, especially when taking the GMAT examination. Students refer to this as careless mistakes. That’s life. Fortunately, these mistakes can be minimized. There are several strategies or techniques one can accomplish. But first and foremost, it is important that students can identify these common mistakes in taking the GMAT so that they will be able to prevent them, if not minimize them.

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One most common mistake is misinterpretation. Examiners tend to confuse the examinees by adding words,Common mistakes on taking the GMAT and how to avoid them Articles phrases or numbers to the problem, making it difficult to understand. Or, insert with easily missed but very important details, since GMAT is intended to test your skills to manage puzzling details in a limited period of time. If you are not careful about it, you’ll end up spending more time and energy solving the problem and ending up in the wrong answer.

However, you can do something about it. Pay attention to every single detail in the question. Be more familiar with the type of GMAT questions especially its structures and phrases. Do lots of GMAT practice tests. There are GMAT study materials that can be useful. Choose what is best for you.

Another one common mistake is wrong calculation. Examinees usually encounter this on GMAT Math Problems wherein they tend to choose the wrong method of calculation. Examiners are fond of using statistics collected from past tests to analyze the mistakes most examinees make and insert the wrong answer into the answer choices. You need to concentrate more when answering these questions because if you lose your concentration for even just a single minute, you will get the wrong answer. Know the main target of the question, what is given and what is asked, or you might end up calculating the opposite.

Most common mistake is when you panic and lose control of yourself because you’re running out of time. The more you panic the more mistakes you will commit. To prevent this mistake, you have to learn to skip difficult questions and go back if there’s still more time. Choose the process of elimination and make an educated guess so that you will not run out of time.

Lastly, examinees don’t bother checking their answers because they’re more particular with the time or they’re over confident with their answers. Failure to check the answers may result in losing unnecessary points over careless mistakes. Always review your answers.

If you want to aim a higher score, then learn from these tips. As with most standardized tests, preparation is the key to getting a good score. There are GMAT study plan that can help you get started and that will fit your individual needs.