Most people preparing for the GMAT are essentially on a hyper-accelerated learning (or re-learning) program in which, while there are few "short-cuts" per se, there is nonetheless a vast difference in effectiveness among different study methods.
Below are just a few of the GMAT study pitfalls we frequently see. Some are a result of fundamental misconceptions about the test, whereas others are the result of bad study habits.
- Leaving far too little time to study (usually due to underestimating both the test and the competitiveness of the test-taking population).
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Assuming that all study materials are equal. In fact, well over 90% of published GMAT study materials are poor and inefficient resources at best.
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Consuming the relatively scarce body of high-quality practice questions before foundational gaps are addressed.
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Emphasizing quantity (e.g. of practise questions or tests, of total study time, or of study time per day) over quality of study.
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Seeking to address foundational and timing issues simultaneously. The classic example is taking practise test after practise test with little or no deep study in between.
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Not getting help quickly enough after recognizing it's necessary. If everyone could get a great score just by reading books, there wouldn't be so many people seeking help from test prep services.
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Thinking that expert help is a magic bullet that will instantly add 100 points to your score, e.g. through a miracle inventory of "tips" and "tricks", or a substitute for hard work on your part. In fact, while expert help is often very effective, it's best seen as accelerator/multiplier of your own efforts. Just think: if a big improvement were that easy, everyone would achieve it.
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Assuming that all test prep services are equal, or that anyone with good math or language skills will be as effective as a GMAT-dedicated expert. | 