GMAT^® CAT test prep tips and resources

Reading comprehension - Preview the questions before you read the passage, if you are comfortable with that. Read, and review each passage. Look for main ideas in the passage and connections to the questions. As you read, take notes about the main ideas and structure of the passage on scrap paper. Learn the most common types of wrong answers used by the test makers and how to avoid choosing them.

Sentence correction - About one-fifth of the sentences will be perfectly correct as is. If you read a sentence that sounds okay, it probably is. A tightly worded sentence is generally considered more effective, so, all things being equal, choose the shortest answer.

Critical reasoning - Learn to recognize the key elements of any argument—evidence, conclusion, and hidden assumptions. Learn the types of fallacies that appear most often on the exam so you can recognize them when you see them. Forget what you know or think about a given topic; instead, respond to the question in terms of the argument presented.

Multiple choice - Break word problems into simple phrases that you can translate into numbers or symbols. Search geometry diagrams for answer clues, and sketch your own when necessary. On graph interpretation problems, spend 30 seconds examining the graphs before tackling the questions. Don’t be afraid to guesstimate or look for shortcuts; most questions have them.

Data sufficiency - Learn the directions and answer choices backward and forward before the test date; the answer choices are the same for every data sufficiency question. Tackle each item by examining the question, considering each numbered statement individually, and then combining the two statements. Don’t make any assumptions not stated in the question or the numbered statements. Remember: you do not have to solve the questions, you just need to determine if they can be solved.

Analytical writing - Use the four-step process to manage your time and effort effectively - brainstorm, outline, write, and revise. Keep your essay simple and make sure your point of view comes through clearly. Be specific, vary sentence length, and avoid mechanical errors.

GMAT Test Prep Resources:
Business Week - GMAT practice test
4Tests.com - GMAT practice tests
ComputerBasedTest.com - practice GMAT test and test info