Leadership

Tips for Cracking the GMAT via Podcast

By Jessica Stillman

Updated on: August 8, 2008 / 2:08 PM EDT / MoneyWatch

The Find: If you plan to join the more than 200,000 people around the world who take the GMAT every year, this podcast will help you understand the test and maximize your score.
The Source: An FT Management podcast

The Takeaway: When the Financial Times wants to help out aspiring MBA students, it goes straight to the source of all things GMAT: Dave Wilson, the chief executive of GMAC, the non-profit body that administers the test. In this wide ranging podcast, the GMAC boss lays out the peculiarities of the computer-based test (versus a more traditional pen and paper exam), offers tips for those for whom English is not their first language, and defends the hefty $250 fee for the exam (not surprisingly he also recommends taking it more than once). Among his best tips:

Think of your test preparation as akin to training for a distance race: you want your ability to peak right before you're called on to perform and not before. Beginning to prepare too early can therefore be a disadvantage.
Because of the way the test progresses from easier to harder questions, taking your time at the beginning and guessing on the final few questions will make your score drop precipitously. Time management here (as in most things) is key.

Listen to the complete podcast for more GMAT insight.

The Question: Any other tips for those approaching the GMAT with trepidation?

(Image of GMAT preparation books by activefree, CC 2.0)