How to Improve Your GMAT Score: 10 Best Strategies to Follow!

The GMAT is your golden ticket to prestigious B-schools and career-defining opportunities. However, it isn’t just about studying hard, it’s about studying smart. With the new Focus Edition of the GMAT, understanding the updated syllabus, sharpening your strategy, and following a structured plan can be the difference between “just okay” and “exceptional.” You could be attempting it for the first time or giving it another shot, this blog will guide you with actionable tips to make your prep more effective. 

Let your GMAT comeback be greater than any of your academic setbacks! 

Understanding the GMAT Scoring Scale

Before getting into tips and strategies, let’s decode the GMAT scoring scale. The GMAT Focus Edition introduces an updated format that emphasises specific skill sets while maintaining the familiar sections. Here’s how the GMAT Focus Edition scoring works:

Yocket Prep can be your study buddy in GMAT success, offering strategies and resources needed to crush your prep and reach your target score.

Top 10 Tips for Improving GMAT Score

Achieving a higher GMAT Focus Edition score requires a strategic and disciplined approach. Here are the top 10 tips to help you prepare effectively:

• Understand the Updated Exam Format
• Evaluate Your Strengths and Weaknesses
• Focus on High-Yield Topics
• Create a Study Schedule You Can Commit To
• Master Fundamental Concepts
• Develop Active Reading Skills for Verbal Questions
• Practise with Mock Tests Under Realistic Conditions
• Analyse and Learn from Your Mistakes
• Stay Calm and Composed on Test Day
• Maintain a Balanced Approach to Studying

Let's discuss each of these tips in detail:

1. Understand the Updated Exam Format

The GMAT Focus Edition is not just a revision of the original, it’s a more streamlined and strategically designed exam. 

It includes three main sections: Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights with 45 minutes for each section.
Here’s the updated GMAT exam format:

The Quantitative and Verbal sections check how you solve problems and analyse written material, while the Data Insights section tests your ability to interpret and analyse data. The exam is adaptive, meaning the difficulty of the questions adjusts based on your responses.  Understanding its format is the first step towards excelling. 

The exam now includes fewer questions in each section, which means every question contributes more significantly to your overall score.

The overall score range for the GMAT Focus Edition is 205-805 with a 10-point increment. Reviewing official GMAT guides and practice tests is crucial for familiarising yourself with the question types and pacing required for success.

2. Evaluate Your Strengths and Weaknesses

Before beginning your preparation, take a diagnostic test to identify your strong and weak areas. The GMAT is a test of both skill and strategy, so knowing where you excel and where you struggle allows you to focus your efforts where they’re needed most.

For example, if Quantitative Reasoning feels overwhelming, break it down into manageable topics like algebra or data interpretation. Conversely, if you’re naturally good at Verbal Reasoning, use that as an opportunity to score higher in less time. This strategic self-awareness can significantly boost your overall score.

3. Focus on High-Yield Topics

Not all topics are created equal on the GMAT. Prioritise high-yield areas that have a higher likelihood of appearing on the exam. For Quantitative Reasoning, focus on problem-solving and data sufficiency. For Verbal Reasoning, sharpen your critical reasoning skills. Remember, it’s about maximising your score by dedicating time to the topics that matter most.

4. Create a Study Schedule You Can Commit To

A well-structured study schedule is your guiding light to success. Dedicate time for each section based on your weaknesses and ensure you maintain a balance between learning and revision. Set daily or weekly goals to stay on track, such as completing a certain number of practice questions or mastering a specific topic.

Consistency is key. A rushed, last-minute preparation often leads to gaps in understanding, whereas a steady, planned approach ensures you cover the syllabus thoroughly.

5. Master Fundamental Concepts

The GMAT tests your grasp of basic concepts applied in complex ways. Strengthening your foundation in maths, grammar, and logical reasoning is crucial. For Quantitative Reasoning, revisit essential concepts like percentages, ratios, and probability. For Verbal Reasoning, review grammar rules and practice identifying logical inconsistencies. A strong grasp of the basics allows you to tackle advanced problems with confidence. It’s like learning the steps to a dance routine, mastering the basics, and the rest flows naturally.

6. Develop Active Reading Skills for Verbal Questions

The Verbal section of the GMAT is designed to test your ability to comprehend, analyse, and interpret information. Practising active reading is essential for excelling in this section. Focus on identifying key arguments, understanding the author’s tone, and pinpointing assumptions in passages.

To improve, read a variety of materials, including editorials, academic articles, and opinion pieces. Summarise what you’ve read and identify its main points. This habit will not only improve your reading comprehension but also enhance your critical reasoning skills.

7. Practise with Mock Tests Under Realistic Conditions

Mock tests are invaluable for understanding the pacing and pressure of the actual GMAT. Simulate real exam conditions by practising in a quiet environment with a timer. Full-length tests help you build stamina and identify areas where you tend to lose focus or make errors under pressure.

Analyse your performance after each test. Look for patterns in the mistakes you make and refine your approach accordingly. The more familiar you are with the test format, the more confident you’ll feel on exam day.

8. Analyse and Learn from Your Mistakes

Mistakes are an inevitable part of the learning process, but they’re also your greatest teachers. Every time you get a question wrong, dig deep to understand why. Was it a conceptual misunderstanding, a calculation error, or a misinterpretation of the question?

By consistently reviewing and learning from your errors, you can avoid repeating them. Treat every mistake as a stepping stone to improvement.

9. Stay Calm and Composed on Test Day

On the day of the exam, your mindset can significantly impact your performance. Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation in the days leading up to the test. Ensure you’re well-rested, have a healthy meal, and arrive early to avoid last-minute stress.

Remember, the GMAT isn’t a test of perfection but of composure and strategy. Approach it with confidence and a clear mind, and you’ll perform at your best.

10. Maintain a Balanced Approach to Studying

Finally, avoid burnout by maintaining a balanced approach to your preparation. Study hard, but also take breaks, exercise, and spend time on activities that relax and energise you. A fresh and rested mind is far more effective than an overworked one. The GMAT is a marathon, not a sprint, so pace yourself wisely. 

Section-wise GMAT Strategies to Improve Your Overall Score 

Preparing for the GMAT requires understanding the unique demands of each section. Here's how to enhance your performance in Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights:

Quantitative Reasoning

The Quantitative Reasoning section focuses on problem-solving and the logical application of mathematical concepts. 

Master fundamental topics like algebra, and arithmetic. 

Start with the basics; percentages, ratios, and equations—and gradually progress to more complex problem-solving scenarios. 

Verbal Reasoning

Verbal Reasoning evaluates your reading comprehension, critical reasoning, and grammatical precision. Strengthen your skills by reading varied materials such as opinion pieces, research articles, and editorials. When approaching reading comprehension, summarise passages and pinpoint key ideas.

For critical reasoning, analyse arguments and identify assumptions or flaws. Grammar enthusiasts should pay close attention to sentence structure and clarity during sentence correction questions.

Data Insights

The Data Insights section requires a strong grasp of interpreting graphs, charts, and tables. This section combines analytical reasoning with data interpretation, assessing your ability to derive insights from structured data.

Practise analysing various data visualisations and synthesising information from multiple sources. Pay attention to identifying patterns, trends, and anomalies to answer questions with precision.

Common Mistakes to Avoid While Reattempting the GMAT 

Retaking the GMAT can feel daunting, but avoiding common pitfalls can help you achieve a better score:

• Skipping a Structured Review of Past Attempts: Overlooking the analysis of previous results can lead to repeated errors. Invest time in reviewing the specific areas where you lost points.
• Focusing Only on Weak Areas: While improving weaknesses is essential, neglecting strong sections may cause your performance to drop. Strike a balance to maintain overall readiness.
• Overstudying Without Strategy: Endless hours of study without targeted goals can lead to burnout. Use a focused approach by setting specific daily and weekly objectives.
• Neglecting Mental Preparedness: Anxiety or lack of confidence on test day can negatively impact performance. Incorporate stress management techniques into your routine.
• Ignoring Official Practice Tests: Relying on unofficial resources alone can lead to surprises on exam day. Incorporate official GMAT practice tests to stay aligned with the test's difficulty and style.

Recommended Study Plan to Improve Your GMAT Score 

Improving your GMAT score requires a systematic approach with focused study periods. A well-structured plan will help you allocate time effectively to each section, ensuring a balance between learning, practice, and review. Here’s a week-by-week breakdown of what you should focus on:

From the Desk of Yocket

Your GMAT score is one of the most important factors in getting into top business schools, and with the right approach, you can achieve the score that sets you apart. The journey may seem challenging, but with focused preparation, you’ll be ready to tackle any section with confidence.

Yocket Prep makes that journey smoother. With personalised study plans, guidance, and tons of resources, we ensure that every step you take brings you closer to acing the GMAT and a world of career opportunities. Let’s make your GMAT prep a success together!