Over the years, GMAT instructors will tell you that they hear common refrains from our students and friends.  As I think about the past years of teaching, I have compiled a list of three of the most common pitfalls my students at Kaplan and personal friends have experienced while they are prepping for the GMAT.

Pitfall 1:  Studying Only GMAC Material

Kaplan loves the GMAC.  We believe that they do an excellent job of creating consistent, unambiguous, and challenging GMATs year after year.  However, as we review the books published by the GMAC, I’m concerned that the questions (while past GMAT questions) don’t reflect the truly difficult questions that students will encounter on Test Day.  The book is a must read (Kaplan actually buys our students a copy!);  however, if a student only uses the Official Guide as preparation for the test, the student will likely not experience the questions that result in a truly high score.

Pitfall 2:  Focusing on GMAT Content (at the Expense of Everything Else)

GMAT content is imperative to learn, memorize, and understand.  Some individuals have even gone so far as to make flashcards of the content areas.  (Area of Triangle = ½ bh, circumference of a circle: 2πr, etc.)  These equations are important but they won’t translate into points on test day.  Why? You MUST make them actionable!  The equation for the area of triangle is only important when you know that you have to use the formula to find the answer to the GMAT question.  The GMAT isn’t testing your ability to memorize formulas – they are testing your ability to identity the moment and situation when you have to USE the equation.  In order to practice this, take full-length Computer Adaptive Tests and quizzes.

Pitfall 3:  Thinking a Book will Solve It

It won’t.  Many individuals prepare very well by using a book.  However, it isn’t the book that causes their success – it is their diligence.  A book is a collection of questions and information on content.  You have to take this knowledge and apply it to a real GMAT CAT Test.  Studying with a book will get an extra 20 or 40 points on test day.  However, like everything in business, you get what you pay for.  Be careful not to put too much stock in a book.