GMAT Strategy

How to Build a GMAT Performance Mindset

It goes without saying that a high score on the GMAT requires rigorous preparation. Mastering quantitative skills and verbal reasoning, along with learning to handle the time pressure of the computer-adaptive format, is no easy feat! In fact, most students find that preparing adequately takes months of intensive studying.

Facing this enormous task can feel pretty overwhelming. However, the right mindset can make all the difference. Here are some GMAT performance mindset tips for prep:

• Focus on progress, not perfection. The goal when you have a GMAT performance mindset is not perfection, but steady improvement through consistent effort. Remember, behind every perfect GMAT score is a prep journey that initially included many mistakes.
• Do practice tests. Ideally, practice tests make test-day conditions feel familiar and less intimidating. Therefore, simulating testing conditions will prepare you emotionally and mentally, allowing you to remain calm when the time comes for the real thing.
• Have a structured, consistent study plan. A well-structured study plan helps you learn skills gradually, 1 concept at a time, until your skills and processes become second nature. Over time, these processes develop into ingrained habits you can count on under the timed pressure of the exam.

Warmest regards,

Scott Woodbury-Stewart
Founder & CEO, Target Test Prep