GMAT is a challenging exam that tests the mental acuity and endurance of prospective business school students. It’s no wonder why so many people find it to be a difficult and intimidating assessment. Let’s explore why the GMAT is hard, and how you can best prepare for it.
First and foremost, the GMAT is an incredibly long exam. The entire test takes just over 3 hours to complete – even the most rigorous test takers may need to take breaks throughout their testing session in order to stay focused. One of the main challenges of the GMAT exam is that you will need spend an average of 2 minutes per question in the Quantitative section and 1.8 minutes per question in the Verbal section. This fast-paced requirement introduces an extra layer of difficulty.
The content of the GMAT also makes it daunting. It assesses not only your knowledge of high school mathematics, but also your comprehension of reading passages and written English language skills – both verbal reasoning and grammar – with equal weighting attached to each portion of the exam. You must be able to recall complex concepts from memory under pressure while also demonstrating a mastery of material you may never have seen before, making this exam particularly challenging for those who are unfamiliar or rusty with college-level math or English language skills. On top of all this, some parts of the exam require you to read lengthy passages quickly without sacrificing accuracy or comprehension; speed reading under duress can be tough even for experienced readers!
It may seem like an insurmountable task at first, but with proper preparation, you can master all aspects of this demanding exam and realize success come test day! Start studying early by consulting official GMAT prep materials such as practice exams and study guides offered through official organizations such as GMAC. You also have the option of joining GMAT prep courses or joining study groups with other GMAT candidates who are striving towards similar goals in order to help keep yourself motivated and accountable throughout your preparation journey. Finally, make sure you are taking regular breaks throughout your studies; getting enough restful sleep will help ensure that your mind stays sharp when tackling challenging questions during your actual testing session!