Once you have decided to go for an MBA https://www.canarywharfian.co.uk/threads/how-to-choose-the-right-mba-programme-for-you.722/ you will have probably understood that the score in your GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) is quite important in the application process. The test is not perfect and the correlation between GMAT scores and MBA grades is not mind-blowing https://www.gmac.com/-/media/files/gmac/research/validity-and-testing/rr-17-01-differential-validity-talento-miller-web-release-2.pdf - one of my former professors had run a similar comparison among his students and mentioned that while a lower GMAT score is correlated with below average grades, it was not a reliable indicator for predicting higher grades. But, as one of my MBA classmates joked: “questioning the role of the GMAT is like questioning the role of the bible in Catholic church” - there might be better solutions out there, but you will not necessarily be able to change things. Regardless of that, a (very) high GMAT score will make the whole admissions process a lot easier and can compensate for some (perceived) weaknesses in other areas of your application. I did the GMAT twice to get a higher score the second time and was offered scholarships at schools that had already offered me a place after the received the higher score. As you will have seen in the posts linked above, there are quite a few elements of a successful MBA application, but a high GMAT score will make your life a lot easier (despite all of shortcomings of the test). Don’t be fooled by the whole process – the GMAT is not a measure of intelligence, management skills, talent or anything else. The only thing the GMAT measures is the ability to solve the GMAT. The stakes have increased, though, I just came across the most recent statistics for the GMAT https://www.gmac.com/-/media/files/...geographic-trend-report-testing-year-2021.pdf - the average score has increased by 35 points over the last five years, so you will need a score above 700 to impress admissions of top MBAs. In some countries, the GMAT is also used for admissions to master's programs outside of an MBA which tend to accept students with lower scores, so national averages can be slightly misleading. The GMAT exam includes the following sections: Math, Verbal, Integrated Reasoning, and Analytical Writing Assessment. The Math part tests general knowledge in arithmetic, basic algebra and basic geometry. Calculators are not allowed which needs getting used to. You will get 31 questions and have 62 minutes to answer them. Verbal looks into grammar, logic skills, and the ability to answer questions about a reading passage – this will contain 36 questions in 65 minutes. The integrated reasoning part consists of 12 multiple-choice questions (most require multiple responses) within 30 minutes. It tests the ability to make inferences based on data presented in various charts, graphs, and tables. A calculator will be provided. The Analytical Writing Assessment gives you 30 minutes to write an essay on business or a topic of general interest. You will type this on a computer, so it helps if you are able to touch type. These four parts are somewhat different, and you need to prepare for each part. Lots of test takers find it easier to practise for the math part as it is mostly revising calculations, but it said that the verbal part offers most potential to increase scores easily. So, what to do to obtain a high GMAT score? From post like https://www.canarywharfian.co.uk/threads/how-to-get-into-a-top-mba-programme.723 you will have got the idea that starting early is key to success in the whole application process. The GMAT is no exception – you will need time to prepare, often next to a busy job which sometimes means that you cannot study for a couple of days, e.g. if you are travelling. To give you an idea of the time required: I studied 60-90 minutes per day before going to work and then 4-5 hours on a weekend, partly to have enough time for mock practice exams, for about six weeks. This does not leave much time for anything else in the application process, e.g. essays or recommendation letters. A learning plan can help as well. If you are not a native English speaker, it helps to get as much exposure to English texts (written or spoken) as possible. Be also aware that you might want to re-sit the exam, either because you had a bad day (can happen) or because you want to get a higher score for a scholarship or to get within striking distance of the score you need for your stretch school. This might take around the same time as the first take. You might also not immediately get a slot at a time that works for you, so better plan ahead. A lot of acing the GMAT is about repetition and being at ease with the type of questions asked. The official materials use questions that will appear in the actual test, so I would definitely use them. Try also to take test exams, ideally several times to get familiar with the test environment, the pace and everything else, so you do not get any surprises when taking the actual test. The GMAT is designed to create some pressure/stress, so getting familiar with the test helps a lot to reduce this. The GMAT is an adaptive test, so the level of questions will be adapted to your performance in the previous questions, i.e. if you get an answer right, your next question will be more difficult, but also yield a higher score. As you will be time-pressured by design during the test, it will help a lot to recognise the types/patterns of questions asked and how to solve them, even if that means to memorise all prime numbers between 0 and 100 (pro tip: 91 might look like one, but is actually the product of two prime numbers). You will also get points deducted for not finishing on time, so should you run out of time it is better to click random answers rather than leaving them unanswered. Time yourself on single answers as well, set yourself a time limit per question – if you get stuck on a question, it is better to choose a random answer (or narrow it down to a 50:50 choice) and move on rather than to waste time by trying to solve it. At the moment, taking the GMAT in the UK costs £250 in a centre, and £275 online. If you wish to cancel, you will forego some of the money depending on how much notice you provide. You may retake your GMAT up to five times within 12 months, and eight times in your lifetime. While retaking the GMAT is possibly, cost can start to accumulate quickly. There are lots of books and courses out there – the official materials published by GMAC feature actual exam questions which help a lot. Kaplan is often cited to have good learning materials, but there are also other books on the market. Taking a course can help as well (online or in person), depending on your personal learning style. Some business schools are offering GMAT classes as part of their candidates’ weekend, so you could use a visit to combine several things, but again plan ahead as these weekends can be time-consuming, especially next to everything else in the application process.