Let’s start with the bottom line: the GMAT is a logic test.
It’s not meant to measure how much business knowledge you already have. Rather, it tests how logically and efficiently you can make decisions under pressure—just like a leader would. The questions are designed to assess how you navigate ambiguity, identify hidden assumptions, and make the best decision within tight time constraints. That’s why business schools still put weight on the GMAT.
Before diving into the test itself, let’s first look at what’s generally required when applying to an MBA program.
What You Need for an MBA Application
Most applications involve the following 6 elements, typically tackled in this order (not ranked by importance):
Graduate admissions test: GMAT or GRE
English proficiency test: TOEFL (for U.S.) or IELTS (for Europe)
*Exempt if you earned your undergrad degree in an English-speaking country
Essays
Resume (1-page format)
Recommendation letters
Undergrad documents: official transcript and degree certificate
Interviews aren’t needed when you first apply, so we’ll set that aside for now. Job verification and other proof of employment usually come after you’re admitted. I’ll cover essays, resumes, rec letters, and interviews in separate posts.
As for English tests: they’re simply to confirm you can keep up with instruction in English. A one- or two-point difference in your TOEFL score won’t make or break your chances. As long as you meet the school’s minimum, you’re fine. If you’re unsure, check the average scores of the previous year’s incoming class and aim slightly higher.
Should I Take the English Test Before GMAT?
Some applicants wonder if they should tackle TOEFL or IELTS before GMAT. Personally, I recommend starting with GMAT.
Here’s why: GMAT isn’t just an English test. It’s a logic test, and even native speakers find it difficult. So doing well doesn’t mean you have perfect English. It means you can think clearly in English under pressure.
If you’re preparing for GMAT, I’ll assume you already have a decent grasp of English, enough to understand what the questions are really asking.
GMAT vs GRE: Which One Fits You?
Top schools accept both exams because they want a broader, more diverse applicant pool. In practice, U.S. top programs see roughly a 60:40 split between GMAT and GRE submissions. There’s no bias. In fact, I saw many U.S. candidates succeed with GRE scores.
That said, as international applicants, we’re held to a slightly higher bar. (Speaking from experience… I’m originally from Korea and had never studied or lived in an English-speaking country before my MBA. I get how tough this works.) So don’t rely on the school’s stated GRE range. A good rule of thumb is to take the school’s average GMAT score, add 20 points, and convert that to GRE using an online calculator. Just search “GMAT to GRE conversion.”
GMAT might be better for you if:
You’re comfortable making quick decisions under unclear instructions and don’t dwell on them.
You have an average profile and want to stand out through your score.
You’re only applying to MBA/MSBA programs (not other master’s or dual-degree tracks).
You may not love calculation, but you’re good at setting up equations and spotting patterns.
You hate memorizing obscure academic vocabulary you’ll never use again.
People often say GRE is easier if you’re bad at math, but for most Asian-educated applicants, that’s not really a concern. If you scored in the top 10% on Asia’s college entrance math exams, GMAT Quant shouldn’t scare you. What GMAT requires isn’t high-level math or calculation. It’s logical math under time pressure.
GMAT Format & 2024 Changes
As of 2024, GMAT includes three main sections:
Verbal Reasoning (Verbal)
Quantitative Reasoning (Quant)
Data Insights (DI) — formerly Integrated Reasoning
You can choose the order in which you take the sections.
Here’s what’s new in 2024:
Answer review option: You can now flag questions and revise up to 3 answers before a section ends.
Shorter test time: Down from 3 hours 10 minutes to 2 hours 25 minutes (including a single 10-minute break).
DI now counts toward your total score, reflecting the growing emphasis on data-driven decision-making.
Score range changed: New total score is out of 805. According to GMAC, a score of ~665 under the new system is similar to 700 under the old one.
AWA removed: Writing ability can be assessed through your essays and TOEFL/IELTS, so AWA was dropped.
I’ll break down how to approach each section in future posts.
How I Prepared for GMAT
Even though the format has changed, the core question types remain the same. If you’ve already started prepping with older materials, they’re still useful—just be aware of the new structure. If you’re starting fresh, go ahead and get the newest versions of the books.
If you’re open to investing in it, consider signing up for a paid online course or going to a prep academy. This route might make sense if you:
Want to quickly grasp the structure and logic of the test
Need easy access to past official questions
Know that paying tuition helps keep you accountable
If you feel overwhelmed starting solo, it’s okay to attend a short course (1–2 months) just to build a foundation. Eventually, though, you’ll have to internalize the logic on your own through solo practice. These days, you can also learn with tools like ChatGPT or Gemini. Find what works best for you. There’s no single right way.
Verbal
I used theory materials and resources from sub-reddit channels. Then I practiced official problems and analyzed each one deeply. For fun, I also read <50 Cognitive Biases Elon Musk Talks About>. If you already have a strong sense of logic, self-study might be enough.
In daily conversations, I’d often pause and think: How is this person making their point? How did they get to that conclusion? Maybe not great for my social life but excellent for GMAT prep.
Quant
I used an Indian platform called CrackVerbal. It’s a paid service (~$250 USD), but I only used the basic “Self-Paced” program. My math was fast but often inaccurate, so I needed help sharpening that. If non-american-accented English isn’t an issue for you, it’s a solid option. But again, you don’t need this. Use whatever helps you build the skills.
Data Insights (DI)
For DI, I stuck to official materials: practice questions, old problems, and official exams from the GMAT website. If you’ve worked with data or written a lot of reports before, this part should feel pretty natural.
Study Time, Expectations, and Mental Game
Most people study for about six months, averaging 4 hours on weekdays and 12 hours on weekends. It typically takes three test attempts to reach your target score. Don’t be discouraged by Reddit posts bragging about scoring 700+ in three months. Most of us normal people don’t post about our struggles. We just keep working.
If you’re past the six-month mark and still haven’t reached your goal, or if you’re worried about running out of attempts (6 per year, 8 lifetime), you can make that decision when the time comes. Schools don’t care how many times you took it. If you’re putting in the work, you’ll likely hit your target before hitting the limit.
GMAT is an adaptive test. If you answer correctly, the questions get harder. If you miss one, they get easier. So if the test feels too easy, your score may not be great. If it feels hard, it might mean you’re doing well.
Don’t get too caught up in trying to judge difficulty mid-test. Focus on the question in front of you. Stay steady.
When I finally scored 720, I saw strange, unfamiliar question types especially toward the end of Verbal and Quant. I honestly thought I’d failed. But because I had nothing to lose, I approached each question calmly, like I was analyzing a casual debate. That mindset shift made all the difference.
In the next post, I’ll break down each GMAT section and share how I approached them in more detail.
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