Common Myths regarding GMAT

GMAT is the first significant step on the path to pursue an MBA, and a compulsory part of the application process. GMAT is unique test that assesses aptitude, surrounded by a lot of misinformation. Here are some of the most common myths about the GMAT.

GMAT is NOT a test of business concepts that MBA applicants are expected to know, but asks you to simplify basics and demonstrate quick use of common sense through a series of riddles and brainteasers. The test taker can depend on logic and reason rather than memorized content.

It is important to answer as many questions correctly as possible. GMAT awards heavier penalties for unanswered questions than for incorrect answers. The highest score you can achieve is crucial, and speed is just as important as accuracy. Managing your time to make sure you complete all GMAT questions and sections is a favorable strategy. Answer a question, even if you have to guess.

The GMAT scoring algorithm for both Quant and Verbal sections is not based on how many problems you answered correctly, but on how hard those problems are. Your score is essentially whatever difficulty level you arrived at by the end of that section. You could reach the same difficulty level by missing a lot of problems or by missing only a few, depending on where in the test you miss them and whether you finish the section on time.

In each section, the GMAT test will get harder if you answer correctly and easier if you answer incorrectly. These swings in difficulty can be greater at the beginning of the section than at the end. This creates the impression that the earlier problems are very important.
But your final score is based on your difficulty level at the end of the section, not on the highest level you achieve earlier in the section. Most test-takers would have to spend quite a bit of extra time to get the first 6-8 problems correct consecutively. But they usually run out of time at the end of the section. Your score is going to drop significantly and, on the GMAT, where you end is what you get.

The difficulty level of verbal and quantitative problems is determined by your answers to the previous questions, but you shouldn't concern yourself with this while taking the test. The test also includes experimental questions for research purposes, which may account for up to 25% of the total. You therefore shouldn't assume that you missed a prior question just because the next question is easier. Also, concepts of ‘easy’ and ‘difficult’ are subjective.