GMAT

Anything above 650 can be considered a good GMAT score. If you are able to score above 700 then it is great. However, you need to set your target before giving the exam. So, check what is the score required to get into your dream college and aim for that. However, a good GMAT score is not the only criteria for your selection. It will definitely help you in your selection, but there are other application aspects that come into play. Other documents include an SOP,  LORs,  admission essays,  resume, etc. Hence, you should aim to build a comprehensive and holistic profile.

Typically, it takes about 3-6 months to prepare for the GMAT exam. It is difficult to get a good GMAT score within a period of one month. Make a solid study plan and follow it religiously. Divide your time in such a way that you give equal weightage to each section and later get some time to revise as well. After learning all the concepts, it is always good to give the mock test. The best way to prepare for the GMAT in 1 month would be to study the official GMAT material and appear for GMAT practice tests.

Candidates planning to give the GMAT exam make sure they start the GMAT exam preparation at least six months before their test results are due. Usually, candidates need six to eight weeks time to prepare for the GMAT exam. Try to study one section at a time. Go through the types of questions you are going to get in different sections. Try to develop speed gradually and start doing GMAT practice tests available on the official website of GMAC (mba.com). Try to identify your weak areas and start working to improvise them.

There are various sources available online where one can get useful study material to prepare for the GMAT test. Following are the sources where one can study and prepare for the GMAT for free:

• Official GMAC site (mba.com): Here, you can get tips to prepare for the exam and free GMAT practice tests as well
• Manhattan Prep: It offers free GMAT online prep tools that are very useful for the candidates preparing for the GMAT exam
• Veritas Prep: It offers free GMAT lessons and free tools that will come in handy while preparing for the exam

There are various online GMAT prep courses available like:

• GMAT Official Guide (GMAT OG) and official study material: This should be your starting point. Do not ignore the official study material, as this is the closest you can get to GMAT before your actual exam.
• Mahattan Prep
• Kaplan
• e-GMAT
• Veritas Prep
• The Princeton Review

Apart from these, there are other online GMAT courses available that you can use to prepare for the GMAT test. Some of these include GMAT club, Beat the GMAT, etc.

Although there are a lot of sources available online to prepare for the GMAT exam, however, candidates can access free GMAT practice tests on the official GMAC site (mba.com). Candidates need to download the GMAT prep software and create and register to access the GMAT practice tests. In addition to this, students may also take mock test subscriptions from other GMAT prep providers. It is essential that the students appear for the GMAT practice tests throughout the course of their GMAT prep.

The University of California Irvine has just stated that it requires GMAT score for MBA admission, the minimum score has not been mentioned. But, the entering class average score for GMAT is 675. Other factors that are considered for UCI MBA by the admission committee are:

• English language proficiency score
• GMAT score
• Undergraduate performance
• Work experience
• Recommendations
• Essays / Goals 
• Fit for the program