Stepping into the world of big exams like IELTS, GMAT, SAT and GRE can feel a bit overwhelming, can’t it? These aren’t just tests — they’re the stepping stones to your future goals, be it studying in a dream university or landing a great job.
Stick with us, and we’ll show you how to avoid common slip-ups and learn how to tackle these exams with confidence.
Not reading questions carefully
Problem: Ananya is a student from India, preparing for her IELTS to pursue a master's degree in literature in the United Kingdom.
In her practice sessions, she often skims through the questions, assuming she understands them fully. This habit leads to her frequently missing key details, causing her answers to veer off-topic or not fully address the question's requirements.
Solution: Carlos, from Mexico, is also aiming for the IELTS, but with the goal of increasing his chances of landing the best student internships at an international firm.
He takes a different approach by reading each question slowly and methodically. Carlos makes sure he grasps every aspect of the question, paying attention to the nuances and keywords, which helps him tailor his responses accurately.
Key Takeaways:
- Take the time to fully understand each question.
- Pay close attention to every word in the question.
- Regularly practice reading and comprehending questions accurately.
Not managing time wisely
Problem: Take Lucas from Brazil, for instance. He’s all set to take the TOEFL to get into a university in the U.S. Even though he’s pretty good at English, timing is his weak spot. During his practice tests, he spends a long time on the first few questions and then barely has any time left for the rest. This rush at the end isn't doing his scores any favors.
Solution: Kenji from Japan, who’s also prepping for the TOEFL because he dreams of studying in Canada, practices his time management skills every day. Kenji practices by allocating neat time blocks for each section, making sure he's never in a last-minute scramble. This way, he gets through the whole test with time to spare.
Key Takeaways:
- Split the test into time segments for each section.
- Make timed practice a regular part of your prep.
- Spread your effort and time evenly across all sections.
Not steering clear of trap answers
Problem: Vanesa is from Russia, and she is taking the SAT to apply for universities in the USA. While she’s confident in her knowledge, Vanesa often finds herself tricked by the sneaky wrong choices in the multiple-choice questions. She tends to pick the first answer that seems right, without considering all options, which leads to avoidable mistakes.
Solution: Ajit from India is also prepping for the SAT with an eye on UK universities. He’s got a knack for avoiding those tricky options. Ajit carefully weighs each choice against the question, even the ones that initially seem correct. He double-checks his initial instincts before finalizing his answers, reducing errors.
Key Takeaways:
- Don’t rush to choose the first plausible answer.
- Evaluate all options before deciding.
- Recheck your initial choices for potential misdirections.
Not following a consistent study schedule
Problem: Abraham, who hails from Australia,is preparing for the GMAT to pursue an MBA in London. Life in his student accommodation in London is amazing, but when it comes to studying, he's all over the place. One day he’s hitting the books hard, and the next, he’s barely glancing at them. This rollercoaster approach is leading to uneven progress and unnecessary stress.
Solution: Priya from Canada is also gearing up for the GMAT with the goal of attending a top business school in the UK. She has carved out a daily study slot that works with her schedule. It’s not about cramming; it’s about steady, regular progress. This balanced approach keeps her steadily moving forward without feeling overwhelmed.
Key Takeaways:
- Find a study rhythm that works for you and stick to it.
- Go for consistent, daily effort instead of last-minute marathons.
- Tweak your schedule if needed, but keep the consistency.
Conclusion
We hope this article helps you to avoid key mistakes in IELTS, GMAT, SAT and GRE as a student. Success is much more than just knowing the material. It's about approaching your preparation and the test itself with the right strategies in mind.
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