When you’re planning to earn a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree, you’ll need to be prepared to take an entrance exam. Different entrance exams, such as the GMAT and GRE exams, help colleges compare your scores to other applicants. They use this, among other criteria, to determine who to accept into these programs. What are the best ways to study for exams so you can improve your chance of getting into an MBA program? Here are ten study tips to help you prepare for MBA exams:
1. Continually Study — Repetition Is Key
One of the best things you can do to prepare for MBA exams is start studying early and keep up on study sessions. You don’t have to study for long periods of time during each session. In fact, spaced repetition can be a much more effective way to get ready for your exams. Keep study sessions short, space them out, and repeat them again from time to time. This method of studying can make it easier for you to retain information. Spacing out these repetitions can help prevent you from feeling overwhelmed.
2. Create and Organize Study Materials or Guides
Creating a study guide or organizing study materials can help you stay focused as you prepare for your MBA exams. A study guide might contain all or most of the information you need to get ready. Your study materials might include notes, school-supplied study guides and any other information you’re using to prepare. Just make sure that you don’t spend so much time organizing these materials that you end up without enough time to study. Spend a little time organizing, then jump into studying for your exams.
3. Don’t Cram the Night Before
Trying to cram as much information as possible into your brain the night before your exams can backfire. While you might think this can help you remember the information you’re studying, your brain can easily become overwhelmed. If you stay up late to cram, you also miss out on the sleep needed to help you concentrate on your entrance exams the next day. If you prepare consistently with short study sessions and repetition, you shouldn’t have to worry about cramming at the last minute.
4. Get a Good Night’s Sleep
A good night’s rest is a vitally important part of making sure you’re ready for your MBA exams. When you get restful sleep, you’ll wake up with a clear head and energy for tackling these tests. In order to get plenty of sleep, plan on going to bed early. While you might be tempted to stay up later than usual doing last-minute studying, this can actually backfire and leave you feeling sleepy the next day. You can make it easier to fall asleep at an early bedtime by avoiding taking any naps during the day and not drinking any caffeinated beverages, such as coffee in the late afternoon and evening.
5. Eat a Healthy Breakfast
A healthy breakfast can give you a great start on exam day. When you eat nutritious foods in the morning, you’re giving your brain the energy needed to focus on your exams. You should stay away from sugary foods, which give you quick bursts of energy that don’t last long. Instead of a bowl of sugar-filled cereal, choose a bowl of oatmeal or eggs and whole-wheat toast. Breakfast foods that contain protein and slow-release carbs can provide you with a steady supply of energy and a better ability to concentrate on your exams.
6. Technology as a Study Tool
Getting ready for your MBA exams doesn’t always mean poring over study guides and other books. Technology can provide effective ways to prepare for these exams. For example, you might watch MBA exam prep videos on YouTube to learn more about what to expect on these tests. You can also take online quizzes and practice exams to test your knowledge. Doing this can help you determine what you should focus on more when studying for your exams. Apps to help you study are also available. You can easily download these to your phone or tablet and use them as part of your test preparation.
7. Utilize Campus Resources
When you’re preparing for MBA exams, you might already have a convenient way to get help. Your school might offer campus resources that you can use to help you get ready to take these exams. You might be able to talk to your professors to find out what these exams are like and what you should include in your study guide or study materials. Your school might also offer tutors who help students study for the GMAT, GRE or other MBA exams. Check for other campus resources as well, such as study groups or MBA prep study sessions.
8. Meditation and Personal Time to Relax
No matter how busy you are preparing for your MBA exams, it’s important to set aside time to relax. Having relaxation time allows you to give your brain a break from studying and focus on something that calms you. Meditation is an effective way to unwind and clear your mind from time to time. You can meditate for short amounts of time each day to ease stress and relax. Depending on your interests, other activities that might help you relax include listening to soothing music, reading a book, going for walks, or doing something creative.
9. Study Groups
Studying with others can help motivate you to do well on your MBA exams. You might also feel more prepared for these tests when you’re part of a study group. Look for study groups that are designed for students who are preparing for MBA exams. You might choose a general MBA exam study group, or you might find a study group that helps you prepare for a specific entrance exam. Whether you do online study groups or in-person ones, make the most of this experience by fully participating.
10. Make It Personable and Fun
Preparing for your MBA exams might seem like a chore if you’re not enjoying it at all. Make your test prep a fun and personable experience. For example, reward yourself for meeting small goals while studying for these tests. If music motivates you and doesn’t distract you, consider listening to your favorite tunes while you study. Having study sessions that are fun and entertaining can encourage you to keep at it.
If you’re exploring options for an MBA degree, please contact The University of Tennessee Chattanooga. Our Gary W. Rollins College of Business offers MBA degree programs with different delivery options, including fully online and a combination of online and in-person classes. We can help you find the right option to fit your needs.
Sources
https://www.augie.edu/10-ways-prepare-exams
https://www.thepowermba.com/de/best-study-methods/
https://www.winwardacademy.com/best-breakfast-brain-food-for-test-day/
https://www.surrey.ac.uk/features/sleep-tips-exam-success
