How to Cheat on the GMAT and Why You Shouldn’t: GMAT Prep Guide

Considering cheating on your GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) Exam?

Want to know how to do it, if you should do it and what the consequences will be?

Well you came to the right place!

Read on to find out more about cheating on the GMAT exam, but be warned...

... it's certainly not something I advise!

I don’t need to tell you that the GMAT exam is extremely difficult, and the rewards from getting a high score (650+) are invaluable. In fact, it could be life-changing.

But do you really want to cheat your way into Business School? And even if you want to.

Let’s be frank, cheating on the GMAT is not easy.

It is also illegal, and if you get caught the punishment could be severe.

My view? If you’re someone who’s considering cheating on your GMAT exam, you probably shouldn’t be going to Business School, and you certainly shouldn’t be employed at an executive level by a global company.

Not only is cheating deceitful, it’s also so likely that you’ll get caught that the decision to cheat shows some extremely poor judgment.

Let’s explain why, by explaining exactly how you can cheat while pass the GMAT in the methods outlined below.

Is Cheating on the GMAT Worth it?

Let’s ignore the fact that cheating is a completely dishonest thing to do.

Why else shouldn’t you cheat on the GMAT?

Well for one thing, cheating would expose you to civil liability, because when you sit down to take the real test you sign a legal agreement with GMAC.

And don’t think for a second that GMAC would let you off for cheating with a warning.

GMAC has a long history of pursuing strict legal action against anyone whose actions damage the integrity of the test.

And anyone caught cheating will additionally almost certainly be stopped from studying an MBA at any Business School in the world.

Perhaps even worse than that, cheating may expose you to criminal liability, because paying someone to someone to pose as you is fraud.

But perhaps most importantly of all, anyone who is not capable of getting a Business School program’s required score by themselves will seriously struggle to successfully complete the program.

Students leave Business School all the time for not being able to cope with the classes.

Do you really want to be the worst candidate in class, and struggle with your studies for the length of your course?

Ultimately, scoring highly in the test might seem like a trophy, but the GMAT score is designed to represent reality.

Your reality may not be getting into the very best school in the world.

And you have to remind yourself that this is OK.

How to Pass GMAT without Cheating?

So what if you want to guarantee to get a top score on the GMAT but you don’t want to cheat? Then you need to practice.

Chinese students generally do disproportionately well on the GMAT.

What’s their secret?

They simply prepare harder.

How to Prepare for GMAT?

There are several methods to get ready for the GMAT, including online GMAT test preparation from home.

All of them will cost money, but considering the price of an MBA, making the additional investment in yourself is almost certainly worth it.

To create the prep study plan we need to understand the context of the GMAT exam.

The GMAT exam is a computer-adaptive exam designed to test analytical, writing, quantitative, verbal, and reading skills. To test those skills GMAT has 4 main sections:

• Quantitative Reasoning
• Verbal Reasoning
• Integrated Reasoning
• Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA)

The GMAT exam time is 3 hours and 7 minutes total, time excludes two optional 8-minute breaks.

Explore each section and GMAT prep guides for them.

GMAT: Quantitative Reasoning Section

• 31 multiple-choice questions;
• 62 minutes to complete

The Quantitative section measures your ability to analyze data and draw conclusions using reasoning skills.

The math skills needed to understand and solve the questions are no greater than secondary school classes level.

The GMAT Quantitative Section includes 2 sub-sections:

• Problem Solving: Test the ability to reason quantitatively and to solve quantitative problems.

• Data Sufficiency: This is a unique question type to the GMAT you will recognize what information is relevant or irrelevant, and determine at what point there is enough information to solve a problem or recognize the fact that there is insufficient information given to solve a particular problem.

Math Skills You Need for GMAT Quant Section

• Algebra, Equalities and Inequalities
• Geometry
• Value Order and Factors
• Rates, Ratios, and Percentages
• Statistics, Sets, Counting, Probability, Estimation, and Series

Calculators are not allowed in the Quantitative Reasoning Section.

Test takers must do their math work out by hand using a wet-erase pen and laminated graph paper provided at the testing center.

GMAT Quantitative Sample Questions

GMAT: Verbal Reasoning Section

• 36 multiple-choice questions;
• 65 minutes to complete.

The Verbal Reasoning section of the GMAT exam measures your ability to read and comprehend written material, reason and evaluate arguments, and correct written material to express ideas effectively in English.

The GMAT Quantitative Section includes 3 sub-sections:

• Reading Comprehension: Test takers read passages of varying lengths and answer questions on content, main idea, inferences, and other passage-related aspects.

• Critical Reasoning: Test takers analyze a brief argument or statements and must assess its assumptions, strengths, and weaknesses, or select statements that amplify or undermine it; Test takers read passages of varying lengths and answer questions on content, main idea, inferences and other passage-related aspects.

• Sentence Correction: Test takers receive a sentence with an underlined section and must select the best version from the provided options, aiming for grammatical accuracy, clarity or conciseness.

Useful Tips for Verbal Section of GMAT

Familiarity with Material: Don't expect to know every passage.

Answer questions based on the passage's content, not your prior knowledge.

• Analyze the Passage: Understand the passage thoroughly before diving into the questions. Whether you skim first or read the questions before the passage, choose a method that works best for you.

• Key Words and Phrases: Focus on essential terms and maintain a holistic understanding of the passage. Recognize the main idea, supporting ideas, and the conclusions drawn.

• Question Comprehension: Ensure you grasp what's being asked. An answer that restates the passage might still be wrong if it doesn't address the question.

• Evaluate All Answer Choices: Always read every option. Don't hastily pick an answer without considering all choices.

• Base Answers on Passage: Your answers should be rooted in the passage's information. Avoid relying on external knowledge.

• Comprehension Over Speed: Prioritize understanding the content over reading quickly. If you're lost, revisit the passage, but remember time is limited.

• Understand Statements and Arguments: For critical reasoning, grasp the basis of statements or arguments. Identify factual information, conclusions, and the soundness of reasoning.

• Sentence Correction: Read the entire sentence and focus on the underlined section. Evaluate each choice and ensure it fits grammatically and contextually with the rest of the sentence.

GMAT Verbal Practice Questions with Answers

GMAT: Integrated Reasoning Section (IR)

• 12 questions
• 30 minutes to complete

The Integrated Reasoning section of the GMAT exam tests critical thinking and analysis data skills which were identified as important for incoming students based on a survey of 740 management faculty worldwide.

The GMAT Quantitative Section includes 4 sub-sections:

• Multi-Source Reasoning: Questions come with 2-3 information tabs, which may include text, charts, and tables. Examine all relevant data, which may be a combination of text, charts, and tables.

• Table Analysis: Analyze a sortable table of information, similar to a spreadsheet.

• Graphics Interpretation: Interpret a graph or graphical image.

• Two-Part Analysis: Questions involve two components for a solution, with possible answers given in a table format.

GMAT Integrated Reasoning Tips & Essential Information

• The questions in the Integrated Reasoning section involve both quantitative and verbal reasoning, either separately or in combination.
• Some questions will require more than one response.
• All answer choices for a single question are presented on the same screen.
• Question based on the same graphic or data.
• You must submit responses to all parts before moving on to a new question.
• Once you answer a question, you may not go back and change the answer.
• You must answer all parts of a single question correctly to receive credit. No partial credit is given.
• While the questions may contain quantitative elements, it is not a test of quantitative skills.
• An online calculator with basic functions will be available, but not necessary, for the IR section.

GMAT Integrated Reasoning Sample Questions

GMAT: AWA (Analytical Writing Assessment) Section

• 1 writing task (essay)
• 30 minutes

The AWAt measures your ability to think critically and to communicate your ideas.

During the Analytical Writing Assessment, you will analyze the reasoning behind a given argument and write a critique of that argument.

The Analytical Writing Assessment section consists single task—Analysis of an Argument.

The test presents arguments on universally interesting subjects, which may be related to business or other diverse areas.

Tips for AWA GMAT Exam

Know the Questions in Advance: One of the best things about the AWA section is that you can familiarize yourself with all the questions beforehand. They are all available on the GMAC site under the Analytical Writing Section. This means you don't have to search elsewhere for 'authentic' AWA essay questions.

Understand the Argument: Before diving into your response, ensure you grasp the essence of the presented argument.

As you organize a thoughtful response, ask yourself the following questions:

• What questionable assumptions underlie the thinking?
• What counterexamples might be raised?
• What additional evidence could help strengthen or refute the argument?

Write your response like a discussion: Your response should be well-organized, with a clear beginning, middle, and end. Ensure logical transitions between points and maintain a coherent organizational scheme. Avoid writing in bullet points or fragmented sentences. Your response should read like a discussion, with complete sentences that flow smoothly.

Be a Lawyer, Not a Journalist: On the AWA, your role is similar to that of a lawyer—you need to find faults with the given argument. Avoid the journalist approach, where you might discuss all possible perspectives of an issue. Remember, this is an analysis, not an opinion piece. Do not bring YOUR perspective and your opinions into the essay. Your only goal is to analyse the given argument.

Use Detailed Examples: When presenting alternative explanations or counterexamples, provide detailed illustrations drawn from your observations, experiences, or readings. Don't just list them—elaborate on them. Remember, well-developed examples can make your argument more compelling.

Review and Refine: After writing, take a moment to review your response. Ensure it reads like a structured discussion and that your points are well-developed and supported by relevant examples.

GMAT PREP: Additional Advice

As you embark on your GMAT preparation journey, it's essential to arm yourself with more than just the basics.

Admission Consultants

Hiring an Admissions Consultant is expensive, but a great way to receive top class, experienced coaching and guidance into a top Business School.

Paid Tutoring

Plenty of companies offer real world, and online, paid for tutoring for the GMAT.

This can take various forms, including: group classroom time, 1-2-1 coaching and taking practice GMAT tests.

Take Multiple Tests

Some GMAT test takers take their tests multiple times until they achieve the score they are looking for.

As there is no limit to retakes for the GMAT, this can be a prudent if expensive and time consuming strategy.

Use Online Test Prep

The best and least expensive way to practice for GMAT exams is to use online test prep.

This takes the form of various coaching material and practice tests.

We recommend The Economist GMAT Test Prep.

To find out more about online test prep from The Economist, click here.

Frequently Asked Questions