Earning a stellar score on the GMAT or GRE is like unlocking the gateway to your dream graduate program. As such, you’ll spend weeks, or even months, preparing for your entrance exam. And despite all that preparation, mistakes are inevitable. However, there are ways to minimise errors. Consider the following tips to improve your likelihood of success on test day.

Prepare, Prepare, Prepare

This is an obvious one. With all the test prep services and practice quizzes available, there’s no reason you should be unpleasantly surprised by the types of questions you face on test day. The amount of time you put into preparation is up to you, but nearly half of the test-takers spend around 50 hours studying, and fewer than a quarter spend less than 20 hours on prep work, according to GMAC, which administers the GMAT. Perhaps more significantly, the average number of hours spent studying was reflected in higher test scores.

Set aside time every day or week to get familiar with the type of questions you’ll be expected to answer on test day. The more familiar you are, the less likely you’ll make silly mistakes under comfortable conditions.

Make a List — and Check it Twice

Show your work, especially when it comes to math. Jotting down the problem can help you work it through correctly and give you a record of steps to backtrack through if the numbers just don’t add up. The easiest way to correct a mistake is to catch it, so work a problem out on paper before committing to an answer. Don’t wait to show your work on test day. Showing your work throughout test prep can reveal issues with particular questions, allowing you to resolve them before the test.

Keep Calm and Carry On

Rather than speeding through the test or focusing solely on a complete answer sheet, answer as many questions as possible to the best of your ability. Test questions will vary, as will your preparedness to complete them, but the difficulty level matters little if you stay calm and focus on your strengths.

Develop and practice test-taking strategies to make decisions more quickly, eliminate wrong answers, and pace yourself on test day.

Stay on Track

Finally, remember that the GMAT and GRE require planning, time, and focus. Develop a test prep strategy and schedule to ensure everything runs smoothly. It will help you study and address the concerns you need to tackle, ensuring you’re comfortable, relaxed, and ready for your entrance exam.