Keep It Simple Stupid (K.I.S.S.) is a clichéd acronym that's been around a while. However, regarding the GMAT essay, that's what you need to do. You don't need to have a flashy article that is worthy of publication in a business journal. You need to show that you can logically and thoroughly address an issue in writing. When it comes to business school, and business in general, communication in writing is one of the most sought-after skills employers are looking for. Follow these strategies to write a killer GMAT essay.

Plan

The GMAT can feel rushed because of the time constraints. Take a deep breath, and don't let that get to you. Take a few minutes up front to plan what you are going to say. Identify the main themes of the prompt, and lay out a logical progression of your argument. Answer the questions of why, what, and how.

Organize

As you lay out your paper, make your main points the headings of each section. Start by writing the first heading, not the introduction. Remember that introductions are best written last because the introduction is just an overview of what you are going to say. Once you've laid out your headings, begin writing the subsequent paragraphs that go with them. Be thorough and write plainly. Tick off each idea you've come up with one at a time, then conclude by summarizing your argument. Then cycle back to the beginning, and write an introduction that will explain what you've already written. We understand that this can seem counterintuitive, but it is the simplest and easiest way to write a killer GMAT essay. It's the best way to write any essay, and these are tools that you can use throughout graduate school and into your business career.

Write

Regarding the way you write, keep it simple there as well. Use short, clear sentences that get to the heart of your meaning. Stick to the meat of your argument, and stay away from complex analogies or anecdotes. Avoid personal pronouns, and don't phrase arguments as your opinion. Write as an expert, even if you are not. Additionally, avoid the passive voice when writing your essay. If you're unfamiliar with the details of passive voice, EMPOWERgmat can help. Just ask one of our testing experts.

The simple reality is that there's nothing to fear. You CAN write a killer GMAT essay. You may never write a series of highly acclaimed novels or a Pulitzer Prize-winning article, but that's not what the GMAT is assessing anyway. You're looking for clarity and the ability to articulate a point of view in quality written communication. You've got this. And if you're worried about the outcome, check us out and see how we can help you achieve the GMAT score you need to succeed.