GMAT Test

The GMAT, or Graduate Management Admissions Test, is generally required for admission to advanced programs in business and management in the U. S. and Canada. The test is a method of providing a standardized assessment of candidates and is administered by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC).

The GMAT is divided into three sections, (1) Analytical Writing Assessment, (2) Quantitative, and (3) Verbal. Each is designed to evaluate the candidate’s probable success in graduate business school, and each requires general knowledge and methods of reasoning rather than specific business training. The Quantitative and Verbal sections, which are both multiple choice, employ a unique system of delivering and scoring questions. In these two sections, the difficulty of each question given the candidate is based on the correctness of the previous answer. Therefore, each question must be answered carefully and in sequence, and the scores are determined not only by the number answered but by the number correct and the level of difficulty. There are several random pretest questions that are not scored.

Section #1 of the GMAT consists of a two-part Analytic Writing Assessment , each part consisting of an essay section 30 minutes long. In the first part, participants are given a short passage presenting an issue. You are then asked to analyze and discuss your perspective on the issue based on your own experience, and you are scored based on your ability to effectively present an informed position. In the second section, you are presented with an argument and asked to critique it based on the reasoning behind it and not your own views; the critique is scored based on your ability to constructively criticize the conclusion based on the author’s line of thinking. Both sections are scored from 0 to 6 (the highest) in half-point intervals using an automated system followed by trained college faculty readers if needed.

Section #2, Quantitative, employs simple arithmetic, algebra and geometry to answer 37 multiple choice questions. The time allotted is 75 minutes. Some questions are problem-solving types, where basic math skills and concepts are utilized to solve quantitative problems. Other questions look at data-sufficiency; in other words, you are asked to look at the information presented and examine what is important and whether the information given is sufficient.

The third section, Verbal, is again 75 minutes long and consists of 41 multiple choice questions. There are three different types of questions. The first type measures reading comprehension, where a passage of up to 350 words is presented, and then you are asked questions about the terms used, relationships presented, strength of arguments presented, interpretation of data, or possible conclusions based on what you have read. Other questions evaluate critical reasoning, where an argument is set up and the questions are about how effective the argument is and what plans of action are suggested. In the remaining type of question, you are asked to apply rules of standard English to pick the best of 5 sentences in terms of structure, grammar, or clarity and conciseness.

Each verbal and quantitative section is scored from 0 to 60. The total score for GMAT can range from 200 to 800. Score reports are then ranked as a percentile for each section, and the reports show all GMAT tests taken in the last five years. Candidates can ask for results to be sent to up to 5 schools on the day of the test, and additional reports can be ordered for a fee.

GMAT Practice Tests

GMAT Test Study Guide

GMAT Exam Flashcards

Individuals can make an appointment to take the GMAT online or by phone, mail or FAX. The appointment is for a 4 hour time period including breaks. The cost is $250 worldwide; additional taxes may be added in some countries. Numerous test centers, primarily universities, are available in the U. S., Canada, and to a lesser extent worldwide. Recently a mobile bus test center was also set up. Contact www.mba.com for available test centers, dates and appointment forms.

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