GMAT

The Graduate Management Admission Test is a computer adaptive test (CAT) is conducted by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC). It is introduced to evaluate analytical, writing, quantitative, verbal, and reading skills in written English for use in admission to a graduate management program, such as an MBA.

It is a 3½-hour exam that is designed to predict how test-takers will perform academically in MBA (Masters in Business Administration) programs. GMAT scores are used by graduate business schools to make an admission decision.

What’s on the GMAT exam?

The GMAT exam comprises of four sections -

• Analytical writing assessment
• Integrated reasoning section
• Quantitative section
• Verbal section.

Total testing time is three hours and seven minutes.

• Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) – One Topic – 30 Minutes
• Integrated Reasoning (IR) – 12 Questions – 30 Minutes
• Quantitative – 31 Questions – 62 minutes
• Verbal – 36 Questions – 65 Minutes

Analytical writing Assignment

requires you to -

• Examine and then analyze a given argument
• Identify the reasoning behind an argument and also write a critique of the same
• Follow and work in a methodical approach to present your answer
• Consider various views
• Support your answer with relevant examples and explanation
• Ensure usage of right grammar while presenting your answer

Integrated Reasoning

This section has four different types of questions -

• Table analysis
• Graphics Interpretation
• Multisource reasoning
• Two-part analysis

Quantitative section

This section comprises of basic arithmetic, algebra, and geometry. Problem-solving and data sufficiency questions are in this section.

Verbal section

The three major sections of the verbal section include:

• Reading comprehension
• Critical reasoning
• Sentence correction

Should I take the GMAT?

Students applying to MBAs are aware that most business schools will require them to take the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) as part of their application requirements.

However, there are seven MBA programs around the U.S. that do not require applicants to take the GMAT exam. They are as follows - 

• Executive MBA at Sawyer Business School at Suffolk University
• One-Year MBA at Hult International Business School
• Executive MBA and MBA in Financial Management at Lubin School of Business at Pace University
• MBA at Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics at University of Delaware
• Professional MBA at the College of Business at Florida International University
• Executive MBA at Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University
• Executive MBA at Marshall School of Business at the University of Southern California

How many times is the GMAT exam conducted in a year?

You can only take the GMAT once in any 16-day period, five times a year, and eight times in your lifetime.

What is the best time to take the GMAT test?

The ideal time to give the test is at least 12 months before an MBA batch starts. That means, if you want to begin an MBA in Fall 2015, it is best to have your GMAT score ready before August 2014. Most schools have 3-4 application cycles for the admission process.

How do I register for the GMAT?

The steps that you require to follow to register for the GMAT exam are as follows:

• Step 1 - Create an Account With MBA.com
• Step 2 - Begin the Registration Process
• Step 3 - Complete Your Personal Profile
• Step 4 - Move On to Optional Information
• Step 5 - Verify Your Profile
• Step 6 - Choose a Test Center
• Step 7 - Pick a Date
• Step 8 - Check Out