GMAT
The GMAT (Graduate Management Admissions Test) is a standard test to measure the aptitude of prospective MBA students to succeed in their MBA academic work. GMAT scores are accepted by all the MBA schools in the USA. GMAT scores are also accepted by many other schools around the world.
The GMAT test is administered by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC). It consists of various sections that are highlighted below. The test comprises of a maximum possible score of 800. Typical GMAT scores range between 300 to 750. A score above 700 is usually required for admission into the top ranked schools in the USA.
Once you get your GMAT score, it has to be sent to the Business Schools where you want to attend. It is advisable to take the GMAT and have the score ready before you start applying to schools.
The GMAT is a computer administered test. It can be given at authorized centers throughout the world. The fee to take the GMAT test is $250 worldwide.
Please visit the GMAC Website for more details about fees, scheduling of exams and sending GMAT scores to Business Schools.
GMAT Registration
Online at http://www.mba.com/mba/TaketheGMAT by credit card on the official GMAC website Via Telephone/Fax at one of the Test centers on the official GMAC website click here.
See our GMAT Test taking techniques.
See the article Deciphering the GMAT.
The GMAT Test – What is the test like?
The GMAT measures basic mathematical, verbal and analytical skills of a student. The test is structured into sections that measure a candidate's ability on each of the above mentioned sections. Each section consists of a certain amount of questions and the overall score is calculated on the basis of the score in each individual section of the exam. The entire exam is multiple choice with only one correct answer per question. There is no negative marking in GMAT.
GMAT Sections
Verbal
The Verbal section consists of 41 multiple choice questions. You have 75 minutes to answer these questions. The Verbal section is scored from 0 to 60 points and the current mean is 27.3/60. The Verbal section consists of the following type of questions: Sentence correction, Critical reasoning and Reading Comprehension. These sections are outlined below.
  • Sentence Correction
    This section tests a candidate's grammar, expression and logical sentence formation logic. The tester must choose the correct way of structuring the underlined part. The main skill tested here is that of basic written English and how well can a candidate comprehend written English. The test evaluates the ability to apply grammar, logic and effectiveness of a given sentence and then choose the best from a the given multiple choices. The idea is to choose the answer that results in a clear, exact sentence that does not change it's meaning.
  • Critical Reasoning
    This section tests the logical reasoning capability of a candidate. An argument is presented to the candidate, which has to be analyzed. You may be asked to draw a conclusion, identify assumptions, or state the strengths or weakness of an argument. This section will present you with brief statement of arguments and then ask you to evaluate the content and form. Thus you will be presented with short paragraphs of a few lines and asked to extract reasoning from it to answer the questions that have been asked.
  • Reading Comprehension
    This section presents you with a passage to be read. It tests the ability to read critically. These passages are about 200 to 350 words. The theme of the passage could be anything. The questions asked test the candidates on how well they have understood the passage and information contained within. The key is to understand the central key theme of the passage and its logical structure.
Quantitative Section
This section consists of 37 questions, all multiple choice. You have 75 minutes to answer these questions. There are two categories of questions: Problem Solving and Data Sufficiency. The Quantitative section is scored from 0 – 60 and the current mean score is 35.0/60.
  • Problem Solving
    This section tests the quantitative reasoning ability of a candidate. The questions asked in this section could be based on algebra, arithmetic, elementary geometry etc. The main challenge is to understand the problem and then choose one correct solution from the multiple choices. Most of the problems will require mathematical calculations. Some questions will be presented as real problems that will need mathematical solutions. Numbers used in problem are all real numbers. Diagrams may also accompany some questions to further illustrate the problem further.
  • Data Sufficiency
    This section tests the quantitative reasoning capability of the candidate using a set of directions. A candidate is given 2 sets of statement for each questions. These statements will help the candidate in answering the question. The candidate has to decide if the one statement is alone sufficient in answering the questions, or both statements are needed, or if both statements are insufficient to answer the questions.

    Data sufficiency is a unique type of math question created especially for the GMAT. Each item consists of the questions followed by two numbered statements. The examinees must decide whether the statements — either individually or in combination — provide enough information to answer the question. The multiple choices are given below.

    (A) If statement 1 alone is sufficient to answer the question, but statement 2 alone is not sufficient.

    (B) If statement 2 alone is sufficient to answer the question, but statement 1 alone is not sufficient.

    (C) If both statements together are needed to answer the question, but neither statement alone is sufficient.

    (D) If either statement by itself is sufficient to answer the question.

    (E) If not enough facts are given to answer the question.
Analytical Writing
This section consists of 2 essays. These essays could be based on any theme or topic. In the first essay the candidate must analyze an argument and in the second essay must analyze an issue. The time for completing each essay is 30 minutes. They are graded on a scale of 0-6.
The grading scales from 0 to 6 are as follows:
  • 0 - An essay that is totally illegible or obviously not written on the assigned topic.
  • 1 - An essay that is fundamentally deficient.
  • 2 - An essay that is seriously flawed.
  • 3 - An essay that is seriously limited.
  • 4 - An essay that is merely adequate.
  • 5 - An essay that is strong.
  • 6 - An essay that is outstanding.
Most schools don't weigh this section heavily as compared to the Verbal and Quantitative sections.
Total Test Score
The total score is derived from the Verbal, Quantitative and Analytical Writing sections. The maximum score possible is 800. The question level is automatically adjusted by the computer as the exam progresses. That is if you answer a question correctly, the next question is a little harder, but carries more weight. If you answer a question wrongly then the next question is a little easier.
Tip: Answering the first 10 questions correctly is key to a good score as they more or less decide the scoring potential for a candidate.
GMAT Resources
Complete GMAT Simulated Exams.
GMAT™ (Graduate Management Admission Test) is a registered trademark of the Graduate Management Admission Council™.
The Graduate Management Admission Council™ does not endorse, nor is it affiliated in any way with the owner of this website.