A Simple Guide To The GMAT Exam

Introducing the GMAT
The Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) owns the GMAT. GMAC develops and delivers the exam in coordination with two service providers: Pearson VUE and ACT. ACT designs and develops the exam, which is delivered at Pearson VUE authorized test centers.

Structure and Format of the GMAT
The GMAT is a computer-based, three-and-a-half-hour writing and multiple-choice exam. For the writing section, you type a written response onto the computer screen using a word processing program. For the multiple-choice questions, you click an on-screen button to indicate your answer choices.
 

The GMAT is divided into four sections: Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA), Integrated Reasoning (IR), Quantitative, and Verbal.

The order, number of questions and types, and lengths of the sections are shown in the following table.

In the AWA section you will have 30 minutes to write a written analysis of a presented argument. You will type your response on the computer screen using a basic word processing program.

The Integrated Reasoning section of the GMAT is designed to be presented electronically. This section will include 12 questions to be completed in 30 minutes. You may need to sort data in spreadsheets or make calculations with the help of an on-screen calculator. The questions ask you to assess the truth of statements based on given information, decide whether certain conclusions reasonably can be drawn, complete statements correctly, and determine values of two variables. The questions are presented in clusters, with each cluster preceded by data, graphs, or other information on which the questions are based. The questions will have one of four formats: table analysis, graphics interpretation, multi-source reasoning, and two-part analysis.

Table analysis questions present data in a spreadsheet-like format. You will be able to sort the data by clicking on the column headings. The questions ask you to choose yes or no, true or false, or consistent or inconsistent to statements based on the information in the table.

Graphics interpretation questions present information in a graph or other visual representation. The questions ask you to choose from drop-down menus the correct word or phrase to make a given statement true.

Multi-source reasoning questions present several sources of information, such as memos, e-mails, newspaper articles, or graphical material. Your task is to decide if the information supports the conclusions in the statements that follow.

Two-part analysis questions describe a situation in which two related values are unknown, and you must indicate the value of each.

The multiple-choice Quantitative and Verbal sections are designed as computer-adaptive tests. You are presented with only one question at a time. Once you answer a question and move on, you can’t go back to it. The computer gives you harder or easier questions depending on whether your previous responses were right or wrong.

The Quantitative section of the GMAT consists of 37 questions with a 75-minute time limit.

Note: You will not be allowed to use a calculator for this section.

The questions test your knowledge of and skills in arithmetic, basic probability and statistics, elementary algebra, and basic geometry. Two question types are presented in the Quantitative section: problem solving and data sufficiency.

Problem-solving questions are multiple-choice questions with five answer choice options. You must select the one best answer choice.

Data sufficiency questions are unique to the GMAT. In these questions, you are presented with a question followed by two statements containing additional information. Your task is to determine whether the data given are sufficient to answer the question posed.

The Verbal section of the GMAT consists of 41 multiple-choice questions with a 75-minute time limit. The questions test your proficiency in reading and comprehending text-based materials, evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of arguments, and applying your knowledge of standard written English to correct errors in written material.

Three question types are presented in the Verbal section: reading comprehension, sentence correction, and critical reasoning. All questions have five answer choice options from which you must select the one best answer choice.

How to Register
To register for the GMAT, either go online at www.mba.com or call GMAT Customer Service in your region. The current registration fee is $250. Call several weeks ahead of time in order to get the date and time of day you want. You can choose either a morning or an afternoon slot, so pick the time of day when you think you will perform at your best. You can reschedule or cancel your exam online or by phone except that changes cannot be made within 24 hours of your appointment. Cancellation refunds and/or rescheduling fees will apply. For additional information about registering for the exam, test fees, and policies and procedures, download the GMAT Handbook at http://www.mba.com/us/the-gmat-exam/prepare-for-the-gmat-exam/test-prep-materials/gmat-handbook.aspx.

When to Take the GMAT
If you want to pursue a graduate degree in business, you should apply early to the school of your choice. Make sure to schedule your GMAT so that you will have your score report in time to meet application deadlines. To be practical, you should factor in enough time to retake the exam if you are not satisfied with your score.

Taking the GMAT More Than Once
Business schools expect that you might take the GMAT more than once. You should try to achieve a score in the upper 600s or better. For consideration in the top business schools a score of 700 or better should be your goal. Schools accept only your highest reported score. So, it is doubtful that taking the test more than once will hurt your chances of admission.

Scoring of the GMAT
When you complete your exam, you will be shown your unofficial GMAT Integrated Reasoning, Quantitative, Verbal, and Total scores. (Your score on the Analytical Writing Assessment requires a human grader, so it will arrive in the mail a few weeks after you take the GMAT.) You will have two minutes to decide whether to cancel or accept your scores. After two minutes, your scores will be canceled automatically. If your scores are canceled, you will not be able to view them again. If you accept your scores, you will pick up a printed copy of your unofficial score report from the test administrator before you leave the testing center. The following table shows the scoring range and scoring guidelines for the exam sections.

How Business Schools Use Your GMAT Score
More than 5,000 programs around the world use the GMAT exam to help them in making admission decisions about students for their programs. Of course, your GMAT score is one of many factors such as GPA, professional experience, letters of recommendation, and activities and awards that are considered.

Nevertheless, your GMAT scores give recruiters and admission officers information they use to judge whether you can be successful in their graduate programs. After all, you are competing with other candidates for a spot in the business school of your choice. You will be compared to each of them, so you want to achieve a strong score that will give you a competitive edge over other candidates.