Ultimate Guide to the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT)
Suppose you already have an undergraduate degree and have set your sights on a Master of Business Administration (MBA). In that case, you will want to stand out from other applicants applying for the same program. This is especially true as an international student. One of the best ways to do this is to take the GMAT and get a high score. This score, along with your previous academic performance, work experience, and other supporting materials, will be used to determine whether you can handle the requirements of an MBA.
What Is the GMAT?
GMAT stands for Graduate Management Admission Test. Recognized globally, the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) developed and administered the test globally. It is also the test that any student, domestic or international, must take as part of the application process for an MBA program at any university in the U.S.
How Is the GMAT Structured?
The GMAT tests an applicant’s critical thinking skills, including analyzing and evaluating qualitative and quantitative material and logical problem-solving within time constraints. To accomplish this, the GMAT exam is divided into four sections:
- Quantitative reasoning
- Verbal reasoning
- Integrated reasoning
- Analytical writing assessment
The total test time is about three hours, not including two optional eight-minute breaks. Test takers must also check in 30 minutes before the start of the test.
Let’s take a look at the sections of the GMAT exam in more detail.
Quantitative
You have 62 minutes to complete his section of the GMAT. There are 31 questions divided into problem-solving and data sufficiency. This section evaluates the applicant’s ability to analyze data and use reasoning skills to interpret and draw conclusions from the data.
Verbal
This section of the GMAT is the longest at 65 minutes and includes 36 questions covering:
- Reading comprehension
- Critical reasoning
- Sentence correction
Integrated Reasoning
You will have 30 minutes to complete this section of 12 questions covering:
- Multi-source reasoning
- Graphics interpretation
- Two-part analysis
- Table analysis
This section assesses the applicant’s ability to process and evaluate information from different sources and formats.
Analytical Writing Assessment
You will have 30 minutes to complete this section of a single topic for which the applicant must provide an analysis of an argument. The goal is to determine the applicant’s ability to apply critical thinking to problems and communicate ideas effectively.
GMAT Scoring
Each section of the GMAT is given its score, and the scores for each section are added together for a total test score. Thus, you can expect five scores. The scoring for each section is summarized below:
- Quantitative – Scored in 1-point increments on a scale of zero to 60. Scores below six and above 51 are rare.
- Verbal – Scored in 1-point increments on a scale of zero to 60. Scores below six and above 51 are rare.
- Integrated Reasoning – Scored in 1-point increments on a scale of one to eight.
- Analytical Writing Assessment – Scored in half-point increments on a scale of zero to six.
The total score for the GMAT exam is given in 10-point increments on a scale from 200 to 800. This overall score is based on both the accuracy of the answers and the difficulty of the questions selected by the applicant.
You should aim for a score of at least 710. The top MBA programs in the U.S. typically look for scores between 710 and 740. This isn’t as difficult as it sounds. Even though the test is challenging, most test takers only answer 50% to 70% of the questions and still score in the low 700s.
You will be able to see your unofficial score as soon as you have finished the test. Your official score will be available as an official score report accessed through your mba.com account within 7 to 20 business days. Your score on the test is valid for five years, and you can send your official score report to five separate programs at no extra cost. If you took the test online, you can send the official score report within 48 hours of receiving it.
GMAT Cost
The cost of the GMAT varies based on country. In North America, the exam costs US$275. However, there are additional fees to take into consideration. These include:
- Enhanced score report – US$30: This optional report provides details on your GMAT score. It includes additional information about how well you performed compared to others, such as your percentile ranking.
- Score report – US$35: When you take the GMAT, you can choose up to five schools or programs to send your scores to. If you want to send your scores to more than five, you must pay this fee for each additional program.
- Canceling your score – US$25.
- Reinstating your score – US$50.
- AWA Essay Rescoring – US$45: The GMAT has an essay writing section called the Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA). If your essay score doesn’t reflect your true ability, you can request a reassessment by paying this fee. Another reader will review your essay and assign a new score.
How to Take the GMAT Exam
You can take the GMAT at an official test center or have a reliable and fast-wired internet connection.
- An operating system that is either Windows 8.1 or 10 or Mac OS X 10.13 or higher.
- A Chrome or Safari browser.
- Internal or external speaker (earbuds and headphones are not permitted).at home online. Exceptions to the online at-home option are the countries of China, Iran, Sudan, Cuba, and North Korea. You can register to take the test through your mba.com account and receive confirmation via email. The test is a computer-adaptive test, which means it will select the next question based on your previous answers. For this reason, you will always be challenged during the test.
If you take the GMAT at one of their test centers, you will be supplied with the space and tools you need to take the test. This includes:
- A partitioned testing station.
- A computer with the appropriate accessories.
- Earplugs to minimize noise disturbance.
- Erasable markers and a notepad that contains five legal size sheets of laminated paper.
If you choose to take the test at home, you will have to meet specific requirements in terms of technology and environment. You will need:
- A laptop or desktop computer (no Chromebooks.).
- A single screen or monitor.
- Internal or external microphone (not part of a headset).
- A camera that provides a 360-degree view of the room in which you are taking the test.
You will need to take photos or a video of your test area before you start the test to prove you don’t have any books around or any other material within reach. You must also have your photo ID on hand to prove your identity.
You must also ensure that the environment in which you take the GMAT is private and quiet. Your computer must be on a table or desk, and you should be seated in a chair. You must dress appropriately without a watch, jewelry, head coverings (unless previously approved), purses, bags, or other technology. There is no eating or drinking during the test, and you should not have books, notepads, or writing implements nearby.
If you want something for scratching notes on, you can use a physical or virtual whiteboard. The virtual whiteboard is accessible through the testing platform and will have unlimited workspace.
If you use a physical whiteboard, ensure you have it in time for the test. It must be no bigger than 12 inches by 20 inches (30 cm by 50 cm), and you can have two dry-erase markers and one dry-erase whiteboard eraser. The whiteboard must be completely clean before you start the test, and you will have to show both sides of the board before the exam starts, before you take a break, and before the end of the exam.
There are two optional eight-minute breaks during the test. If you choose to take these breaks, you must follow the online instructions. If you leave your desk during your break, you must leave the camera running; if you are using a physical whiteboard, you must leave it at your desk. If you are not back at your desk when your break time is up, the extra time you are gone will be deducted from your test time.
If you do not obtain your desired score on the GMAT the first time, you can retake it in 16 days, up to five times in 12 months, and up to eight times over your lifetime.
Canceling or Rescheduling the GMAT Exam
If you want to cancel your GMAT exam registration, you can get a portion of your fees back. In the U.S., the refund breakdown is as follows:
- More than 60 days before the date of your test – US$100.
- 15-60 days before the date of your test – US$75.
- 14 days or less before the date of your test – US$50.
You must pay a fee if you wish to reschedule your GMAT exam. These fees are as follows:
- More than 60 days before the date of your test – US$50.
- 15-60 days before the date of your test – US$100.
- 14 days or less before the date of your test – US$150.
GMAT Preparation
It is recommended that you begin test preparation at least four weeks before the date of your GMAT exam. You can visit the mba.com website to access any official test preparation materials for the exam. There is a free practice book you can download, practice tests available, and resources for further preparation. In addition, here are some tips and strategies to help you prepare for and take the GMAT:
- Make yourself intimately familiar with the structure, format, and content of the exam.
- Review any material from the university courses you have previously taken.
- Create a study routine that allows you to make the most of your study time. This means setting up a study schedule and sticking with it, ensuring you take breaks and avoid overwhelming yourself.
- Read the instructions thoroughly before beginning the test.
- Since all the questions are of equal value, don’t spend too much time on one question. Choose an answer and move on. You can always go back if you need to.
- If you change an answer on a paper test, thoroughly erase the old answer and fill in the oval for your answer.
- Check your answers as you go because you cannot return to any question once you have moved on.
- Always pay close attention to the time.
- If you are uncertain about a question, try the process of elimination to narrow your choices down and increase your chances of getting the answer right. Or leave the question unanswered. You will not get points for an unanswered question but will not lose points. If you answer a question and the answer is wrong, you will not get any credit for the answer. You will lose a quarter of a point if there are five choices or a third of a point if there are four choices.
Final Word on the GMAT
Your education is one of the most important things in your life. It represents your future, and taking the GMAT will get you one step closer to getting that education at the university of your dreams. And that is only the beginning.
For more information on taking the GMAT, visit eduPASS today.