What is GMAT and How to Prepare for The Test

GMAT Exam: B-school admissions officials say business school candidates competing for spots in selective graduate business programs should understand that a great score on the Graduate Management Admission Test will improve their chances of acceptance. The GMAT is not required by every MBA program, and those that accept it say it's one part of a comprehensive review. Experts say there's evidence that shows applicants with strong GMAT scores perform well in their first year of MBA studies.

This article serves as a comprehensive guide for the GMAT, offering strategies for achieving success.

What is GMAT?

The GMAT, or Graduate Management Admission Test, is a standardized assessment used for admission to business school, lasting two hours and 15 minutes, consisting of 64 questions divided into three sections, each 45 minutes section.

1. Quantitative reasoning, which measures mathematical abilities and numerical literacy.

2. Verbal reasoning, which evaluates reading comprehension skills, editing abilities and ability to make sense of written arguments.

3. Data insights, a new section that evaluates skills in data analysis, data interpretation, data visualization and data-driven decision-making.

Experts say that schools usually focus more on percentage marks than overall marks. A total score in the 60th percentile about 575 is considered competitive for most programs. However, some of the top programs have an average score of 717 or higher.

Experts state that due to the numerous sections, it is preferable to see a balance. “If you're at the 80th percentile on verbal, but only at the 20th percentile on quantitative, that should give us some pause. I would like to see someone who is maybe 60/60. We believe that business education is very interdisciplinary, so I really want to see a good mix of verbal, analytical and quantitative abilities."

What is the working mechanism of the computer-adaptive format of the GMAT?

Experts say each section of the GMAT begins with questions of average difficulty, and then questions continuously vary in difficulty depending on the test taker's accuracy. So if you get a question right, usually the next difficult question comes up.

But if you answer a question wrong, the next answer is usually easier. By the end of the test, the computer calculates a score based on whether you were able to answer difficult questions accurately or not.

Expert says decision making is a big part of assessment and the adaptive nature of the test accomplishes this. Its purpose is to replicate the thought processes required in business careers.

 “An adaptive test is essentially structured to not allow you to easily answer everything,” experts explain. "You don't have enough time. When you do well and answer the questions correctly it gets harder. The idea is that it's like business, where you can't do everything or take advantage of every possible opportunity you can't say 'yes' to anything that comes your way."

How do I register for the GMAT?

Most students can register for the GMAT online by creating an account at mba.com, a website operated by the Graduate Management Admission Council, then making an appointment through the web scheduling system. Students with disabilities who require accommodations must complete an accommodation request form prior to scheduling their testing appointment.

Where and How Often Is the GMAT Offered?

GMAT testing centers are available globally, including in the United States, and can be found in the "Find a Test Center" section of mba.com. Additionally, tests can be taken online every day under the supervision of a live proctor. Candidates are allowed to take the GMAT once every 16 calendar days, with a maximum of five attempts allowed within a 12-month time frame. There's a lifetime limit of eight attempts.