The GMAT Graduate Admissions Test

The GMAT, or Graduate Management Admissions Test, is a test that assesses potential graduate business students who are looking to obtain an MBA, and their general ability to complete graduate level work. Used as a barometer for business schools to assess potential incoming students, the GMAT is accepted by all business schools nationwide, and offers challenging questions in several areas of assessment.

About the GMAT

The GMAT is a CAT based computerized exam that consists of three main parts: verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and an analytical writing assessment.

The test is taken in a classroom over 3 hours and 30 minutes which includes two optional breaks. Find out more about the different sections of the GMAT below:

Analytical Writing Assessment: The GMAT exam begins with the Analytical Writing Assessment. This assessment consists of two separate writing tasks—“Analysis of an Issue” and “Analysis of an Argument”, with 30 minutes allotted for the completion of each problem.

Quantitative: Following an optional break, you then begin with the Quantitative section of the GMAT exam that spans 75 minutes. This section contains 37 multiple-choice questions of two question types—Data Sufficiency and Problem Solving.

Verbal Reasoning: After completion of the Quantitative Section (following an optional break), you begin the Verbal Reasoning section of the GMAT exam that spans 75 minutes. This section contains 41 multiple choice questions of three question types—Reading Comprehension, Critical Reasoning, and Sentence Correction.

The Computer Adaptive Format

The Computer Adaptive Format, or CAT test, is a test that issues multiple-choice questions delivered in a computer-adaptive format. Questions in these sections are dynamically selected as you take the test; the multiple-choice questions will adjust to your ability level, and your test will be unique.

For each multiple-choice section of the GMAT exam, there is a large pool of potential questions ranging from a low to high level of difficulty. Each section of the test starts with a question of moderate difficulty. If you answer the first question correctly, the computer will usually give you a harder question. If you answer the first question incorrectly, your next question will be easier. This process will continue until you complete the section, at which point the computer will have an accurate assessment of your ability level in that subject area.

Who Needs to Take the GMAT?

The GMAT is available for all potential business students who are pursuing an MBA and looking to attend business school. All business schools in the United States accept the GMAT, although some accept the GRE. Please check with your desired business school to view their admissions requirements.

How Much Does the GMAT Cost?

The GMAT registration fee is $250 for the GMAT, which sends out your results scores to four colleges of your choice.
Other fees:
-Sending your score to additional universities: $28/institution
-Changing your test date after registration: $50
-Viewing your scores online: free

How do I Assess My GMAT score?

The GMAT gives individual test scores for all three sections as well as an overall composite score which is an average of the scores in the Quantitative and Verbal Reasoning sections. Your Analytical Writing Assessment is scored from 0-6, and is noted separately from your final composite score. Your composite score will be assessed in your business school applications to the colleges of your choice. The GMAT composite score ranges from 200-800.
When and Where is the test offered?

The GMAT exam is available year round at various testing centers throughout the United States. Your GMAT test scores are typically available for viewing 8 weeks after taking the exam.

There are GMAT test centers conveniently located throughout all 50 states and United States territories. Please visit www.mba.com to find a testing center near you.

How Can I Prepare for the GMAT Exam?

You can prepare for the GMAT exam by practicing full-length exams, signing up for instructor led classes, online test prep courses, private tutoring, and more. There is a variety of GMAT test preparation companies who offer many services aimed to help you achieve your ideal score on the GMAT. Popular GMAT test prep companies include Kaplan, Princeton Review, Sylvan Learning.