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GMAT EXAM Online sources

Posted inOnline courses

The GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) is a standardized assessment widely used for admission to graduate business programs, particularly MBA (Master of Business Administration) degrees. This exam evaluates the skills essential for success in business school and professional environments, focusing on critical thinking, problem-solving, data analysis, and written communication.

1. What is the GMAT?

  • Purpose: The GMAT measures the skills necessary for business and management programs. It assesses candidates’ abilities to think critically, analyze data, solve problems, and communicate effectively.
  • Administered by: Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC).
  • Format: The GMAT is a computer-adaptive test (CAT), meaning the difficulty level of the questions changes based on your previous responses.

2. Structure of the GMAT

The GMAT consists of four sections, each designed to assess different skill sets:

1. Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA)

  • Duration: 30 minutes
  • Task: In this section, you’ll write an essay analyzing an argument. You’ll assess the reasoning in a given argument and identify any flaws.
  • Skills Assessed: Ability to think critically, organize ideas, and write clearly.

2. Integrated Reasoning (IR)

  • Duration: 30 minutes
  • Content: This section includes 12 questions that evaluate your ability to interpret and analyze data presented in various formats, such as charts, graphs, and tables.
  • Skills Assessed: Ability to synthesize data and draw conclusions from multiple sources.

3. Quantitative Reasoning

  • Duration: 62 minutes
  • Content: There are 31 multiple-choice questions assessing your ability to solve mathematical problems and interpret data. The topics include arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and word problems.
  • Skills Assessed: Problem-solving, mathematical reasoning, and data analysis.

4. Verbal Reasoning

  • Duration: 65 minutes
  • Content: This section contains 36 multiple-choice questions, which test reading comprehension, critical reasoning, and sentence correction. You’ll need to read complex passages, evaluate arguments, and identify grammatical errors.
  • Skills Assessed: Ability to reason logically, comprehend texts, and correct grammatical issues.

3. Scoring of the GMAT

  • Total Score Range: The GMAT is scored between 200 and 800, combining your scores from the Quantitative and Verbal sections. Each section is scored individually:
    • Quantitative: Scored from 0 to 60.
    • Verbal: Scored from 0 to 60.
    • Total: Your final score is a combination of the two, ranging from 200 to 800.
  • Other Scores:
    • AWA: Scored from 0 to 6.
    • IR: Scored from 1 to 8.

Score Breakdown:

  • Total Score: 200–800, the most important score for admissions.
  • AWA: A separate score (0–6), typically expected to be at least 4.0.
  • IR: A separate score (1–8), though less important than the total score.

4. Duration of the GMAT

The GMAT exam typically takes 3 hours and 7 minutes, including optional breaks:

  • AWA: 30 minutes
  • IR: 30 minutes
  • Quantitative: 62 minutes
  • Verbal: 65 minutes
  • Breaks: A 10-minute break after the IR section and a 5-minute break after the Quantitative section.

5. GMAT Registration and Costs

  • How to Register: You can register online through the official GMAT website (https://www.mba.com).
  • Fees: The standard test fee is $275, but additional charges apply for rescheduling, changing test centers, or sending score reports.
  • Retake Policy: You can retake the GMAT once every 16 days, with a maximum of five times per year and eight times in total.

6. GMAT Test Dates and Locations

  • Test Availability: The GMAT is offered year-round at over 600 test centers worldwide. Additionally, GMAT Online is available in certain regions for home-based testing.
  • Scheduling: You can schedule the test up to six months in advance, or book it last minute, depending on availability.

7. GMAT Preparation

Effective preparation is key to performing well on the GMAT. Here are some strategies and resources:

  • Official GMAT Materials: GMAC provides practice tests, study guides, and diagnostic tools to help you prepare.
  • Books and Study Guides: Popular options include:
    • The Official Guide for GMAT Review (provided by GMAC)
    • Manhattan Prep GMAT books
    • Kaplan GMAT Prep
    • Magoosh GMAT Prep (online courses and resources)
  • GMAT Prep Courses: Both in-person and online courses are available from various test prep companies.
  • Practice Tests: Taking timed practice tests is a great way to familiarize yourself with the exam format and identify areas for improvement.

8. GMAT Score Validity

  • Validity: GMAT scores are valid for five years from the test date.
  • Score Reporting: When registering, you can send your scores to up to five business schools for free. Additional reports can be sent for a fee.

9. GMAT vs. GRE

Although the GMAT is the preferred test for business schools, some institutions accept the GRE (Graduate Record Examination) as an alternative. The GRE tests similar skills but differs in format and structure.

10. GMAT for Non-Business Programs

Some non-business programs, such as those in engineering or economics, also accept GMAT scores.

11. Accommodations for Candidates with Disabilities

GMAC offers accommodations for candidates with disabilities. You can request modifications such as extended time, extra breaks, or a separate testing room when you register.

12. GMAT Preparation Resources

Here are some useful resources for preparing for the GMAT:

Conclusion

The GMAT is an essential exam for anyone aspiring to pursue an MBA or similar graduate-level business program. Proper preparation using official resources, practice exams, and study guides can significantly improve your performance. By understanding the structure, scoring, and content of the exam, you can approach the GMAT confidently and maximize your chances of success in business school admissions.