The GMAT

Introduction

The GMAT, or Graduate Management Admission Test, is a standardized test designed to measure a candidate's aptitude for graduate management studies. More than 4,800 programs use the GMAT in their admission process. The test costs $250 globally.

Test Format

Currently, the GMAT consists of three sections:

1. Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA)
2. Quantitative
3. Verbal

The test is administered via computers in approved testing centers. The AWA section consists of two written analyses: analysis of an issue and analysis of an argument. The Quantitative and Verbal sections are multiple-choice and computer-adaptive, meaning that questions are dynamically selected based on your responses. For more detailed information about each of the test sections, see MBA.com’s test overview page.

In the Quantitative and Verbal sections, some questions are trial-questions that are being pretested for future exam use. These questions are unidentified and dispersed throughout the two sections. Answers to trial-questions are not factored into your final score.

Starting June 4, 2012, the test format will change slightly. The AWA section will be reduced to only one analysis, and an additional section, Integrated Reasoning, will be added to test the ability to evaluate information from many different sources.

File:Next Generation Test Format.jpg

Test Scores

GMAT scores are valid for five years, and range between 200 and 800. Two-thirds of all test-takers score in between 400 and 600. Top business programs usually require scores above 700. The following chart from MBA.com shows how percentiles compare with scores:

File:Percentiles.jpg

Testing Locations

Approved testing centers can be found on MBA.com’s scheduling page. The closest center to Brigham Young University is in Draper, UT.

Suggestions for Preparation

1. Familiarize Yourself With the Test - Become familiar with the test. You could start by taking a practice test on MBA.com so that you have a starting point from which to benchmark performance. Also, most GMAT preparation books, Kaplan for example, include examples of each section with practice problems. This will help you to understand the kinds of questions that are asked and the correct answers to those questions.
2. Learn Test-Taking Strategies - After familiarizing yourself with the exam, focus on test-taking strategies. The Princeton Review book is a good resource for learning what kinds of strategies are useful. This will help you know how to attack the test and understand some of the tricks the test writers use. One of the best strategies is to focus a little more on the verbal section. It is very difficult to set yourself apart in the math section (most likely due to the quantitative skills that GMAT takers may have). However, a higher score in the verbal section will really skyrocket your overall score. With a little bit of extra time here, you can really learn how to attack the verbal questions.
3. Take Practice Tests - This is where you should devote a significant portion of your time. One source suggests taking between 8 to 10 practice tests. Practice tests help you learn time management, which is critical for performing well on the GMAT. Several independent companies offer GMAT Prep Courses and practice materials, many of which are free. Reviews of these services can be found at beatthegmat.com and gmatclub.com. Practice GMAT exams offered by independent sources are generally more difficult than the actual GMAT exam; don’t stress out too much if your scores are low. MBA.com has official practice exams that you can download for free from their website. These practice exams use the same format and technology as the real exam and are the most reliable measure of preparation.
4. Sit for the Whole Test - One former test taker commented, "When I was taking the test, I chose an answer and then realized I had forgotten to take the square root to calculate the final answer. I spent the entire test trying to win a mental battle with myself. When I took a break between the math and verbal sections, I told myself to let it go and focus on making up for any deficiencies on the back-end. Before deciding to report my scores, I was tempted not to because I knew I had missed an easy question. I'm glad I decided to report my score, because I did well. " Remember,not all questions are counted. That means, if you miss a question, don't worry about it. Just focus on doing well on the remainder of the test. You can definitely make up for one missed question. If you're lucky, that question won't even be counted!
5. Report Your Scores - After the test is over, make sure to report your scores. Even if you are worried about one question that you missed, report your scores because it is hard to gauge personal performance on the actual test.

Retaking the GMAT

You can take the GMAT no more than once in a 31-day period and no more than five times in a 12-month period. Schools to which you report your new scores will also receive your old scores. More information on the retesting policy is found at MBA.com. Most business programs will not discount your new score if your old score is lower, but some schools do take it into consideration.

From Past Test-Takers

• How I increased my GMAT score 180 points in 8 days
• If I had to take the GMAT again
• Free GMAT Prep resources

External Links

• MBA.com - The Official GMAT Web Site, which includes registration and other information about the exam.
• Graduate Management Admission Council - The Graduate Management Admission Council manages the exam.
• BYU GMAT Prep - This is the link to the BYU GMAT prep course.
• beatthegmat.com & gmatclub.com - Online forums with lots of free resources to help in GMAT preparation.