GMAT

About The GMAT

The GMAT, or Graduate Management Admission Test, is a standardized test that aids business schools in assessing applicants’ qualifications for advanced education in business and management. The GMAT scores are often a means of many business schools to predict the academic performance of each student in an MBA program or other graduate management programs.

Basically, if you desire a career in business and management, graduate schools will need to assess your knowledge of elements of business, your job skills, specific undergraduate program content including first university performance, abilities in specific areas, and subjective qualities that may point to creativity, interpersonal, and motivation skills.

The GMAT exam consists of three sections, which include quantitative, verbal, and writing. It is currently a computer-adaptive test (CAT), and unlike other tests with specified testing dates, GMAT may be taken at any time of the year. The test lasts for 4 hours, and your future questions will be determined by you performance in the previous questions.

Your GMAT score would be derived from how you performed in the three sections. Analytical writing assessment consists of two essay questions, which are administered at 30 minutes each. The quantitative question is a multiple choice consisting of 37 questions that has a maximum time limit of 75 minutes, while the verbal section consists of 41 multiple-choice questions administered in 75 minutes.

GMAT Myths Dispelled

While a GMAT score of 700 or higher was always thought to determine a competitive student and guarantee acceptance into a top business school, the fact is that only 7 percent of all applicants break into the 700-mark. Though many schools claim an average GMAT score around 700, this is still an average, which means a significant number of test-takers scored below 700.

Nonetheless, your 700 or higher score is still not guarantee your acceptance to the top business schools, since the GMAT is just one of the criteria admission committees take into account.

Another myth is that you need to have at least a 5-year work experience to be eligible to take the GMAT test. The truth is most business schools require applicants to have a minimum of two years of working experience to be allowed to take the test. What business schools would find more relevant is the quality of your work experience, which is based on the company you worked with, how you went up through the ranks, your responsibilities, and so on.

Another feature of the GMAT test is the absence of complicated mathematical functions – there are no calculus or trigonometry questions in GMAT. You’ll be performing 7th to 8th grade level math, though.

Preparing For The Test

One truth about the GMAT is it is tough. If you want to be among the 7 percent of test-takers who score higher than 700, you’ll need to work your way to the exam by making extensive GMAT prep. You can acquaint yourself with the questions of the actual test by continually taking a GMAT practice test.

Besides that, your GMAT prep could be in four forms: private tutoring, small group tutoring, classroom courses, and online programs. There are specific advantages to each of these review options, but your choice should coincide with your personal style in studying.

If you want think you can learn best on your own, GMAT private tutoring and/or online programs may help with your review. If you prefer studying and interacting with a group, small group tutoring, classroom courses, or live online courses may provide you with more benefits. If you are working and can’t in which a fixed schedule is not feasible, then you may opt to have a private tutor, small group tutoring, or online programs.

A GMAT prep style you most prefer will be one of your best bets in aiming for a successful result.