The Graduate Management Admission Test is a standardized exam required for admission to many MBA and other business programs. Despite its importance, the GMAT can be a mysterious and intimidating exam for many test-takers. In this article, we’ll demystify the GMAT by explaining its structure and scoring system.
The GMAT consists of four sections: Analytical Writing Assessment, Integrated Reasoning, Quantitative, and Verbal. Each section is designed to test a different set of skills, and the exam as a whole is intended to measure your readiness for graduate-level business studies. Understanding the content and format of each section is key to preparing effectively for the GMAT. In the next section, we’ll break down each section of the exam in more detail.
History and Purpose of the GMAT
The GMAT was first administered in 1953 by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC). Its purpose was to provide a standardized way for business schools to evaluate applicants’ potential for success in graduate-level business programs. Since then, the GMAT has become the most widely used exam for MBA and other graduate business programs worldwide.
The GMAT is a computer-adaptive test, which means that the difficulty level of the questions adjusts based on your performance. This allows the exam to accurately measure your abilities within a shorter time frame than traditional paper-based tests.
GMAT vs Other Exams
The GMAT is not the only exam used for admission to graduate business programs. Other exams include the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and the Executive Assessment (EA). While these exams also assess skills relevant to business school, they have some key differences from the GMAT.
One major difference is the focus on business-specific content. The GMAT includes questions on topics such as data sufficiency and integrated reasoning, which are not found on other exams. Additionally, the GMAT has a separate Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) section, which requires you to analyze an argument and write an essay.
Despite these differences, many business schools accept scores from multiple exams, so it’s important to research the requirements of the programs you’re interested in.
Exam Structure
The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a standardized test used by many business schools to evaluate candidates for admission. The exam is computer-adaptive, meaning that the difficulty level of the questions adjusts in response to your performance. The GMAT is divided into four sections: Quantitative, Verbal, Integrated Reasoning, and Analytical Writing Assessment.
Quantitative Section
The Quantitative section of the GMAT tests your ability to reason quantitatively, solve quantitative problems, and interpret graphic data. The section consists of 31 multiple-choice questions that you have 62 minutes to complete. The questions are split into two types: Problem Solving and Data Sufficiency. The Problem Solving questions test your ability to solve numerical problems, while the Data Sufficiency questions test your ability to analyze a problem and determine whether you have enough information to solve it.
Verbal Section
The Verbal section of the GMAT tests your ability to read and understand written material, evaluate arguments, and correct written material to conform to standard written English. The section consists of 36 multiple-choice questions that you have 65 minutes to complete. The questions are split into three types: Reading Comprehension, Critical Reasoning, and Sentence Correction. The Reading Comprehension questions test your ability to read and understand complex material. The Critical Reasoning questions test your ability to analyze arguments and make logical inferences. The Sentence Correction questions test your ability to identify and correct grammatical errors.
Integrated Reasoning Section
The Integrated Reasoning section of the GMAT tests your ability to evaluate information presented in multiple formats from multiple sources. The section consists of 12 questions that you have 30 minutes to complete. The questions are split into four types: Graphics Interpretation, Two-Part Analysis, Table Analysis, and Multi-Source Reasoning. The Graphics Interpretation questions test your ability to interpret data presented in graphs and charts. The Two-Part Analysis questions test your ability to solve complex problems using quantitative and verbal reasoning. The Table Analysis questions test your ability to analyze and interpret information presented in tables. The Multi-Source Reasoning questions test your ability to evaluate information from multiple sources.
Analytical Writing Assessment
The Analytical Writing Assessment section of the GMAT tests your ability to analyze an argument and communicate your ideas in writing. The section consists of one essay that you have 30 minutes to complete. You will be presented with an argument and asked to analyze it and provide your own perspective on the issue.
Overall, the GMAT is a challenging exam that requires preparation and practice. By understanding the exam structure and scoring, you can better prepare yourself for success on test day.
Scoring System
The GMAT is scored on a scale of 200 to 800, with a separate score given for each of the four sections. The total score is a combination of the Quantitative and Verbal scores, which range from 0 to 60, and the Integrated Reasoning and Analytical Writing Assessment scores, which range from 1 to 8.
Quantitative and Verbal Scores
The Quantitative and Verbal scores are based on the number of questions answered correctly, as well as the difficulty level of those questions. The score ranges from 0 to 60, with a score of 51 or higher being considered excellent. The average score for test-takers is around 550.
Integrated Reasoning Score
The Integrated Reasoning score is based on a 12-question section that tests your ability to analyze and synthesize data from multiple sources. The score ranges from 1 to 8, with a score of 8 being considered excellent. The average score for test-takers is around 4.
Analytical Writing Assessment Score
The Analytical Writing Assessment score is based on two essays that you write during the exam. The essays are scored on a scale of 0 to 6, with a score of 6 being considered excellent. The two scores are then averaged to give you your final score, which ranges from 0 to 6.
It’s important to note that the scores are just one part of your application package, and should be considered in conjunction with other factors such as your work experience, academic record, and personal statements. Additionally, there is no passing or failing score for the GMAT; each school has its own standards for admission, and the score required for admission varies depending on the program and the school.
Preparation Strategies
Preparing for the GMAT can be overwhelming, but with the right strategies, you can increase your chances of success. Here are some tips to help you prepare effectively:
Study Materials
Choosing the right study materials is crucial for your success on the GMAT. Here are some options to consider:
- Official GMAT Prep Materials: The best source of study materials is the official GMAT website, which offers free and paid resources, including practice exams, question banks, and study guides.
- Test Prep Courses: Many companies offer GMAT test prep courses, which can be helpful if you prefer a more structured approach to studying. Some popular options include Kaplan, Princeton Review, and Manhattan Prep.
- Books: There are many GMAT prep books available, which can be a cost-effective option. Some popular titles include “The Official Guide for GMAT Review” and “Manhattan Prep GMAT Strategy Guides.”
No matter which study materials you choose, make sure to allocate enough time to study and practice consistently.
Test-Taking Strategies
In addition to studying the content of the exam, it’s important to develop effective test-taking strategies. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Time Management: The GMAT is a timed exam, so it’s important to manage your time effectively. Make sure to pace yourself during each section and allocate enough time to answer each question.
- Guessing: On the GMAT, you are penalized for unanswered questions, but not for incorrect answers. If you are running out of time, it’s better to guess than to leave questions unanswered.
- Process of Elimination: If you are unsure about an answer, use the process of elimination to narrow down your choices. Eliminate any obviously incorrect answers, and then choose the best option from the remaining choices.
By following these preparation strategies, you can increase your chances of success on the GMAT.
Conclusion
Remember that the GMAT is a computer-adaptive test, meaning that the difficulty of questions will adjust to your performance. It is important to familiarize yourself with the exam format and practice with official GMAT prep materials.
To achieve a high score, you will need to demonstrate strong skills in critical thinking, analytical writing, and problem-solving. Make sure to allocate enough time to prepare and create a study plan that works for you.
If you have any questions or concerns about the GMAT, do not hesitate to reach out to the GMAC or consider seeking advice from a GMAT tutor or admissions consultant.
