The GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) is a standardized test designed to assess quantitative and verbal reasoning, writing, integrated reasoning, and analytical writing skills for graduate business school admissions. The Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) administers the GMAT.
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Why is the GMAT important?
Many business schools require the GMAT as part of the MBA application process. GMAT results are used by business schools to compare applicants and determine if they are prepared for graduate-level business courses. A good GMAT score will help you stand out as a competitive applicant and boost your chances of admission to your top-choice business school.
What is the GMAT format?
The GMAT is a computer-based test that takes approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes to complete. The test consists of four sections:
- Analytical Writing Assessment (30 minutes): Write a short essay analyzing and evaluating the rationale behind an example argument. This section assesses your ability to think critically and communicate your ideas. You need to examine the logic of an argument and compose a criticism of it during the AWA.
- Integrated Reasoning (30 minutes): Solve 12 problems that require you to analyze data from multiple sources. In order to succeed in our technologically evolved and data-driven world, the Integrated Reasoning section of the GMAT assesses your capacity to assess information offered in many formats from multiple sources.
- Quantitative Reasoning (62 minutes): Solve 31 math problems that test your quantitative reasoning skills. The quantitative section assesses your ability to examine data and generate conclusions using reasoning skills. There is no need to study more mathematics than is typically taught in secondary school classrooms in order to comprehend and solve the questions in this section of the GMAT exam.
- Verbal Reasoning (65 minutes): Solve 36 reading comprehension and critical reasoning problems. Your ability to read and comprehend written content, assess arguments, and edit written content to adhere to accepted writing standards is measured in the verbal section.
How Is The GMAT Scored?
The GMAT is scored on a scale of 200 to 800, in 10-point increments. Half-point increments from 0 to 6 are used to evaluate the Analytical Writing Assessment. A scale of 1 to 8 is used to score the Integrated Reasoning section, with increments of 1 point.
2023-2024 GMAT Exam Dates
- After January 31, 2024, the Classic GMAT exam will no longer be accessible at online test centers.
- Only the GMAT Focus Edition will be accessible starting February 1, 2024.
- Starting on November 7, 2023, GMAT Focus Edition testing will take place. Registration for the GMAT Focus Edition opened on August 29, 2023.
How To Prepare For The GMAT
There are many ways to prepare for the GMAT. You have three options: work with a professional GMAT tutor, enroll in a GMAT prep course, or study independently. Whatever method you decide on, it’s critical to get a head start and create a study schedule that suits your needs.
The following tips can help you get ready for the GMAT:
- Learn the format and subject matter of the test. The GMAC website has a wealth of information about the GMAT, including practice tests and sample questions.
- Determine the things that you are good at and poor at. Try out a GMAT practice exam to find out where you need to make improvements.
- Develop a study plan. Make a timetable that will enable you to regularly study for the GMAT.
- Make use of top-notch GMAT study resources. There are many different GMAT prep books and online programs accessible.
- Practice often. You will be more prepared for the test the more you practice.
How To Register For The GMAT
You can register over the phone or online for the GMAT. Test centers all throughout the world offer the GMAT.
When should you take the GMAT?
The GMAT is offered year-round. You should take the GMAT at least 3 months before you plan to apply to business school. This will give you enough time to retake the test if necessary.
Latest News
In 2024, the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) will seem significantly different. Later this year, the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), which owns and administers the GMAT exam, will launch a new format. Modifications include cutting the duration of the test, eliminating the section on “analytical writing assessment,” and adding a new section called “data insights.”
The GMAT will become a more condensed test with the removal of certain “non-essential items” and the addition of “data insights” to the mathematical and verbal reasoning sections. Over 60 partner B-schools, 5400 candidates, market development teams’ contacts, and industry connections all played a part in the decision to make changes to the GMAT.
The current exam format will be phased out in the first part of the following year, and the new one will begin later this year. The GMAT exam is necessary for business school admissions and is meant to demonstrate the skills most relevant to the world’s premier graduate business programs. Globally, a GMAT score is used to determine admission to 90% of new MBA programs.
“Questions on data insights will draw from some of our previous content on integrated reasoning and data sufficiency. Each section of the exam will be a little bit more concise, but maintaining the integrity of the kind of performance that schools are looking for,” said Joy Jones, Global CEO of the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC)
The GMAT is an important part of the MBA application process for many business schools. By preparing effectively and taking the GMAT early, you can increase your chances of getting accepted into your top-choice business school.
