Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT)
General Information
GMAT refers to the Graduate Management Admission Test. It is a standardized
admission test for applying in business schools. The Graduate Management Admission
Council (GMAC) manages the functioning of the GMAT.
GMAT covers more than 5,000 courses running in different institutions and universities.
MBA, Master of Finance, and Master of Accountancy fall under the category of GMAT
courses. This test is taken up in more than 110 countries across the world. Basically,
GMAT is a computer based test and comprises of four sections that are described
below in the chronological order:
- Analytical Writing Assessment: This is the first section of the test and includes
only one topic in which the student has to perform analysis of the argument.
- Integrated Reasoning: This section contains 12 questions of different topics such
as multi-source reasoning, graphics interpretation, two-part analysis, and table
analysis.
- Quantitative: This section has 37 questions and its questions are based on data
sufficiency and problem solving.
- Verbal: This is the fourth and the last section, and it has 41 questions. It comprises
questions on reading comprehension, critical reasoning, and sentence correction.
Test-takers have the time-limit of 30 minutes for the first and second section each
and 75 minutes for third and fourth sections each. It means that candidates have
3 hours and 30 minutes in total to complete their test.
GMAC evaluates your performance separately for each section of the test. Therefore,
every section of the test is equally important.
Why there is a need Of GMAT test?
If you give this test and score well, you will get a chance to apply into business
and management colleges or universities of your choice across the world.
Eligibility criteria for GMAT
Everyone is eligible for giving the test of GMAT. Age is not a limitation but the
candidate should be a graduate. The GMAT test scores are valid for 5 years only
and no university can accept it after 5 years.
Fee structure for GMAT
You can take the GMAT test by paying a fee amount of US$ 250. The fee structure
of GMAT is same across the world. However, you will have to incur taxes for scheduling
exam in specific countries.
You can make payment for GMAT via different modes like credit card, money order,
cashier’s check, and personal check. If you pay by check, the payment must be paid
in U.S. dollars, unless, your request or registration will get cancelled and your
payment will be returned or rejected.
GMAT Test Structure
GMAT consists of three sections - Analytical writing assessment, Quantitative section
and verbal section. The test duration is 4 hours in general which includes two optional
breaks. This test is valid for the period of five years. Maximum score for the test
is 800.
Analytical Writing Assessment
Analytical writing assessment consists of writing two essays, one to analyze an
arguement and second to analyze an issue. 30 minutes are given to write each essay.
Examiners mark each essay with grade from 0 to 6.
Explanation of grade
Grade 0 : An essay that is totally illegible or obviously not written on the
assigned topic.
Grade 1 : An essay that is seriously flawed.
Grade 2 : An essay that is seriously limited.
Grade 3 : An essay that is merely adequate.
Grade 4 : An essay that is strong.
Grade 5 : An essay that is outstanding.
Duration - 1 hour.
Quantitative Section
Quantitative section consists of 37 multiple questions which are of 2 types: problem
solving and data sufficiency. This section is scored from 0 to 60.
Duration - 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Verbal section
Verbal section consists of 41 multiple questions which are of 3 types: sentence
correction, critical reasoning and reading comprehension.
Duration - 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Preparation Tips
GMAT test is as an entrance test for getting admission in the postgraduate courses
and programs of business and management schools. It is taken by lakhs of students
across the world. Since the test is taken on a worldwide level, therefore, the level
of the test is a bit higher than all other competitive tests. Due to this reason,
it needs to be prepared with more hard work and effort.
Here are a few tips that you can follow to prepare for the GMAT test:
- The first and the most important thing is that don’t delay in taking the GMAT test
as it will save your time and you will be able to attain your goal in less time.
You can give the test in the earlier years of your graduation rather than giving
it after graduation.
- You can take the assistance of the professional and expert teachers who can teach
as per the GMAT course schedule. Nowadays, there are several GMAT coaching centers,
thus, you can choose the best center in your area. Assistance from experts will
increase your knowledge and reasoning power which enables you to complete your exam
correctly and on time.
- Self study is the significant factor that provides you definite success in the GMAT
test. Make your timetable and study for at least 2 hours a day by dedicating half
hour each on the four different sections.
- Don’t ignore the long or complex questions and do all the questions whether long
or short category wise and mark the tough questions to revise once again.
- Practice the mock tests after completion of your GMAT syllabus. It is advised to
practice around 5 to 8 mock tests before your exam but you can practice as much
as you can.
- During your GMAT test utilize the time wisely, read the instructions of the test
carefully, and attempt each question of the test rather than leaving it unanswered.
Free Mock Tests
Free GMAT mock tests
Are you ready for your GMAT test ? How many scores would you expect?
No matter, how expert you are in every section of the GMAT, but your ability and
skills will be evaluated only when you do all the sections in one go, that means
when you take the complete test. GMAT mock tests are the best source that you can
use for the preparation of the GMAT exam.
The GMAT mock tests are based on the same pattern as that of the original GMAT test.
Taking these mock tests will surely boost your confidence resulting in better scores.
You need to register for accessing the mock tests. Just click the link given below
and register yourself!
https://www.mba.com/service/reg-profile.aspx
Varsity Tutors is another very good source for practicing GMAT mock tests.
Remember, keep practicing as practice is the key to reach your goals.
Upcoming Dates for GMAT
The GMAT test is a computer based test and can be taken anytime throughout the year.
However, in a time period of 31 days, it is allowed to be taken only once. GMAT
exam can also be conducted on the demand of candidates at GMAT exam centers across
the world.
You need to schedule the GMAT appointment to give the GMAT test. For scheduling
the GMAT test, you have to register yourself with the mba.com. You can follow the
link given below:
https://www.mba.com/service/reg-profile.aspx
Generally, the business and management schools have the strict deadlines for admission,
therefore, you should apply for your GMAT exam early to report your exam scores
on time.
Also, remember to verify your test time upon registering because the test timings
keep on changing frequently due to the continuing registration processes.
Checklist Before Exam
Sometimes, the students get too much busy in the preparation of their exams that
they forget many significant things but these things can be remembered with the
help of a checklist. A checklist is the medium through which the students will become
able to remember the essential things to perform before an exam.
Here are the vital things to perform before the GMAT exam:
- Study the pattern of the test appropriately and manage your time well.
- Practice the mock tests carefully and focus on the questions in which you make mistakes.
For this, you can also purchase the official guide for GMAT. It is a complete package
that includes the questions, answers, and mock tests.
- Deeply understand the basics of each section that include the analytical writing
assessment section, integrated reasoning section, quantitative section, and verbal
section. Once you understand the basics, other topics will not require much learning
effort.
- You need to study atleast for a month before your GMAT exam.
- Recheck the location of your test center, date, and time of your exam.
- You should know the general computer skills as this is a computer adaptive test.
- Carry only the permitted material to the exam center.
- You need to remain active and energetic to give the exam. Therefore, eat healthy
to remain healthy.
Students, take your GMAT exam as a challenge and achieve success. We wish you Good
Luck !
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