What is GMAT? | ZDNet

Thousands of universities worldwide use the Graduate Management Admission Test, or GMAT. This popular exam is one way schools measure students’ potential for academic success.

Most GMAT test takers are students who want to earn a master’s degree in business administration or an MBA. Students interested in other business-related degrees, such as management, finance or consulting, may also consider taking the GMAT.

Some schools are exempt from testing. Others do not require students to submit test scores. Advocates for student rights and higher education say that requiring standardized test scores may discourage or hinder students from pursuing their dreams. And they say test scores are not a reliable indicator of ability or success.

However, taking the GMAT can offer advantages. It can help you stand out in a competitive admissions process for top MBA programs. Read on to learn how to take the GMAT, test topics, scoring, and more.

Main Highlights of GMAT

What skills is the GMAT test for?

The GMAT measures your knowledge and skills in four areas related to business and career education:

Write analysis

• Analyze the reasoning behind a persuasive statement
• Write a critique of that persuasive claim
• Show your ability to communicate your ideas in writing

Integrated reasoning

• Synthesize information from graphics and paragraphs
• Organize information to solve related problems
• Show off your problem-solving abilities using large amounts of data

Quantitative reasoning

• Use logic and analytical reasoning to solve problems
• Graphical Data Interpretation
• Solve basic arithmetic, algebra and geometry problems

Verbal reasoning

• Read and understand written material
• Write and evaluate persuasive content
• Show off your knowledge of English spelling, grammar and sentence structure

How is GMAT scored?

The quantitative and verbal reasoning sections of the GMAT are computer-tuned. That means the difficulty of the test changes in real time based on your answers. The GMAC says the computer adaptability “allows the exam to assess your potential with a greater degree of accuracy.”

GMAT test takers receive 5 sections of scores. Here is how each section is scored:

• Write analysis: 0 to 6 in half point increments
• Integrated reasoning: 1 to 8 in 1 point increments
• Quantitative: 6 to 51 in 1 point increments
• Verbal: 6 to 51 in 1 point increments
• Total: 200 to 800 in 10 point increments.

The total score is not just the sum of the remaining four sections; instead, it reflects the difficulty of each question.

What is the average GMAT score?

The Graduate Management Admissions Council (GMAC) is the non-profit organization that owns and administers the exam. According to GMACThe overall average score was 568. Two-thirds of the participants scored between 400 and 600.

Below is the average GMAT score from 2018-20, according to GMAC:

• Verbal: 27.26
• Dosing: 40.7
• General reasoning: 4.6
• Write analysis: 4.43

You will receive your quantitative, verbal, integrated reasoning and total score scores immediately upon completion of the test. If you are at the test center, you will receive a paper copy of your unofficial score report.

Your official scores are usually available within seven business days. However, wait up to 20 days to report your score. You can cancel your preliminary score on the day of your test at no charge. You can also cancel your points within 72 hours of checking out for a fee.

How do I take the GMAT test?

You must register online to take the GMAT. GMAC recommends the following three steps:

• First, create an account at mba.com.
• Next, review the score reporting timeline. Doing this allows you to choose a test date that matches the application deadline.
• Finally, if you’re requesting a disability accommodation, you’ll need to wait for approval before scheduling your GMAT.

At the test center, you will have approximately three hours to complete the test. For the online version, you will have 15 minutes to register and two hours and 45 minutes to take the test.

To take the GMAT at a test center, you must present valid identification. You must also agree to abide by all the rules of the test center.

GMAC recommends the following test-taking and preparation strategies:

• Read each question carefully; Eliminate the wrong answers and choose the best choice.
• Only confirm your answer when you are sure you are ready to move on to the next question. When you move on to the next question, you cannot change the previous answers.
• Watch the time – your score decreases with each unanswered question.

Can I take the GMAT online?

If your computer and testing space meet the requirements, you can take the online GMAT anywhere in the world, excluding five countries. You must download and use a secure browser, and your computer must meet all technical requirements.

Also note that when taking the virtual GMAT, you can only move away from the camera during scheduled breaks during the test session.

Can I take the GMAT more than once?

Yes, you can take the GMAT up to five times in a rotating 12-month period. You are allowed to take the test eight times in your life. Both online and test center GMAT options count towards this limit. Most experts suggest taking it twice.

When should I take the GMAT?

Aim to take the GMAT between two and 12 months before the application deadline. This will give you enough time to get your official score. When deciding on a test time frame, consider the program’s application deadlines.

With online and in-person test center options, opportunities to take the GMAT are generally available year-round. In some cases, you can even sign up and take the test within 48 hours (although we don’t recommend this method).

Remember to build in some learning time. The Economist suggests a 60-day study plan is a good point. The 30-day study plan might be too short for most people. But a study schedule that lasts too long can mean you forget what you learned when you started your plan.

How much does GMAT cost?

As of early 2022, it costs $275 to take the GMAT at a test center or online. GMAT registrants can download the GMAT Handbook for free. GMAC also offers additional online resources.

GMAC, through its website mba.com, also sells exam preparation options. These include practice exam packages that range in price from about $40 to $90.

The organization offers tuition-free programs through schools, schools may award students at their discretion. GMAC does not waive GMAT exam fees directly to students.

Additional fees may apply for certain services. These include ordering additional official score reports (in addition to the five free reports provided with the test) and canceling scores after leaving the test center. And you’ll need to pay $150 to reschedule your GMAT 14 days or less before the test date.

What is the difference between GMAT and GRE?

Many schools that accept the GMAT also accept the GRE. The GRE (Graduate Record Check) is another standardized test used to screen and evaluate students for admission to graduate-level study programs.

The GRE measures your ability in three areas: analytical writing, verbal skills, and quantitative skills. If you’re interested in a particular program, you’ll want to verify with your school which of the two tests they like or accept.

A headquarters in the United States graduation program say GMAT and GRE are suitable for different strengths. If you have excellent analytical skills and math orientation, and you are good at interpreting data, the GMAT could be a good choice. The GRE, on the other hand, focuses more on vocabulary and less on math and data analysis.

If you have many years of full-time professional work or military experience, you may be eligible to claim a GRE or GMAT exemption.

Depending on the program, some individuals may be eligible to skip the requirements of the GRE or GMAT test when applying to grade school. Including:

• Holders of a university degree related to science, technology, engineering or math
• Certified public accountants or financial planners

This article has been reviewed by Lonnie Woods III

Lonnie Woods III is a student affairs manager, professor, and career development consultant, whose work and research tests the career competencies of students who wish to pursue a career in the arts or students who are study art-related majors at university.

He has over 10 years of experience working in the education sector with professional experience spanning a variety of institutions, including the Pratt Institute, the College of the Arts Institute of Maryland, the Brooklyn Academy of Music, New York University, George Washington University and the Whitney Museum of American Art.

Woods holds a bachelor of science degree in fine art photography from Towson University and a master of arts in higher education and student affairs from New York University. Woods is currently a professor in the Master of Arts Program at Teachers College, Columbia University.

Lonnie Woods III is a paid member of the freelance assessment network Red Ventures Education.