Why GMAT?
GMAT stands for "Graduate Management Admissions Test". The GMAT is managed by the Graduate Management Admissions council (GMAC). Admissions teams evaluating applicants to graduate programs in management use GMAT scores as a key supplemental factor in considering an applicant’s qualifications along with other factors such as undergraduate performance and work experience.
Who takes the GMAT?
The GMAT is usually taken by students interested in pursuing management programs. These days there are a few management programs that also accept the GRE score as evaluation criteria. It is best to check with your prospective schools on their GMAT requirements.
What is tested on the GMAT Test?
The GMAC claims that the GMAT test measures quantitative ability, critical thinking, reading comprehension and analytical writing skills. We believe that the GMAT tests test taking ability and a student can be trained to achieve higher scores.
What is the structure of the GMAT?
The GMAT has three sections.
Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA)
Math
Verbal
Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA): The first section is the AWA. You will be given two essays – an analysis of an issue and an analysis of an argument. Each of these essays contains one topic and has to be dealt with in 30 minutes. At the end of both these essays you will have the option of a 5 minute break.
Math: The math section contains 37 questions and you will have 75 minutes to tackle this section. Topics tested by the GMAT math section are arithmetic, algebra and geometry. The GMAT test uses two types of questions to these topics - problem solving and data sufficiency. You will have a 5 minute break after the second section as well.
Verbal: The verbal section consists of 41 questions and you will have 75 minutes to complete this section. The verbal section consists of sentence correction, critical reasoning and reading comprehension.
How is the GMAT scored?
The GMAT is computer-adaptive. If you answer the first question correctly, the computer chooses a more difficult question as the next one. It also works the other way. If you answer the first question incorrectly, the computer chooses an easier question as the next one. Generally, the difficulty level of the next question matches your current score.
How long is the GMAT score valid?
Although the GMAC keeps a test taker’s score results for 10 years, most schools accept only scores that are less than five years old. Some schools also want a score that is less than three years old.
Again this is specific to your university. Please write to your university to find their specific policy regarding this.
Where can I take the GMAT test?
The GMAT can be taken in 94 countries. Appointments can be made and test centers’ found through mba.com.
How can I book a date for the GMAT?
Appointment locations and dates can be booked through mba.com.
What are the fees for the GMAT?
The fee to take the GMAT is US$250. In some countries, an additional tax has to be paid to take the test. A list of these countries can be found at here.
Can I reschedule my exam?
You can reschedule the date, time, or location of an exam appointment. Please go to mba.com to reschedule a test appointment.
The phone numbers that you can call to reschedule your test appointment by phone can be found at mba.com
You may not reschedule your appointment by mail or fax.
There is a fee of US$50 if you reschedule at least seven full calendar days before your original appointment, otherwise you will be charged the full registration amount.
In some countries, an additional tax has to be paid to reschedule the test . A list of these countries can be found at mba.com
Can I transfer from one test centre to another?
Yes, you can transfer your test location. It will be considered like a rescheduled event. Please go to mba.com to make the change.
How many schools can I send my scores to?
On the day you take the GMAT test, before you begin the exam, you will be given the opportunity to select up to five programs to receive your score report. Your test registration fee covers the release of your scores only to the programs you select on test day. Once you have made your selections, you will not be able to change or delete the programs you have selected.
Therefore, it is important to have decided before your test what programs your scores should be sent to on that day.
How many times can I take the GMAT?
You can take the GMAT not more than once every 31 calendar days and no more than five times in a 12-month period. Any test taker who scores an 800 on the GMAT is prohibited from testing for five years from his/her exam date.
Will a low score in one attempt affect my score in subsequent attempts?
Score reports that are sent by the GMAC to the programs you choose include all test results achieved in the last five years. Therefore, the institutes that your scores are sent to will have access to all your scores and it is up to them whether or not they consider your older/lower scores as well as your most recent one.
Although most universities consider your highest score, it is best to write to the university you have short listed to find out their policy on multiple scores.
