Graduate Management Admission Test – what is it?

The Graduate Management Admission Test, or GMAT exam as it’s typically called, is an exam that measures the students ability to understand and comprehend mathematics and english as it pertains to business. Many colleges and universities that offer MBA programs or other business-related graduate programs require this test to be completed by students as part of the admissions process.

There are three parts to the exam: Mathematics, Verbal, and Analytical Writing.  The Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) section consists of two essays. Each essay must be completed within 30 minutes and will be scored on a scale of 0-6. The verbal section is next, and consists of 41 multiple choice questions. This test runs approximately 45 minutes and covers questions pertaining to sentence correction, critical reasoning, and reading comprehension. Finally, the third part of the exam deals with mathematics.  It includes Problem-solving questions in a multiple-choice format covering arithmetic, basic algebra, and geometry. Some of these questions will be simple numbers, others involve real-life situations that require mathematical computations.

Already have your GMAT and are looking to enroll in an online MBA program? Visit this link to learn more: GMAT Exam.

Scores for the GMAT exam can range from 200-800, with most of students scoring between 400-600. Questions left “blank” actually can hurt the students’ scores more than incorrect answers, and the scores stay on record for 5 years. Many of the more prestigious business programs require a score of 600-700. You may not take the GMAT more than once within 31 days, even if the scores are canceled.

To study for the GMAT there are a number of ways in which one can prepare. There are evening and weekend GMAT preparation study groups as well as several published guides and prep books that are found at your local bookstore or online. A private tutor can also help a student prepare for the GMAT.

The cost of the GMAT is $250, so make sure to take that into account with test prep as well. Paying for a tutor on top of the $250 can be expensive, but well worth it depending on the students’ study habits.

Already have your GMAT and are looking to enroll in an online MBA program? Visit this link to learn more: GMAT Exam.