All you need to know about GMAT exam
The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a computer-delivered exam and a criterion for admission to management and business programmes. The GMAC administers the exam and provides business schools information on applicants' readiness for masters-level education. A candidate’s GMAT score, employment experience, academic background, and supporting documents are used by business school admissions committees to determine how well-prepared he/she is for a rigorous MBA programme.
It assesses your capacity for reasoning, problem-solving within time constraints, and analysis of verbal and quantitative information. The secret to getting a good GMAT score is mastering logical reasoning.
Format and structure
The test is broken down into 4 modules including-
- Quantitative Aptitude
- Verbal Reasoning
- Integrated Reasoning
- Analytical Writing Assessment
GMAT test takers can choose the section they want to attempt first before the beginning of the test. There are 3 orders students could choose from-
ORDER 1 | Analytical Writing Assessment | Integrated Reasoning | BREAK | Quantitative | BREAK | Verbal |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ORDER 2 | Verbal | BREAK | Quantitative | BREAK | Integrated Reasoning | Analytical Writing Assessment |
ORDER 3 | Quantitative | BREAK | Verbal | BREAK | Integrated Reasoning | Analytical Writing Assessment |
Note* The Optional break is for 8 minutes.
Structure of the Test
MODULE | NO. OF QUESTIONS | DURATION | SCORE RANGE |
---|---|---|---|
Quantitative | 31 | 62 Minutes | 6-51 |
Verbal Reasoning | 36 | 65 Minutes | 6-51 |
Integrated Reasoning | 12 | 30 Minutes | 1-8 |
Analytical Writing Assessment | 1 | 30 Minutes | 0-6 |
Total | 80 | 3 Hours 7 Minutes | 200-800 |
Types of Questions
MODULES | QUANTITATIVE | VERBAL | INTEGRATED | ANALYTICAL |
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TYPES OF QUESTIONS |
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What is a good GMAT score?
If you want to achieve a decent GMAT score, check the university's admission standards to see if they give the mean or median score of applicants. Always try to aim higher than that score. Your GMAT score should be around 710 to get into the best MBA programmes, and the rest can be handled by your application and how successfully you build your profile.
When is it offered?
You can take the GMAT a maximum of five times in a single continuous rolling 12-month period (365 days) and a maximum of eight times overall. You have to wait 16 days before retaking the exam in one format. It is highly suggested to research the university's deadline and the ideal time for submitting the application. The test should be taken at least 3 weeks before the given deadline.
Cost and Validity
The GMAT online test costs approximately $300 USD, and about $275 USD at a testing centre. While your GMAT score is valid for five years, it can take a while to complete applications so it’s a good idea to begin your GMAT preparation at least a year and ideally two years before you want to apply.
You can access the best Standardised test preparation under the supervision of top tutors at GoToUniversity, a leading platform in GMAT prep. You can also contact them to schedule for a free GMAT diagnostic test to determine your current understanding of the subject before starting your preparation.