What is the GMAT

Posted on June 22, 2009 | What at mybiginfo.com | What is the GMAT | | View all What | |

The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a computer adaptive standardized test in mathematics and the English language for measuring aptitude to succeed academically in graduate business studies. Business schools commonly use the test as one of many selection criteria for admission into an MBA program. It is given at various locations around the world. Throughout North America and in many international locations, the GMAT is administered only via computer. In those international locations where an extensive network of computers has not yet been established, the GMAT is offered either at temporary computer-based testing centers on a limited schedule or as a paper-based test (given once or twice a year) at local testing centers. As of June 2009, the fee to take the test was U.S. $250 worldwide.

For leading business schools worldwide, the GMAT is recognized as the most effective test available for matching student competencies with program demands – regardless of program type or the race, gender, or national origin of students.

The Graduate Management Admission Test® (GMAT) is a critical part of the selective admissions process for nearly 4,000 graduate management programs at 1,800 schools around the world. For more than 50 years, schools have trusted the GMAT exam, a proven and reliable measurement, to assess candidates’ skills and predict their success in graduate business curriculum.

Studies continue to show that only one factor predicts success in graduate business school better than the GMAT exam: combining the GMAT exam with undergraduate GPA.

The GMAT Test

The Graduate Management Admission Test® (GMAT®) examination is a standardized test designed to measure verbal, mathematical, and analytical writing skills that have been developed over a long period of time through education and work. The GMAT exam measures these skills in three sections:

* Analytical Writing Assessment Section
* Quantitative Section
* Verbal Section

The GMAT exam does NOT measure—

* Knowledge of business
* Job skills
* Specific content in undergraduate or first university course work
* Subjective qualities such as motivation, creativity, and interpersonal skills
* Abilities in any other specific subject area

Test takers are given 3.5 hours to answer questions in each of the three tested areas, and there are also two 10-minute breaks; in general, the test takes about four hours to complete.

Scores are valid for five years (at most institutions) from the date the test taker sits for the exam until the date of matriculation (i.e. acceptance, not until the date of application).

The maximum score that can be achieved on the exam is 800. Over the past 3 years, till 2009,  the mean score has been 535.2.

The Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) section is the first section to be answered. Then the Quantitative section and the Verbal Ability section follow respectively.

How to Register for the GMAT
The test taker can register in either of the following two ways:

* Online at mba.com, test registration by credit card
* By calling one of the test centers listed on mba.com

To schedule a test, an appointment must be made at one of the designated test centers.

The GMAT is available year-round. Before you schedule your GMAT, find out the deadlines for your targeted business schools. Choose your GMAT registration date a few months before these dates (in the event that you do poorly, you will want the option of retaking the test).

Note: Outside of the United States, the GMAT may only be offered a few times each year at a given location.

GMAT Registration U.S. Students:
Call 1.800.GMAT.NOW to register.

How does the GMAT Work
The GMAT is a computerized test that adapts to your performance. This format is called a CAT (computer-adaptive test). As you take the test, the computer selects questions based on your performance. If you get a question correct, the test selects a more difficult one next. If you get a question wrong, the computer selects an easier one next. Thus, the test adapts to your performance.

Benefits
This CAT format offers many benefits.

1. The test focuses on your score range and creates a more accurate score.
2. You have the option of canceling the score immediately after the test (before you see your score). If you accept your score, you will have immediate access to your math and verbal scores.
3. You take the test in a private cubicle instead of in a classroom.
4. You can schedule the test at your convenience, instead of taking it on set days.

Negatives
The most significant negative factors to the CAT revolve around the added difficulty of the format. The CAT is much more difficult than the paper test. Here is why:

1. You have to stare at a screen for several hours.
2. Your timing has to be much more precise.
3. You can’t skip questions.
4. You can’t write directly on the test booklet; instead, you have to re-copy questions onto scrap paper.

Preparing for the GMAT

Third party companies have different test preparation options available, which may include self-study using GMAT books, classroom GMAT preparation courses (live or online), or private tutoring.

GMAT students often spend more than 50 hours preparing over a six- to eight-week period. Students looking to break 600 to gain entry into a top school or who have been out of school for several years need the most work to brush up their math and test-taking skills.

Consider taking a classroom or online course if you need additional help. Your score may increase by 100 to 200 points.

There are two main for options for GMAT prep: an online course or a classroom course.

* Online GMAT courses are perfect for students who do not live where reputable classroom courses are offered or who don’t have the time to go to a class. Online courses are either self-study or are conducted through virtual classrooms.

* Live, in-person GMAT classroom courses are more expensive and take more time, but they provide in-depth support and motivation. Many students start with an online self-study course and then take a classroom course to focus on weak areas.

GMAT Classroom Course

* VeritasPrep was recently profiled in BusinessWeek magazine as a rapidly growing GMAT prep company that has over 5,000 GMAT students a year at over 80 locations worldwide. If you need help with your application, their admissions consulting service uses former admissions officers from most of the top 20 business schools.

o Over 2000 pages of materials and the Official GMAT Guide
o 15 practice tests
o 42 hours of class instruction
o Unlimited instructor phone and email tutoring support
o Instructors have scored above the 99th percentile (760+ GMAT)
o Classroom products: Weekend/Focus course: $700; 42-hour course $1500
o Online courses: $750 or $1100 (live)

Online Self-Study GMAT Course

* 800score.com (named after the highest possible score on the GMAT, an “800″). The 800score GMAT Course has been favorably reviewed and has well-designed sample GMAT CAT tests. The course is affordable at $39.95.

o Five Practice GMAT CAT tests
o Sample practice essays with grading service
o Immediate access
o Online prep guide
o Test-pacing technology
o Guide to writing your college admissions essay
o 24-hour email support

Virtual GMAT Classroom Course

* ManhattanGMAT offers a regular schedule of online GMAT classes in which students follow a live instructor online. Online classes are priced at $1090.

o Six ManhattanGMAT Computer Adaptive Practice Exams
o Pre-recorded session(s) from a nine-session Course
o Two ½-Hour private sessions with an instructor over the phone
o The Eight ManhattanGMAT Strategy Guides
o The Official Guide for GMAT Review, 11th Edition, the Official Quantitative Review and the Official Verbal Review

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