The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a computer adaptive test which assesses reasoning, critical thinking, analytical, quantitative and verbal skills to succeed academically in graduate business studies. Business schools commonly use the test as one of the many selection criteria for admission into an MBA program. It is given at various locations around the world. Data has shown that GMAT scores are consistently good, though imperfect, predictors of academic success in the first year of business school.
GMAT as a computer adaptive test (CAT) is more than just a computerized version of a paper and pencil test. In this format, the test adapts to your performance as you’re taking the test. Understanding how the CAT works and knowing the test-taking strategies appropriate to this particular format can have a direct, positive impact on your score.
When you begin a section on the CAT, the computer assumes you have an average score and gives you a question of medium difficulty. Because the order of difficulty will not be predictable, don’t assume that you will start with the easy questions first. Always be on the lookout for answer choice traps.
As it tries to determine your final score, the computer makes large jumps in the beginning of a section to quickly find your approximate scoring level. Then it makes much smaller jumps to fine-tune your score.
Purpose of Examination
GMAT scores are used to compare the credentials of candidates from widely varying backgrounds. The exam itself measures reasoning verbal, mathematical and analytical writing skills.
Test Format
The GMAT is 3 hours, 30 minutes (four hours with breaks) long. The Analytical Writing Assessment includes one Argument Essay to be written in 30 mins. Immediately after the essay question, the Integrated Reasoning section starts which is to be completed in 30 mins. Test takers now have the option to take a break which is followed by the Quantitative and Verbal Sections.
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EXAM SECTION
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CURRENT GMAT EXAM
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| Analytical Writing Assessment | 30 minutes – One AWA Prompt |
| Integrated Reasoning Quantitative | 30 minutes – 12 Questions75 minutes – 37 questions |
| Verbal | 75 minutes – 41 questions |
| Total Exam Time | 3 hours, 30 minutes |
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EXAM SECTION
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DETAILS WITH APPROXIMATE MIX OF QUESTIONS
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|---|---|
| AWA | 1 Argument Essay |
| IR (3Qs each) | 1). Graphic Interpretation2). Two-part Analysis3). Table Analysis
4). Multi-source reasoning |
| Quant | 1). Problem Solving (22Qs)2). Data Sufficiency (15Qs) |
| Verbal | 1). Sentence Correction ( 16Qs)2). Critical reasoning (11Qs)3). Reading Comprehension (14Qs)
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Score
Verbal & Quantitative
Total GMAT scores ranges between 200 to 800. The Verbal and Quantitative scaled scores range between 0 to 60. Both scores are on a fixed scale and can be compared across all GMAT test administrations. The Verbal and Quantitative scores measure different constructs and cannot be compared to each other.
If one does not finish the exam in the allotted time, one will still receive scores as long as one has worked on every section. Scores will be calculated based upon the number of questions answered, and your score will decrease significantly with each unanswered question.
Integrated Reasoning
Integrated reasoning section measures your ability to understand and evaluate multiple sources and types of information – graphic, numeric, and verbal – as they relate to one another, use both quantitative and verbal reasoning to solve problems; and solve multiple problems in relation to one another.
You will have access to an onscreen calculator with basic functions for the Integrated Reasoning, but note that the calculator will not be available on the Quantitative section.
Scores for the IR range from 1 to 8 with 1 point increments.
Analytical Writing Assessment Score
Scores for the AWA range from 0 to 6 in .5 increments
AWA and Integrated Reasoning scores are computed separately from the multiple-choice scores and have no effect on the Verbal, Quantitative, or Total scores.
GMAT Score is valid for 5 years.
Test Centers
Graduate Management Admission test (GMAT) can be taken all around the year at Thomson prometric centers. GMAT is held in more than 100 countries.
Fees
GMAT Exam Fee is US$ 250