learn about GMAT

What is the GMAT and how is it structured?

The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a multiple-choice test for business school applicants. The test is administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS), under the sponsorship of the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC). The GMAT is a computer-adaptive test (CAT), and consists of three sections:

Two 30-minute essays to be written on the computer
One 75-minute, 37-question Math section
One 75-minute, 41-question Verbal section

Exam Format

The GMAT is a computer-based test, with three sections

Writing

The Analytic Writing Assessment (AWA) Section requires you to write two essays on the computer. The time allotted for each is 30 minutes. Your essays are graded on a scale of 0 to 6. The two essays are evaluated by two readers (one human and one computer). ETS averages the four scores, and rounds to the nearest half point. Your AWA score does not count toward your composite score.

Duration : 30 mins each

Math

The Math section contains 37 questions that have to be answered in 75 minutes. You will receive a score ranging from 0 to 60 for each section. Scores below 10 and above 50 are rare.

Verbal

The Verbal section contains 41 questions that have to be answered in 75 minutes. You will receive a score ranging from 0 to 60 for each section. Scores below 10 and above 50 are rare.

The Math section along with the Verbal section constitutes the overall, or composite score. Business schools tend to focus on your composite score.

Duration : 75 mins

What is a CAT and how does it work?

A CAT is a computer-adaptive test, whose software calculates your score based on the number of questions you answer correctly, the level of difficulty of the questions you answer, and the number of questions you complete.

When you take the GMAT CAT, you'll begin each section with a medium-level question and an average score. If you answer the question correctly, the computer will raise your score and then give you a more difficult question. If you answer the question incorrectly, your score will decrease and you'll be given an easier question. The process repeats for each question in the section, to arrive at your final score for that section.

How is the GMAT scored?

Your GMAT score consists of several different numbers, each of which covers a part of your performance on the GMAT. The most familiar number is the overall, or composite score. This number ranges from 200 to 800, in 10-point increments, and is determined from a combination of your scores on the Math and Verbal section of the test. Business schools tend to focus on your composite score.

How important are my GMAT scores?

GMAT scores vary in importance at different schools. However, competitive programs tend to weight your GMAT score more heavily. In addition to your GMAT score, schools consider your age, work experience, undergraduate GPA, letters of recommendation, and essays. Be sure to contact the specific programs to which you are applying in order to determine their unique requirements.

Can I cancel my scores?

Yes. You can cancel your scores immediately after you take the GMAT. This is the only time you can cancel your scores. Unfortunately, you must make the decision to cancel at the testing center before you see your scores. In addition, the fact that you cancelled your scores will be noted on your official GMAT score report.

How do I pick a test date?

First, find out the application deadlines for the business schools to which you are applying, then work backwards from your earliest deadline. Build some extra time into your planning process for unexpected delays because you can only take the GMAT once per calendar month (including tests for which you cancel your scores). And remember that it can take as long as four weeks for your official scores to arrive at your designated schools. The GMAT is offered at testing centers almost every day. Call your local center for details and to book your test. While in theory you could sign up for the GMAT with only two days' notice, don't depend upon this luxury. Call at least one month prior to your desired test date.

What fees are associated with the GMAT?

The fee to take the GMAT is $200 worldwide.

How do I know if I am ready for the GMAT?

Try our free online GMAT course demo, which includes a full-length test. When you finish the practice test you'll get a complete score report detailing your strengths and weaknesses. If you are satisfied with your results, then you may be ready. If you feel you still need help, check out The Princeton Review's Classroom option or call us at 021-5824726-27 in Karachi or 042-5755369 in Lahore