Consisting of three main parts delivered in English and administered in test centers around the world, the GMAT measures verbal, mathematical, and analytical and writing skills that you’ve developed over time. The exam helps graduate programs assess your qualifications for advanced study in business and management.
GMAT is a Computer Adaptive Test with three sections:
1. Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) – includes two essays:
a) Analysis of an Argument
b) Analysis of an Issue
2. Quantitative Section – includes problem solving and data sufficiency based on algebra, geometry and arithmetic
3. Verbal Section – includes Reading Comprehension, Critical Reasoning and Sentence Correction questions.
|
Section |
Task/Number of Questions |
Duration |
Score |
|---|---|---|---|
|
AWA |
2 essay prompts: Analysis of an Argument Analysis of an Issue |
30 minutes each |
0 – 6 |
|
Quantitative |
37 Questions |
75 minutes |
0 – 60 |
|
Verbal |
41 Questions |
75 minutes |
0-60 |
|
Total score |
|
|
200 - 800 |
Computer Adaptive Format:
The key word here is adaptive. The level of difficulty of each subsequent question depends on how you have performed on the previous questions. At the start of each multiple-choice section of the exam, you are presented with a question of medium difficulty. As you answer each question, the computer scores your answer and uses it—as well as your responses to any preceding questions—to determine which question to present next. Correct responses typically prompt questions of increased difficulty. Incorrect responses generally result in questions of lesser difficulty.
This process will continue until you complete the section, at which point the computer will have an accurate assessment of your ability level in that subject area. In a computer-adaptive test, only one question at a time is presented. Because the computer scores each question before selecting the next one, you may not skip, return to, or change your responses to previous questions.
For each multiple-choice section of the GMAT exam, there is a large pool of potential questions ranging from a low to high level of difficulty
If you answer a question incorrectly by mistake or correctly by randomly guessing, your answers to subsequent questions will lead you back to questions that are at the appropriate level of difficulty for you. Random guessing can significantly lower your scores. So, if you do not know the answer to a question, you should try to eliminate as many answer choices as possible and then select the answer you think is best.
Pacing is critical, as there is a severe penalty for not completing. Both the time and number of questions that remain in the section are displayed on the screen during the exam. There are 37 Quantitative questions and 41 Verbal questions. If a question is too time-consuming or if you don’t know the answer, make an educated guess by first eliminating the answers you know to be wrong.
Your score is determined by:
- The number of questions you answer,
- Whether you answer the questions correctly or incorrectly, and The level of difficulty and other statistical characteristics of each question
What is the requisite fee?
The fee to take the GMAT is $250 worldwide.
How many times can I register myself for GMAT?
Only one test can be given in a calendar month and not more than five times in a year. However, many business schools average your GMAT scores. You should call the schools to which you are applying to find out their policy. Then plan your strategy accordingly.
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 4 weeks for your official scores to arrive at your designated schools. The GMAT is offered at testing centers every weekday, and on very few Saturdays. It’s important to register for the GMAT early if you want to take it on a Saturday.
Are there any specific days for the test?
The GMAT is offered at testing centers every weekday, and on very few Saturdays. It’s important to register for the GMAT early if you want to take it on a Saturday.
Can I reschedule/cancel the test date?
If you reschedule your GMAT appointment seven or more days before the test date, you will have to pay USD 50. However, if it is less than seven days, you will have to pay an additional USD 250.
If you cancel your test appointment seven or more days before the test date, you will get USD 80 as refund. However, there is no refund if the test is cancelled less than 7 days before scheduled.
GMAT Administration
What is the mode of taking the test?
Presently, the mode is known as Computer-Adaptive Test or CAT. The computerized GMAT uses the same type of questions as did the Paper & Pencil Test. The only thing that has changed is the medium, that is, the way the questions are presented.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of this mode?
There are advantages and disadvantages to the GMAT CAT. Probably the biggest advantages are that you can take the CAT just about any time and you can take it in a small room with just a few other people–instead of in a large auditorium with hundreds of other stressed out candidates. One the other hand, you cannot return to previous questions, it is easier to misread a computer screen than it is to misread printed material, and it can be distracting looking back and forth from the computer screen to your scratch paper.
Can I make use of certain aids during the test?
No testing aids are permitted during the test session or during breaks. Aids include, but are not limited to beepers, pagers, pens, calculators, watch calculators, books, pamphlets, notes, blank sheets of paper, rulers, stereos or radios, telephones or cellular (mobile) phones, stopwatches, watch alarms (including those with flashing lights or alarm sounds), dictionaries, translators, thesauri, personal data assistants (PDAs), and any other electronic or photographic devices or potential aids of any kind.
Do I have to provide any identification proofs before taking the test?
When you check in at the test center, the test administrator will ask you to present valid identification, a passport in this case.
What can I expect from the testing experience?
Before you start your test, the test administrator will give you a booklet of five note-boards for you to use as “scratch paper”. The note-boards are laminated sheets held together by a spiral binding. The first page contains instructions, and the other nine sides are available for notes. You’ll also receive a black, fine-tipped marker to write your notes, without an eraser. You can request additional note-boards if you fill up the booklet. The administrator will collect the note-boards you have and give you replacements.
Scores
How important are my GMAT scores?
If you want to get accepted to a competitive school, your GMAT score is very important. However, GMAT scores vary in importance at different schools. In addition to your GMAT score, schools consider your duration of work experience and the caliber of that experience (again, especially for more competitive programs), undergraduate GPA, letters of recommendation, interview, 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 are the analytic assessment essays graded?
Your GMAT Analytic Writing Assessment (AWA) essays are graded on a scale of 0 to 6. There are 2 essays, each evaluated by 2 readers (one human and one computer). ETS averages the 4 scores, and rounds to the nearest half point. Your AWA score does not count toward your composite score.
How are verbal and quantitative sections scored?
Your GMAT Verbal and Quantitative Sections are graded separately. You will receive a score ranging from 0 to 60 for each section. Scores below 10 and above 50 are rare.
What is the validity of the GMAT score?
Your GMAT score remains valid for five years. If you have taken the GMAT several times, GMAC will report all scores from the past five years or the last six scores (whichever is earlier). They will also report a test cancellation.
What can I expect from the testing experience?
You must present a valid photo ID when you report to the test center. In addition, an administrator will digitally take your fingerprint, signature, and photograph. Every time you leave and re-enter the testing room during breaks, you’ll have to provide a digital fingerprint again.
A proctor will sit in a booth at the center of the testing room. Each testing room will have from three to fifteen workstations, and large test centers may have several testing rooms.
Before you start your test, the test administrator will give you a booklet of five note boards for you to use as “scratch paper”. The noteboards are laminated sheets held together by a spiral binding. The first page contains instructions, and the other nine sides are available for notes. You’ll also receive a black, fine-tipped marker to write your notes, without an eraser. You can request additional note boards if you fill up the booklet. The administrator will collect the noteboards you have and give you replacements.
