The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a standardized exam designed to measure your skills in mathematics, verbal reasoning, and analytical writing. This test serves as the primary metric used by business schools around the globe to assess candidates for MBA programs. Offered largely as a computer-based test, it remains available in paper format in regions with limited computer access.
Key Takeaways
- The GMAT is the most widely-used test by business schools to evaluate prospective MBA students.
- It includes four key sections: analytical writing, verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and integrated reasoning.
- The exam duration is three and a half hours with a maximum achievable score of 800.
Understanding the GMAT Test Structure
The GMAT consists of four sections: Analytical Writing Assessment, Verbal Reasoning, Integrated Reasoning, and Quantitative Reasoning. The highest score one can achieve is 800, and scores are valid for five years from the date of the test. On average, completing the test takes three and a half hours.
Annually, over 255,000 candidates attempt the GMAT. As of August 2023, the test costs $275 at a test center and $300 online in the U.S. Being such a critical part of business school admissions, the GMAT is available almost every day and can be retaken every 16 days, up to a total of eight times and no more than five times in a 12-month span. Most candidates sit for the exam once or twice before applying to their desired programs.
Applying the GMAT for Business Success
The Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) administers the test, evaluating your proficiency in writing, mathematics, critical reasoning, and logical thinking as it relates to real-world business scenarios.
Introduced in 2012, the Integrated Reasoning section gauges your ability to analyze and interpret data from various sources in newer formats, testing your skills in data and technology interaction.
Approximately 3,391 graduate institutions and programs utilize the GMAT for assessing applicants. It’s recommended that GMAT scores be one part of a holistic review process, rather than applying rigid cutoff scores, to ensure fair admission practices free of age, sex, and ethnicity biases.
Essentials for Taking the GMAT
You will need to present identification at the test center, which can include:
- International travel passport (required for test-takers outside their home country; expired passports are not acceptable).
- Green Cards (Permanent Resident Cards) for non-citizen residents.
- Government-issued driver’s license.
- Government-issued national/state/province identity card.
- Military ID card.
Identification requirements vary by country; check the GMAC website for specifics applicable in your region. Additionally, eligibility to apply for a graduate program at your preferred institution is a prerequisite.
GMAT vs. GRE: Understanding the Differences
While the GMAT contains four sections, the GRE includes three: Analytical Writing, Quantitative Reasoning, and Verbal Reasoning. The GRE allows three hours and 45 minutes for completion with a maximum score of 170 and an average score of 150.8.
Many graduate programs, depending on their requirements, accept either the GMAT or the GRE. Business schools often prefer the GMAT, while a broader range of graduate programs utilize the GRE.
Is the GMAT Challenging?
The difficulty level of the GMAT varies depending on your critical thinking, reasoning skills, and level of preparation. It requires comprehensive study and understanding of the subjects tested.
What Constitutes a Good GMAT Score?
With a maximum score of 800 and an average score of 651 in 2022, a score of 700 is above average. The closer your score is to 800, the stronger your application generally becomes.
GMAT or GRE: Which Do Colleges Prefer?
Preference for the GMAT or GRE depends on the institution and the specific program. Business programs typically favor the GMAT, while other graduate disciplines may lean toward the GRE.exam.
Conclusion
The GMAT evaluates your proficiency in critical business-related skills in mathematics, analytics, and communication. This test is widely accepted by top business schools and is often a key step in applying for an MBA program. Equip yourself with the knowledge and preparation to make your business school dreams a reality!
Related Terms: MBA, Business School, GRE, Graduate Admissions, Graduate Management Admission Council.
References
- Graduate Management Admission Council. “GMAT Exam Structure”.
- Graduate Management Admission Council. “How Is the GMAT Exam Scored?”
- Graduate Management Admission Council. “GMAT Geographic Trend Report: Testing Year 2022”, Page 24.
- Graduate Management Admission Council. “Exam Payment”.
- Graduate Management Admission Council. “Frequently Asked Questions”.
- Graduate Management Admissions Council. “Structure and Content”.
- Graduate Management Admission Council. “Identification Requirements”.
- Princeton Review. “About the GRE Test”.
