GMAT - Graduate Management Admission Test*

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The Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT, pronounced G-mat) is a standardized test 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.

Until the end of 2005, Educational Testing Service (ETS) developed and administered the exam. On January 1, 2006, the GMAT transitioned to a combination of vendors: ACT Inc, to develop the test questions and CAT software, and Pearson Vue, to deliver the exam at testing centers worldwide.

The cost to take the GMAT is $250 and may be scheduled throughout the year at authorized testing centers.

Structure

The GMAT consists of three graded sections, Analytic Writing, Verbal and Quantitative. The Analytic Writing section will always appear first, followed by the Quantitative section and finishing with the Verbal section. The entire test procedure takes about 4 hours.

To register for the GMAT, please visit MBA.com.

Scoring

Four scores are reported on the GMAT

• Verbal - scores range from 0 to 60
• Quantitative - scores range from 0 to 60
• Total - scores range from 200 to 800
• Analytical Writing - scores range from 0 to 6 point in half-point increments

The score for getting each question correct is weighted by its level of difficulty, and the first five or so questions of the exam will determine the general range of the test taker's ability, while the subsequent questions will pinpoint that range in more exact terms. Therefore, it is in the best interest of the test taker to not only answer every question as correctly as possible, but to pay extra attention to the first five or so questions, as they will determine the general range of the final score. However, it is equally important that the test taker answer all questions. Spending too much time on the first part of the test and not leaving enough time to complete the exam will lead to very poor scores.

When you register for the GMAT, you can select up to four recipients (Graduate or Fellowship programs) to receive a copy of your score report at no cost. Additional score reports can be ordered for a fee. GMAT score reporting is cumulative and is retained for 5 years. All scores earned during this time will be reported to each institution you designate.

The unofficial Verbal and Quantitative scores along with the Total score are given to you at the testing center upon completing the test. Official Verbal, Quantitative, Total and Analytical Writing scores will be available online or will be mailed to you, depending upon which option you choose. Official scores are available approximately 20 days after the test.

Preparing

Free GMATPrep Test Preparation software is available for free from the Graduate Management Admissions Council at mba.com. Various Official Guides are also available, for a fee.

If you'd like more personalized training, we recommend the following:

Manhattan GMAT

Manhattan GMAT focuses only on the GMAT exam. They offer private tutor, classroom based and online test prep options. They're different from many other test prep providers in that they focus on "teaching a practical approach to EVERY problem type, from the basic to the most advanced questions" as opposed to teaching how to 'beat the test'.

Kaplan

Kaplan offers comprehensive GMAT prep via private tutoring, classroom courses and online training programs. Their programs are highly regarded.

Please note: We are members of the affiliate program for Kaplan. All links to their products include our affiliate id.

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