GMAT and MBA Applications: Overview

TopMBA.com's overview of the GMAT exam shows how you can get the edge in your MBA application.  

The Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) is created and administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS). Admissions officers use the GMAT to measure academic ability. In fact, ETS data has shown that GMAT scores are consistently good, though imperfect, predictors of academic success in the first year of business school. GMAT scores are also used by admissions committees as a useful guide in comparing the credentials of candidates from widely varying backgrounds.

Standardized = Predictable

The exam itself measures general verbal, mathematical, analytical writing and integrated reasoning skills. It does not test business competence nor specific subject knowledge. The GMAT is a standardized test. Standardized tests, by definition, are predictable. Knowing the format and structure of the exam and applying certain strategies to address them can significantly increase score levels. In short, targeted preparation is the key to success in the GMAT.

Snapshot: GMAT

The GMAT consists of three sections:

• Analytical Writing Assessment
• Quantitative
• Verbal

Analytial Writing Assessment (AWA)

• One 30-minute typewritten essay on analysis of an argument.

Quantitative

• 75 minutes
• Maximum of 37 multiple-choice questions
• Question types include: Problem solving and data sufficiency
• Topics tested include: Arithmetic, algebra, and geometry.

Verbal

• 75 minutes
• Maximum of 41 multiple-choice questions
• Question types include: Reading comprehension, sentence correction, and critical reasoning
• Topics tested include: Speed reading, grammar, and analytical reasoning.

Integrated Reasoning

• 30 minutes
• 12 questions from four categories
• Question types include: graphics interpretation, two-part analysis, table analysis and multi-source reasoning

The CAT

The computer adaptive test (CAT) is more than just a computerized version of a paper and pencil test. In this format, the computer actually adapts to your performance as you're taking the test.

During the administration of the test, you will see one question at a time and must answer it in order to move to the next question. The first question is of average difficulty. The computer selects subsequent questions based on whether you've answered previous ones correctly or incorrectly and whether you've seen the required mix of concepts and question types.

Test Registration

The GMAT is created and administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS). To register and schedule your GMAT, follow the steps below:

1. Obtain a copy of the GMAT Bulletin. This booklet contains information on scheduling, pricing, repeat testing, cancellation policies, and more. You can receive it by: downloading it from www.gmat.org or calling regional ETS international registration centers:
2. Register for and schedule your exam by calling. The exam is offered the last three weeks of every month. You may schedule a few days in advance.

Scoring on the GMAT

You will receive four scores on the GMAT: (Your GMAT score is valid for five years)

• An overall score, ranging from 200 to 800.
• A math percentile, comparing you to other test takers.
• A verbal percentile, comparing you to other test takers.
• A score for the Analytical Writing Assessment, ranging from 0 to 6.

Percentile Rank

Each of the aforementioned scores are accompanied by a percentile rank. The percentile rank highlights what proportion of test takers scored lower than you on the test. The higher the percentile rank, the better you did. For example, if you received a percentile rank of 56, you did better than 56 percent of test takers. This number tells business schools exactly where you fell with respect to other candidates who took the GMAT.

The Essay

The essay is given a separate grade on a 0-6 scale by two different graders - a human and a computer named the "e-rater." These grades take into account all aspects of content, writing style, and grammar. If the two grades for an essay agree, that score will be assigned. If the two scores are markedly different, then a third scorer, a person, will read the essay to determine its grade. In addition, business schools may receive copies of your typewritten essays.