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What to Expect on the GMAT - The MBA Entry Exam

By Sarah Clark
Learning & Life Columnist

The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is used by many business schools to assess an applicant's likelihood of academic success during an MBA program. In some cases, it can carry as much weight on your business school application as a college grade point average or work experience.

The Three Parts of the GMAT

The GMAT is broken into three parts. The first portion of the test essentially comprises two essay questions that require you to analyze an issue and an argument within 30 minutes.

If you were good in math and science, you'll welcome the next section, which consists of 37 multiple choice questions that are known as Data Sufficiency and Problem Solving. These questions test your quantitative skills, or your ability to solve problems dealing with numbers.

The final section tests your verbal abilities. Specifically, your reading comprehension, critical reasoning, and sentence correction are measured by your performance on 37 multiple choice questions in which you have 75 minutes to complete, the same amount of time that is allotted to complete the quantitative section.

How Important is the GMAT?

How important are GMAT test scores to graduate business school administrators? That depends on which MBA program you're applying to. Some MBA admissions committee members rely more on the test as a measure of future performance than others. To find out how important a business school regards performance on a standardized test like the GMAT, get in touch with a representative from a business school admissions department.

The Meaning of Test Scores

Total GMAT scores range from 200 to 800, with two-thirds of test takers scoring between 400 and 600. Again, you can ask a business school admissions representative how high your scores should be to compete for a spot in their MBA program.

Preparing for the GMAT

There are many ways to prepare for the GMAT. Some people prefer to take courses, while others might study on their own with a book of GMAT testing strategies and practice questions. Decide on a preparation method that suits your schedule and learning style. The key is to put in the time necessary for you to feel confident about your ability going into the test.

Sources

Graduate Management Admissions Council http://www.gmac.com/gmac/



About the Author
Sarah Clark is a freelance writer specializing in career development and postsecondary education.

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