GMAT Preparation
GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test)
The GMAT is a multiple-choice, computer-based standardized exam that is frequently needed for admission to a graduate business program (MBA) internationally. It is an essential part of the business school application process.
ABOUT THE GMAT
The GMAT is established and operated by test maker GMAC in order to provide business schools with common measures of qualifications for graduate-level academic work. Along with your work experience, academic record, and supporting materials, the business school admission committees look at your GMAT score to evaluate your readiness for the diligence of an MBA program. The GMAT score will have a direct impact on your business school application.
WHAT DOES GMAT INCLUDE?
The GMAT preparation includes basic arithmetic, algebra, geometry, multi-source data analysis, and grammar. It measures the capability of an applicant to analyze and evaluate the written material, to think critically, and to solve problems. The GMAT is first an evaluation test of your critical thinking skills. The key to a great GMAT score is in knowing how to evaluate and analyze information thoroughly.
WHAT ARE THE GMAT SECTIONS?
Although the same critical thinking and analysis skills are to be used throughout the test like in the MBA coursework, the GMAT contains four different sections. There are four score test sections. Among them, two test sections are scored separately, and the other two separately scored tests are combined to develop the composite score. The four sections are:
- Analytical Writing Assessment
- Integrated Reasoning
- Quantitative
- Verbal
GMAT test-takers can select the order in which they want to take GMAT test sections. There are three processes from which one can be chosen and they are:
- Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA), Integrated Reasoning (IR), Quantitative, Verbal
- Verbal, Quantitative, Integrated Reasoning, Analytical Writing Assessment
- Quantitative, Verbal, Integrated Reasoning, Analytical Writing Assessment
Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA)
In this section, you will be provided with a brief argument. Here, you are not supposed to present your own point of view on the given topic. Instead, you are supposed to review the author’s argument and analyze the wiseness of the author’s evidence and reasoning. While providing scores to this section, the graders look for whether you can clearly identify and analyze parts of the argument, develop and arrange your ideas logically and thoughtfully, and relate your statements with proper alternations.
This section of the GMAT is scored separately from 0 to 6 in half-point increments. This is an essay section for analyzing your writing skills. The AWA score is not used for generating your 200–800-point score. A human grader and a computer grading system provide scores to your essays, and the two scores are averaged for your final score. And if the score ratings differ significantly, then another human check and provide scores to your essay.
Integrated Reasoning (IR)
In this section, you will be presented with multiple reasoning questions, graphics interpretation questions, two-part analysis questions, and table analysis questions. There will be a total of 12 questions and many of them will have multiple parts.
The integrated reasoning section is scored separately from 1-8 in one-point increments.
Quantitative
This section is developed to test your content and analytical understanding of basic math concepts that include arithmetic and number properties, algebra, and geometry. It consists of two types of questions format: Data sufficiency and Problem-solving.
The quantitative section is scored from 0-60 scale.
Verbal
This section is developed to test your command of standard written English, your skills to analyze arguments, and your ability to read critically. There are three types of questions: critical reasoning, sentence correction, and reading comprehension.
The verbal section also has a scaled score of 0-60.
WHAT IS A GOOD GMAT SCORE?
It is always a better idea to look at the mean GMAT score of admitted applicants to the considered MBA programs. This will provide a good baseline.
With the mean score for Quantitative at 39 and Verbal at 27, the Quantitative and Verbal sections of the GMAT are each scored from 0 to 60. The most attention paid score by business schools and MBA programs are the combined 200–800 score scale, where the mean score is 552.
WHAT IS THE COST FOR GMAT EXAM?
The cost to take the GMAT is around $275 that includes sending your score reports to five programs of your choice. You should select the right time to take the GMAT with the right test preparation so that you don’t have to pay the fee again and again.