People often stop me in the streets to ask "Hey Mukul, what's this GMAT thingy all about"? Sometimes I can't even walk outside my house without somebody standing there with a giant neon sign that blinks "WHAT IS GMAT"? Instead of answering every individual separately and so that you can save your money on those neon signs, I decided to write this article that would answer that simple yet complex question. My special thanks to Sir Douglas Adams, IIMs, my Girlfriend and well...Destiny.

The first step

What is the GMAT?

The Graduate Management Admission Test® (GMAT) is a standardized assessment—delivered in English—that helps business schools assess the qualifications of applicants for advanced study in business and management. Schools use the test as one predictor of academic performance in an MBA program or in other graduate management programs. To add to this, most MBA schools require a GMAT.

How does GMAT look like?

The GMAT exam consists of three main parts, the Analytical Writing Assessment, the Quantitative section, and the Verbal section.

Section
No. of Questions
Time Allowed
Details
Score Details
Essays
2
60 min
•Analysis of an Issue (30 min., 1 topic)
•Analysis of an Argument (30 min., 1 topic)
0-6
Break
5min
Math
37
75 min
•Problem Solving (23-24 questions)
•Data Sufficiency (13-14 questions) Total number of questions: 37
0 - 60
Break
5min
Verbal
41
75 min
•Critical Reasoning (14-15 questions)
•Sentence Correction (14-15 questions)
•Reading Comprehension
(4 passages, 12-14 questions) Total number of questions: 41
0 - 60
Total Time
4 hours (approx.)
200 - 800

Hey! What is CAT? I hear a lot about it (mostly myths).

Its not witchcraft!! It means that its a Computer Adaptive Test. Quantitative and Verbal sections consist of multiple-choice questions delivered in a computer-adaptive format. Questions in these sections are dynamically selected as you take the test; the multiple-choice questions will adjust to your ability level, and your test will be unique.
For each multiple-choice section of the GMAT exam, there is a large pool of potential questions ranging from a low to high level of difficulty. Each section of the test starts with a question of moderate difficulty. If you answer the first question correctly, the computer will usually give you a harder question. If you answer the first question incorrectly, your next question will be easier. This process will continue until you complete the section, at which point the computer will have an accurate assessment of your ability level in that subject area.
In a computer-adaptive test, only one question at a time is presented. Because the computer scores each question before selecting the next one, you may not skip, return to, or change your responses to previous questions.

Tips

Your score is determined by:

  1. the number of questions you answer,
  2. whether you answer the questions correctly or incorrectly, and
  3. the level of difficulty and other statistical characteristics of each question.

You need only minimal computer skills to complete the GMAT exam. Familiarize yourself with the mechanics of taking a computer-adaptive test by using the GMAT Tutorials that is included with the free GMATPrep® Software. The tutorials cover such topics as:

  • using a mouse
  • entering responses
  • moving on to the next question
  • using the word processor
  • accessing the Help function

What does it cost to take the GMAT?

The current fee to register for the GMAT is $250 (USD). If a test appointment is cancelled at least seven calendar days prior to the scheduled appointment, a partial refund of $80 (USD) is issued. The test fee of $250 includes the release of your score report to up to five business schools. Additional score reports can be requested for an additional cost of $25 per school.

How to report scores to the schools?

Five score reports are free. The names of these schools are supposed to be filled in before the test. You just need to know which schools you wan to apply to. The procedure is simple. You can search the schools and use the drop downs to populate the names. You DON'T have to memorize the codes!! And yes, it needs to be filled in before you take the test. So you should apply to 2 dream schools. 2 feasible schools and 1 safe school, so that you don't waste that freebie.

When should I take the GMAT?

Okay! So obviously there's an ideal scenario and there's a not so ideal scenario. Strive to take the GMAT about a year prior to your expected entrance into Business School. You will have plenty of time to work on your application process, which is 20 times tougher than taking the GMAT.
Also let's say you screwed up the first time, you cannot reschedule it within one calendar month. So keep that buffer period as well. Also your score comes only after 20 days...so that's also a consideration.
At a minimum, you want to take the GMAT a month before the application deadline. It will take anywhere from two to four weeks to get your official score, although you will get an unofficial score immediately after you take the test. You can arrange for your test score to be sent directly to you and up to 5 schools in which you are applying. If you take the test close to an application deadline, you may want to include the unofficial score report with your application.
Last but not the least, take the GMAT only when you have prepared and are confident that you'll rock.

Where can I take the GMAT exam?

The GMAT exam is delivered in testing centers around the world. Find a test center.

What schools use GMAT scores?

Over 1900 graduate business schools around the world use GMAT scores as a part their admissions process. GMAT using schools here.

How do I schedule a GMAT appointment?

Schedule a GMAT appointment by logging on to the GMAC official site.

Books!!

  1. The Official Guide for GMAT Review, 12th Edition
  2. The Official Guide for GMAT Review, 11th Edition
  3. Kaplan GMAT, 2010 Edition: Premier Program
  4. Princeton: Cracking the GMAT with DVD, 2009 Edition
  5. NOVA's GMAT Prep Course (With Online Course)

VERBAL:

  1. Sentence Correction GMAT Preparation Guide (Manhattan Gmat Prep)
  2. The Official Guide for GMAT Verbal Review, 2nd Edition
  3. Kaplan GMAT Verbal Workbook
  4. The PowerScore GMAT Sentence Correction Bible(VERY GOOD)
  5. The PowerScore GMAT Critical Reasoning Bible(VERY GOOD)
  6. Princeton Verbal Workout

MATHS :

  1. Kaplan GMAT Math Workbook
  2. Princeton Math Workout
  3. The Official Guide for GMAT Quantitative Review

This is very important guys. I mean surely you wouldn't want your preparation to be going on a wrong line. Some books aren't just complete in their content. Some don't give you those "tips" which anyone aiming at a good score would want to have. So it finally boils down to having a set of materials rather than having just one book or one study material. But the question remains...which ones?? Read this article which will guide you in buying the best material.

disclaimer

I have tried my best to give the most accurate information. But don't take my word for it. Go to the official website. It's pretty neat. Happy GMATing!!!


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