What is on the GMAT Exam?
GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test)
(pronounced G-MAT)
-an exam that helps business schools assess students’ academic abilities to succeed in business school. The test is in a computer adaptive test (CAT) format. Business schools use this test as a standardized way of assessing individuals globally who come from different backgrounds and have attended schools with different grading systems. The test is administered in English and costs $250 globally.
Your scores (yes there are several different ones) on the GMAT are only part of the admissions decision for business school. Given the intense work required to prepare a business school application, it is a good idea to reach your target GMAT score in as little time as possible so that you can focus on your extracurricular activities and essays.
TEST STRUCTURE
Part I: Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) – [2 Essays, 60 minutes]
A. Analysis of an Argument (30 minutes)
B. Analysis of an Issue (30 minutes)
5 min break
Part II: Quantitative Section (37 questions, 75 minutes)
A. Problem Solving (23 or 24)
B. Data Sufficiency (13 or 14)
5 min break
Part III: Verbal Section (41 questions, 75 minutes)
A. Critical Reasoning (14 or 15)
B. Reading Comprehension(4 passages, 12-14)
C. Sentence Correction (14 or 15)
How does the Computer-Adaptive Format of the test work for the Verbal and Quant sections?
The Computer-Adaptive Test (CAT) is unfamiliar to most people. It helps to understand how it works, but don’t get too bogged down on the details. The test is administered at testing centers throughout the world. Just visit www.mba.com to register for the one nearest you at your earliest convenience.
- The Verbal and Quant sections are multiple choice
- Each section starts with a medium-level question
- If you answer correctly, your next question is harder
- If you answer incorrectlym, your next question is easier
- The computer will keep adjusting to find an accurate assessment of your ability level in that subject area
- Every test contains trial multiple-choice questions that are being pretested. From a scoring perspective, they do not count. However, it is impossible to identify them.
Lots of students get stressed out when they see an “easy” GMAT question, thinking they just got the previous one wrong. You should not be focusing on these little details because they can detract from your psychological stamina during the exam. What you should be focused on is getting whatever question is thrown at you correct and moving on to the next one in a timely manner.
The # of questions you answer correctly out of 37 Q questions is translated onto a Quant raw score of 51, weighted on level of difficulty and other statistical characteristics of each question.
Likewise, the # of questions you answer correctly out of 41 V questions is translated onto a Verbal raw score of 51, weighted on level of difficulty and other statistical characteristics of each question.
Is the essay pencil and paper or is it also on computer?
You type your essays. And yes, you can cut-and-paste.
How many years can I use my GMAT score?
Your scores on the GMAT are valid for 5 years.If you are currently taking tests (you are in school), then it might be a good idea to take the test soon rather than wait until you are in the working world–even if you are not sure about business school. If you take the exam multiple times, business schools will see all of your scores for the last 5 years.
How should I study?
You should first take a look at the GMATPrep Free Software. Sign up for a login and download the program, which consists of used GMAT questions that are about as close to the real thing as you can get!
Many prep programs exist. Lots of them charge $1,500 and I’ve even seen some that charge $10k. But don’t be fooled. Exorbitant prices don’t necessarily mean a better study resource for you. You should assess how best you learn. If you you don’t feel like paying the premium for somebody’s time (as in tutoring or a prep course) then these options may not be for you.
The GMAT preparation experience does not have to be a stressful one. Look for the study strategy that works for you— taking into consideration time, price, and approach. This is important as it’ll help you get the GMAT out of the way so you can spend time on your extracurricular activities!
One particular study method that is pretty innovative and is suitable for today’s visually-inclined young professionals is the GMAT Pill. They specialize in sentence correction at the moment and give specific techniques that help you pinpoint key words as you read a test question. If sentence correction is your weakness, it’s worth the money to use this method and have the confidence to dominate the sentence correction part of the GMAT.
There are a variety of free resources you should take advantage of as well. Just do a quick google search and you’ll find plenty. Finding free questions is easy, but you probably won’t find much free quality material when it comes to teaching you how to answer questions effectively.
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Tips to help you ace the GAMSAT and get into medical school
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