Complete Information About the GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test)
The GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) is a standardized test used primarily for admissions to business schools and MBA programs worldwide. It is designed to assess the skills required for success in graduate business programs, including analytical writing, quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning, and integrated reasoning.
The GMAT is administered by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) and is recognized by thousands of business schools around the world as part of the admissions process for MBA, EMBA, and other graduate business programs.
Below is a comprehensive overview of the GMAT exam:
1. GMAT Test Format
The GMAT consists of four main sections:
- Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA)
- Integrated Reasoning (IR)
- Quantitative Reasoning (QR)
- Verbal Reasoning (VR)
The test is primarily computer-adaptive, meaning that the difficulty of the questions changes based on your responses as you progress through the test.
1.1 Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA)
Time: 30 minutes
Content: The AWA section consists of one essay prompt. You are asked to analyze a given argument and evaluate its reasoning. You need to critique the logical soundness of the argument, not agree or disagree with the conclusion itself.
Skills Tested:
- Ability to think critically and evaluate an argument.
- Writing clarity, organization, and coherence.
- Logical and reasoned analysis of the argument.
Scoring: The AWA is scored on a scale of 0 to 6 in half-point increments. Your essay is scored by both a computer and a human rater. The average of the two scores is your final AWA score.
1.2 Integrated Reasoning (IR)
Time: 30 minutes
Content: The IR section consists of 12 questions that test your ability to analyze and interpret data from different sources. The questions typically involve interpreting graphical data, evaluating multi-source reasoning, and solving complex problems using data analysis.
Question Types:
- Graphics Interpretation: Interpreting information presented in graphs, charts, and tables.
- Table Analysis: Analyzing data in tables to determine relationships and draw conclusions.
- Multi-Source Reasoning: Answering questions based on information from different sources.
- Two-Part Analysis: Solving complex problems that have multiple parts.
Skills Tested:
- Ability to analyze data from multiple sources.
- Problem-solving using data interpretation.
- Evaluating complex information and making data-driven decisions.
Scoring: The IR section is scored on a scale of 1 to 8, in single-point increments.
1.3 Quantitative Reasoning (QR)
Time: 62 minutes
Content: The QR section consists of 31 multiple-choice questions designed to assess your ability to solve quantitative problems, interpret data, and analyze information. The section includes questions on arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis.
Question Types:
- Problem Solving: Questions that require you to use mathematical reasoning to solve problems.
- Data Sufficiency: Questions that involve determining whether you have enough information to solve a problem.
Skills Tested:
- Arithmetic: Basic operations, fractions, percentages, ratios, etc.
- Algebra: Linear equations, inequalities, polynomials, and functions.
- Geometry: Properties of shapes, lines, angles, and volumes.
- Data Analysis: Interpretation of data presented in tables and graphs.
Scoring: The QR section is scored on a scale of 6 to 51, in 1-point increments.
1.4 Verbal Reasoning (VR)
Time: 65 minutes
Content: The VR section consists of 36 multiple-choice questions that test your ability to analyze written material, evaluate arguments, and correct written text. The section includes questions on reading comprehension, critical reasoning, and sentence correction.
Question Types:
- Reading Comprehension: Reading passages followed by questions that test your understanding, analysis, and ability to draw inferences from the passage.
- Critical Reasoning: Questions that test your ability to evaluate arguments, identify flaws in reasoning, and make logical inferences.
- Sentence Correction: Identifying errors in grammar, sentence structure, and usage in given sentences.
Skills Tested:
- Reading Comprehension: Understanding and analyzing written text.
- Logical Reasoning: Identifying assumptions, flaws, and conclusions in arguments.
- Grammar and Writing: Understanding standard written English.
Scoring: The VR section is scored on a scale of 6 to 51, in 1-point increments.
2. GMAT Scoring System
Total Score: The total GMAT score is the sum of the Quantitative and Verbal Reasoning sections. This gives a score range of 200 to 800.
- Quantitative Reasoning: 6 to 51 points.
- Verbal Reasoning: 6 to 51 points.
Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA): Scores range from 0 to 6.
Integrated Reasoning (IR): Scores range from 1 to 8.
Score Ranges:
- Total GMAT Score: 200-800 (combining the Quantitative and Verbal sections).
- AWA: 0–6.
- IR: 1–8.
Score Reporting: Your GMAT score report includes:
- Your Total Score (200–800).
- Scores for the Verbal and Quantitative sections (6–51).
- Your Analytical Writing score (0–6).
- Your Integrated Reasoning score (1–8).
Score Validity: GMAT scores are valid for 5 years from the test date.
3. GMAT Test Duration
- Total Test Duration: Approximately 3 hours and 7 minutes (without breaks).
- Analytical Writing: 30 minutes.
- Integrated Reasoning: 30 minutes.
- Quantitative Reasoning: 62 minutes.
- Verbal Reasoning: 65 minutes.
- Breaks: You are given a 10-minute optional break after the IR section and another 10-minute break after the Quantitative section.
4. GMAT Registration & Fees
How to Register: You can register for the GMAT through the official GMAC website or by calling their customer service.
Registration Fee: The standard registration fee for the GMAT is $275 USD.
- Late Registration Fee: An additional $50 if you register after the regular deadline.
- Rescheduling or Cancelling: Fees apply for rescheduling or canceling your test date.
Test Dates: The GMAT is offered year-round at test centers worldwide. It is typically available every day except for holidays.
Payment: You can pay the registration fee via credit card, debit card, or electronic bank transfer.
5. GMAT Test Locations
- The GMAT is offered at over 600 test centers in more than 110 countries worldwide.
- You can take the test at computer-based centers, and in some regions, paper-based testing is available.
6. GMAT Preparation
Preparation for the GMAT is critical as the test is challenging and measures advanced reasoning and critical thinking skills. Preparation can include:
Official GMAT Preparation Materials:
- GMAT Official Guide: A comprehensive guide published by GMAC that includes real past exam questions.
- GMATPrep Software: Free official software that provides practice tests and questions.
Online Courses and Study Plans:
- Many organizations offer GMAT prep courses (online and in-person). Popular providers include Magoosh, Kaplan, Princeton Review, and Manhattan Prep.
- Khan Academy offers free resources for quantitative topics, while other websites provide targeted practice questions and explanations for each section.
Practice Tests: Taking full-length practice tests under real test conditions will help familiarize you with the test format, pacing, and content.
7. GMAT vs GRE
The GMAT is specifically designed for students applying to business schools and MBA programs. It has a strong focus on analytical writing, integrated reasoning, and quantitative reasoning. In contrast:
- The GRE is used for admission to a wider range of graduate programs (not just business schools).
- The GMAT focuses on business-related reasoning and has more emphasis on integrated reasoning, while the GRE includes sections on verbal reasoning and quantitative reasoning in more academic contexts.
Some schools accept both the GMAT and GRE.