Are you aiming for a business degree like MBA, but wondering how to get there? One major hurdle you will likely face is GMAT. One of the potential hurdles, you might face is the GMAT. But what is the GMAT exam, and why is it a critical part of your application? Nearly more than 200,000 candidates take the GMAT each year, and 9 out of 10 global MBA enrollments use the scores of GMAT, in their admission process.

In this blog, we will delve deeper into the GMAT exam, its purpose, structure, timing, and fee. Moreover, some tips to ace the exam will also be discussed in the blog.

What is the GMAT Exam: Do You Need it for MBA?

The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a standardized exam designed to evaluate the student’s skills, seeking admission to business schools. Managed by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), GMAT is widely accepted by more than 2300 institutions and 7700 programs worldwide. Most business schools consider the GMAT score as a critical component of the admission application, primarily if you are interested in a management-related degree.

What is the GMAT Exam: Purpose?

You might wonder, why business or management schools specifically need the GMAT, and what does it prove?

GMAT principally analyzed various skills of the student, needed specifically for these subjects, including:

• critical and analytical thinking
• communication skills
• problem-solving ability
• quantitative and verbal reasoning capabilities

According to recent surveys, students who perform well tend to excel in business school, making it a reliable metric for predicting future academic performance.

What is the GMAT Exam: Structure

The GMAT exam includes four sections principally, each of which measures different skill sets, needed for business management.

Analytical Writing Assessment

The analytical writing assessment analyzes your ability to argue and express your thoughts clearly and logically. You will need to write an essay critiquing the reasoning behind a specified argument.

The essay should demonstrate your writing skills, in addition to, your ability to evaluate the validity of an argument. Moreover, you should also present well-structured and well-integrated thoughts.

Integrated Reasoning (IR)

This section evaluates how well you can process and interpret the data presented in multiple formats, including multi-source reasoning problems, graphs, and tables. Usually, data from various sources is synthesized, for well-informed decision-making, therefore, this section mimics real-world business challenges.

80% of the test takers, as per GMAC, find this section challenging due to the time pressure and complexity involved.

Quantitative Reasoning

This part of the GMAT assesses mathematical skills, covering algebra, geometry, and arithmetic. It will primarily analyze your ability to think logically and solve problems, under time constraints.   

This section will require you to solve problems and interpret data, without the help of a calculator. Business programs, as often rely on data analysis, therefore, proficiency in quantitative reasoning is a primary requisite.

Verbal Reasoning

You will be tested for your verbal skills, in this section. Can you communicate ideas effectively, draw logical conclusions, and understand complex tests?

You will be assessed for critical reasoning, reading comprehension, and sentence correction. It will allow the universities to ensure that you have the required linguistics skills, needed for excelling in the business school setting.

What is the GMAT Exam: Time Breakdown of the GMAT Exam

Understanding the layout of the GMAT Exam, is important, leading to better preparation for the test.

Following is the breakdown of the GMAT Exam:

• ·         Analytical Writing Assessment (30 minutes)
• ·         Integrated Reasoning (30 minutes)
• ·         Quantitative Reasoning (62 minutes)
• ·         Verbal Reasoning (65 minutes)

Collectively, the GMAT exam takes about 3.5 hours. Also, it includes two 8-minute breaks.

The GMAT exam typically ranges between 200-800.

What is a GMAT Exam: Criterion for Score?

 Well, you might wonder, what is a good GMAT score. It entirely depends on the institution you are applying in.

The average GMAT score for all test-takers is 564. Hence, if you achieve a score above 600, you will be considered competitive for various business schools. However, for highly reputable business schools, you might need a GMAT score of 700-730.

Nonetheless, only less than 12% of the test takers, achieve a score higher than 700, which makes them key candidates for prestigious business schools, in Europe.

What is the GMAT Exam: Fee Structure?

The fee for the GMAT exam is around 275 USD, depending on your location. This fee primarily covers the expenses of your test, however, the GMAC, within the same budget, sends your scores up to five schools. The GMAT exam fee in Pakistan is 250 USD.

However, the cancellation or rescheduling of the exam can result in additional fees. For example, if the exam is canceled within 7 days, you will only be refunded 80 USD.

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What is the GMAT Exam: How to Prepare for the GMAT Exam

The GMAT exam is not something you can just “wing”, in fact, you will need to comprehensively prepare for the test. Some of the most effective strategies, that can help you prepare for the GMAT exam are discussed as follows:

Firstly, you must set a timetable. On average, you will need 2-3 months or 100-120 study hours to prepare for four GMAT exams effectively. Break the study sessions into smaller and more manageable chunks. You must emphasize your weaknesses, during this study plan.

Secondly, you must attempt mock exams or trial tests. In fact, two free official practice tests, are offered by GMAC. These can be accessed on the official website of GMAC and will give you an idea of the timing and types of questions you’ll encounter during the test.

Thirdly, after assessing your strengths and weaknesses, you should enroll in a prep course. These courses, whether online or in person, offer expert guidance and personalized feedback. This, in turn, will help you achieve your optimum potential.

Fourthly, you must focus on timing, as several candidates face problems with time management. Practice answering questions, within a specified time. This will help you to improve your accuracy and speed, specifically in verbal and quantitative sections.

You must stay consistent, over the preparatory month. Remember, studying and practicing every day is always effective for cramming all at once.

Conclusion

Through strategic preparation, and a thorough understanding of the GMAT, you can boost your score, and increase the opportunities of getting into your dream business school.