Friday, August 21, 2009

GMAT

What does GMAT stand for?

The GMAT stands for Graduate Management Admission Test. It is administered by Graduate Management Admission Council (or GMAC) and required for admission to most U.S., Canadian, and European business school MBA programs. Also, the GMAT test result can be used for admission to business PhD program, such as Harvard Business School DBA program.

Many test-takers have been working for several years and some are still in colleges. However, the GMAT exam does not test any specific knowledge in business or other subjects. Rather, it tests the "mental intelligence" and the ability to make decision under time pressure. The following table represents GMAT test format:

GMAT Format

Section
Number (s) of Questions (Total)
Length

AWA (one Issue and one Argument) 2
30 minutes for each essay

Break 5 minutes

Verbal: about 14 Reading Comprehension Questions (3 passages), 10 Critical Reasoning Question and 17 Sentence Correction Questions) 41
75 minutes

Break 5 minutes

Quantitative (about 13 Data Sufficiency, and 34 Problem Solving) 37
75 minutes


GMAT Score and MBA Admissions

The GMAT is an essential element in the evaluation of an applicant, and schools attach great importance to the test for two good reasons: it allows the school to compare applicants from different backgrounds according to the same numerical scale; moreover, the average GMAT score is taken into account in the various business school rankings.

At most schools, the GMAT is a deciding element in your application. Along with your undergraduate grades, your score on the GMAT determines your "academic ability". Although everyone refuses to compare it to an IQ test, the GMAT implicitly provides the school with an indication of your ability to follow the MBA courses.

What is the GMAT Test?

The GMAT stands for Graduate Management Admission Test. It is an exam held by Graduate Management Councils. Currently, the exam is a computer based test and covers three sections: verbal, quantitative, and essay. The GMAT is developed to test the ability to tackle the graduate education. It does not require any specific business knowledge. As we stated in What is GMAT, GMAT is now a four-and-one-half hour exam.

Why does MBA require the GMAT?

The GMAT exam is required by almost all (if not 100% of) accredited MBA programs because applicants come from different educational, employment , and cultural background. The admissions committee need a common criteria to determine the quality of each candidate. The GMAT score, together with GPA, employment history, MBA essays, letter of references and interview, thus provides a comprehensive picture of a particular applicant. In addition, most EMBA programs also require GMAT score for admissions consideration.

Can the GMAT exam be waived?

For most MBA programs, the GMAT requirement can not be waived. But a few schools do waive GMAT if the applicants demonstrate strong leadership experience, hold an outstanding GPA in a business management related major, etc. For example, The University of South Florida is one of them.

Do I need to take the GMAT?

If you plan to attend MBA program, you are required to take the GMAT before admissions application. For PhD program or other Master program, the exam can be substituted by GRE.

Can I substitute the GMAT for the GRE?

The answer is not. Again, GRE is only accepted by graduate schools.

Are there any free GMAT resources?

The GMAT test maker, GMAC or MBA.com, provides some of the best resources for GMAT, such as GMATPrep Software. It is free. You can download it from GMAC website. Also, our site offers a free section of GMAT test. Please refer to: Free Sample GMAT Questions.

Can I use a book to prepare for the GMAT?

Actually, the ebook provided by this site is sufficient to prepare for the test. If you need more materials, you can purchase from the bookstore nearby or Amazon.com.

Should I take a classroom GMAT preparation course?

It depends on your own learning style. If you prefer an interactive environment, you can choose a classroom test prep course. The fact is that most test takers can confidently prepare the test online with with a study guide.

When Can I take the GMAT test?

You can take the exam anytime throughout the year. The GMAT is in a computerized format, so it is convenient to schedule.

Where can I take the GMAT?

There are a number of testing centers throughout the country and the world. You can find a test center near to you by visiting GMAT Testing Centers.

How to Prepare for the GMAT?

This is not a question that can be answered completely here. However, if you are a starter, try to do the followings:

1. Get a copy of sample GMAT questions from the test administrator (you can download from MBA.com). Try to find out the types of question on the exam.

2. Review the basic math skills and grammar rules.

3. Practice sample questions and essays. A complete list of topics can be obtained from the mba.com website.

4. Study for at least one month before taking the test. If you have enough time, buy a study guide.

When should I take the GMAT?

It is wise to take the test a few months before applying. The GMAT score is valid for five years only. Thus, it is not good to take the test if you are still in the college. In general, business school requires three to four years of working experience before enrollment. If you are a college senior, wait three or four years.

How to Improve my GMAT Score?

Practice more questions under timed conditions or focus on the areas of weakness. You can also turn to a private tutor or preparation course for specific testing techniques if you have spent significant time last time, but did not achieve a satisfying score.

How to Submit GMAT Scores to an MBA Program?

On the test day, you can select up to five recipients for free. After the test, you can request the MBA.com to send additional score report to more schools. The cost is $28 for each school.

How is GMAT scored?

Right after the test, you will get an unofficial score report. On the paper, there are several different numbers. The 3-digit is the overall score you got. This number ranges from 200 to 800. It is determined by your performance on each section of the test.

How important are my GMAT Scores?

Business schools tend to weight your GMAT score most heavily because it provides a common standard that can be used to compare applicants from different backgrounds.

Can I cancel my scores?

Yes, you can. Immediately after you take the exam, you will be asked to report or cancel your scores. Once you cancel your score, you will not be able to see your scores.

How many times can I take the GMAT?

Previously, you can take the GMAT as many times as you want. After 2002, however, you may take the test no more than five times within a year and once in any calendar month.

How hard is the GMAT?

The GMAT is not easy for those who have left schools for many years. In the math section, you are not allowed to use a calculator during the test. And the verbal section is tricky due the length of the sentences. To get a good score, you have to be well prepared.

Common Admission Test (CAT)

Joint Management Entrance Test (JMET)


XAT (XLRI Admission Test)

Combined Aptitude Test


All India Entrance Test For Mba

All India Management Entrance Test (AIMET)

Common Entrance Test (CET)

Symbiosis National Aptitude Test (SNAP)

Management Aptitude Test (MAT)

OMAT - Orissa

MET/PAM-CAT For Admission To MBA

National Entrance Test (NET)

Consortium Of Self-Financing Professional, Arts & Science Colleges - Tamilnadu


U.P.Technical University State Entrance Examination (SEE)

UPMCAT (U.P.Management & MCA Combined Admission Test)

Uttranchal Joint Entrance Test UAJET

Government Of West Bengal JEE For MBA (JEMAT)

National Institute of Management Calcutta (NIMC)

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