Business school dreamers must know that a great score on the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) will improve their odds of acceptance. GMAT score is a legitimate indicator of whether a candidate is academically and fundamentally prepared to join a business school. If you are wondering, "What is GMAT exactly?" and "How to get ready for GMAT?" Here is a thorough guide to the GMAT test, along with many valuable tips Radviser, your intelligent adviser, provided for you. 

What Is GMAT?

Simply put, the Graduate Management Admission Test or GMAT is an essential part of the business school application process. It is a computer-based, multiple-choice, and computer-adaptive exam required for admission to graduate business programs, i.e., Master of Business Administration or MBA, worldwide. 

The GMAT test is administered and conducted by GMAC (Graduate Management Admission Council) to provide business schools with candidates properly prepared for graduate-level academic work. The admission committees will look at the GMAT score, work experience, educational background, and other supporting documents to assess a candidate's readiness to opt for an MBA program. 

It is an entrance exam that lasts about 3-4 hours. The GMAT test measures the capability of basic arithmetic, multi-source data analysis, grammar, algebra, and geometry. The most important purpose of the GMAT test is to measure the ability to analyze and evaluate written material, critical thinking, and decision-making. To achieve a great GMAT score, one must think critically and analyze information. It is all about using specific techniques and strategies for the best performance on the GMAT. So far, you have learned "what GMAT is". Now let us take you to the next level. 

Who Can Register for GMAT?

The GMAT is used for students who want to pursue graduate-level education in business and management, typically an MBA. Different schools use and evaluate scores in different ways. An excellent score on the GMAT can give an applicant a strong background to apply for the best business schools.

GMAT is accepted for MBA admission worldwide, and no other test has as wide acceptability as GMAT. More than 2300 schools accept GMAT scores for giving admission. There are about 659 testing centers in 114 countries that administer the GMAT exam. 

GMAT candidates can apply to more than 7000 programs. It is good to know that top business schools worldwide like Harvard, INSEAD, and Stanford accept a GMAT score above 720. Different business schools require different GMAT scores. 

There are some opportunities for GMAT scholarships. Business schools give grants and scholarships for studying professional programs like MBA. Scholarships can be need-based or merit-based. There are no specific scholarship award rules, and it depends on different schools' admission processes. Scholarships can be full or partial. The full scholarship covers the entire cost, and a partial one covers only the part of the course fee.

GMAT Eligibility 

The GMAC determines no set eligibility criteria. However, it is necessary to meet the eligibility criteria needed by the university/college one aspires to apply to after taking the GMAT test. Following are essential criteria determining the eligibility for the GMAT.

Age 

The candidate must be at least 18 years old. There is no upper age limit. Aspirants between 13 to 17 years old must have written permission from their parents or legal guardian.

Nationality 

All nationalities can take the GMAT. All rules are equally applicable to everyone. Also, there is a strict rule about identity proof. 

Academic Qualifications

There are no max or min academic qualification limits for the GMAT. If you are a working professional, an undergraduate student, or not in one of these categories, you can take the GMAT.

Academic Grades

There is no minimum cut-off for the previous grades, marks, and scores. Of course, better grades will secure admission into a B-School. The admission committee will consider academic grades. 

Work Experience

There is no minimum or maximum limit for work experience to take the GMAT exam. However, the admission committee will consider the candidates' work experience while evaluating the applications. Some factors, like the profile, number of years, and achievements, are essential.

Undergraduate Program

All the graduates from recognized universities in various fields can take the GMAT. 

Instruction Medium 

Candidates are eligible to take the GMAT exam even if the instruction medium in their colleges/schools is not English.

Number of Attempts

There are a few rules applied to the number of GMAT attempts. A candidate can take the GMAT once every 16 calendar days. It is not possible to take more than five attempts in 12 months. A candidate can take 8 attempts in a lifetime. If a candidate achieves 800 (the highest score), they must wait at least 5 years for the next attempt.

GMAT Fees

The application fee for the GMAT is 250 USD. It can be different based on the region. If the applicants want to switch the center or reschedule the exam, they will be charged a small fee. 

• If you do not attend, you will be charged a full GMAT exam fee.
• If you cancel the test 1 to 14 days before the exact date, you will be charged $200, and $50 will be refunded.
• If you cancel the test 15 to 60 days before the exact date, you will be charged $175, and $75 will be refunded. 
• If you cancel the test 60 days before the exact time, you will be charged $150, and $100 will be refunded. Note that the test cannot be canceled or modified within 24 hours of the exact time. 
• If you reschedule the test 1 to 14 days before the exact time, you must pay $150. If you reschedule 15 to 60 days before the exact time, you must pay $100. If you reschedule more than 60 days before the exam, you need to pay $50.

GMAT Registration 

Candidates can register for the GMAT six months before the Graduate Management Admission Test date or within 24 hours before the GMAT exam. The slot will not be available at the last moment of registration. Candidates can register through postal mail, phone, or online.  

• Step 1: Go to the GMAT website. 
• Step 2: Create an account. 
• Step 3: Add your personal information (Name, Address, etc.)
• Step 4: Give your academic and work records.
• Step 5: Verify and submit the details,
• Step 6: Schedule the GMAT exam and choose the preferred center. 
• Step 7: Select the date and time slot.
• Step 8: Pay the fee (debit or credit card required)
• Step 9: The registration is complete. 

GMAT Structure 

The GMAT is divided into four sections, i.e., Analytical Writing, Integrated Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Verbal Reasoning. Two of these sections are scored separately (Verbal. Quant), and then they are combined to generate the composite score. This is the score that students refer to most often. The other two are scored independently (Analytical Writing and Integrated Reasoning). 

The analytical writing section measures communication capabilities and critical thinking skills. The integrated reasoning section shows whether students can analyze data and interpret information in various formats. The quantitative reasoning section determines how well students perform in mathematical and numerical questions. The verbal reasoning section evaluates reading comprehension skills, editing capabilities, and written argument skills. The test-takers can choose the order in which they can take the GMAT test.  

GMAT Sections

As mentioned earlier, the GMAT has four separately timed sections. The candidates can take two optional eight-minute breaks during the exam. The detailed information is as follows. 

• Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) Essay: 30 minutes, 1 question, 0-6 score (in 0.5-point increments)
• Integrated Reasoning: 30 minutes, 12 questions, 1-8 score (in 1-point increments)
• Quantitative Reasoning: 62 minutes, 31 questions, 6-51 score (in 1-point increments)
• Verbal Reasoning: 65 minutes, 36 questions, 6-51 score (in 1-point increments)

1. Analytical Writing Assessment 

The GMAT analytical writing section will include topics on which test-takers should have written, or a passage may be given on which some questions will be asked and answered accordingly. The syllabus of this section's topics and passages can be varied. This section is about testing the candidates' writing style. It is important to focus on the structure of the answers. For that, try to stick to a neutral opinion. 

Argument Essay 

The candidates should analyze the reasoning and then present their arguments. The essay will be judged on how well-reasoned the candidates find a given argument. 

Issue Essay 

The candidates should write an essay on the given issue. They must provide an opinion in around 600 words. The opinion can be supportive of the argument, or the candidates can discuss their own opinions. The essay must be written in a properly structured manner. 

2. Integrated Reasoning 

The GMAT integrated reasoning examines the candidates' ability to evaluate the presented data graph or table format. The integrated reasoning section has 12 questions of the following types:

Table Analysis

The table analysis type measures the ability to sort and analyze the data, determine important information, or present the one that meets certain conditions.

Two-part Analysis

The two-part analysis type measures the ability to solve complex problems. These issues can be quantitative, verbal, or a combination of both. The content and formats of this section are versatile. The candidates must solve simultaneous equations, evaluate trade-offs, and find relationships between two entities. 

Multi-score Reasoning

The multi-score reasoning measures skills to find data from multiple sources, tables, passages, graphics, or a combination of all of them and analyze each to find the right answer. The candidates will be asked to draw inferences or specify whether data is important. They may be asked to find discrepancies among sources of data.

Graphics Interpretation

Graphic interpretation measures the ability to interpret the information given in a graph or graphical image to determine the relationships and make inferences.

3. Quantitative Reasoning 

The GMAT quantitative reasoning section consists of two parts, Problem Solving (18 questions) and Data Sufficiency (18 questions). The questions will be objective and in multiple-choice format.

Problem Solving 

The problem-solving questions measure the skills to use logic and analytical reasoning for solving quantitative problems.

Data Sufficiency 

The data sufficiency questions measure the ability to evaluate a quantitative problem, specify which data is necessary, and identify at what point there is enough data to resolve the problem. 

This section's topics include geometry, arithmetic, elementary algebra, ratio proportions, integers' properties, permutations and combinations, linear equations, and exponents and roots.

4. Verbal Reasoning 

GMAT verbal reasoning has 36 multiple-choice questions. It is divided into Sentence Correction, Reading Comprehension, and Critical Reasoning. It measures the ability to comprehend and understand the written material, read, and realize the logical relationship between the passage points.

Sentence Correction

Sentence correction measures two aspects of the candidates' language proficiency. The first is to correct expressions related to grammatically sound sentences. The second is an effective expression referring to sentences that effectively express an idea or relationship. 

Reading Comprehension

The reading comprehension section measures skills to draw inferences, comprehend logical relationships, understand words, and follow quantitative subjects' development. The candidates will be examined on the application, inference, main idea, supporting the idea, style, and logical structures.

Critical Reasoning

Critical reasoning measures the skills to make, evaluate, and formulate an argument or test a plan of action.

The verbal reasoning section will contain subjects like rhetorical construction, critical thinking, finding errors/omissions, reading unseen passages, misplaced modifiers, subject-verb agreement, and parallelism.

GMAT Scoring System

The verbal and quantitative section of GMAT scores is on a scale of 0-60. The verbal and quantitative scores are combined into a total score on a scale of 200-800. The analytical writing assessment essay will be scored on a scale of 0-6. The integrated reasoning section scores are from 1-8 in point increments. It will be scored separately and is not adaptive. It is not a part of the 200-800 score. All the scores together, a candidate will receive AWA (0-6), integrated reasoning (1-8), quantitative reasoning (0-60), verbal reasoning (0-60), and the total score (200-800 for the verbal and quantitative section).

Final Words 

So far, you have learned all about the Graduate Management Admission Test or GMAT, which is the most important part of the business school application process. A high GMAT score will increase your prospects for admission to your chosen school, a remarkably highly ranked one in which selection is brutally competitive.

We tried to help you understand why business schools use this entrance test and know what to expect on the exam. If you are still wondering how to get ready for standardized tests like GMAT, our Library is a comprehensive guide on this subject, along with tips and resources that will help you perform exceptionally.