• Posted On: May 28, 2024
• Posted By: dynamicf

What is the GMAT?

The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) has been the standard global business school entrance exam for over 50 years. Business schools use GMAT scores as well as other details, such as your academic record in undergraduate, your essays, and your work experience and recommendations, to assess your readiness for the advanced quantitative and analytical work that is required in your program. The GMAT exam is 2 hours and 15 minutes long with a total of 64 total questions.

What is on the GMAT?

The GMAT tests your analytical and quantitative reasoning skills in a timed format. The GMAT contains three sections each of which is scored separately:

The quantitative section tests your knowledge of math, including number properties, algebra, statistics, and geometry. It also tests you on your ability to think logically about math concepts.

The Verbal section tests your command of standard written English, skill in analyzing arguments, and critical reading ability.

The Data Insights section tests a combination of quantitative and verbal skills together. The DI section tests the same quantitative concepts as the Quantitative section but uses different problem types that can marry quantitative concepts with verbal skills, such as reading comprehension and logical analysis.  The DI section also tests you on your ability to interpret and analyze graphs and tables.

GMAT Scoring

On the GMAT exam, all three sections (Q, V, and DI) make up a score on a scale of 205 to 805 in 10-point increments.  You will also receive individual section scores for each section. The scoring scale for each section is 60 to 90 in 1-point increments.

What is a Good GMAT Score?

When it comes to an ideal GMAT score goal, it is advisable to consider the mean or median GMAT score requirement for the MBA programs to which you are applying to. This will give you a good score to target. A competitive score is at or above that school’s posted median/mean score—which shows that you have done as well as or better than a significant percentage of those admitted to the school. If your score falls below the posted median/mean but within the school’s range, then your GMAT score may not be a plus on your application, but it likely will not keep you out. In that case, it will be important to have other parts of your application stand out and demonstrate your value to the school.

Is the GMAT Hard?

Honestly, the GMAT is a tough test. First, the computer-adaptive format of the GMAT makes it impossible to skip a hard problem and come back to it later, you must pick an answer and move on. However, you can miss a sizable percentage of problems and still get a good score. Most people answer only about 50% to 70% of the problems correctly.

The more questions you get correct, the more the test gets harder. GMAT will feel hard no matter how much you’ve studied because the test gets harder as you answer problems correctly. The GMAT is a time-limited exam, meaning you have to answer difficult questions within a limited time.

Submission of scores deadlines

Many schools accept your scores as long as you take the test by their application deadline date. It is highly recommended that you take the GMAT at least three weeks before your deadline. While score processing typically takes about a week, it can take up to 20 days.

Validity of the GMAT scores

Your GMAT score is valid for five years and applications take quite a lot of time to complete. If possible, it’s a good idea to start studying for your exam at least a few months before you apply. Most people take about 2–5 months to prepare for the GMAT, depending on the target score.