Foster Education

GMAT

Graduate Management Admissions Test

What Is The GMAT®?

A standardized test, the Graduate Management Admissions Test measures the Verbal, Mathematical and Analytical skills. The test primarily intends to aid graduate schools of business assess the potential of the applicants for advanced study in business and management. The GMAT exam is the gold standard of graduate business admissions, trusted and preferred by more than 6,000 schools worldwide.
The GMAT® is different from most other customary examinations. The examination is entirely computer-based, and no two students get identical sets of questions. Also, students cannot skip questions. The test is scored on a maximum of 800. The GMAT® Score alone cannot guarantee admission into a school. The test is only one of the major factors taken into consideration in the long process of an applicant getting admitted into a Business School he/she desires.
The GMAT exam measures higher-order reasoning skills. You’ll need basic English-language and math skills. However, the test measures your ability to reason with these skills. All sections of the test, including the AWA and Integrated Reasoning sections, involve reasoning. “Higher-order” reasoning skills involve complex judgments and include critical thinking, analysis, and problem-solving.

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    What is the GMAT test structure?

    The GMAT has four sections –
    • Verbal,
    •Quantitative,
    •Integrated Reasoning and
    •Analytical Writing Assessment.
    You have three and a half hours to complete the four sections of the GMAT exam. Right before the exam, you can choose between the following three order of attempting the sections:

    • Analytical Writing Assessment, Integrated
       Reasoning, Quantitative, Verbal (original order)

    • Verbal, Quantitative, Integrated Reasoning,
         Analytical Writing Assessment

    • Quantitative, Verbal, Integrated Reasoning,
         Analytical Writing Assessment

    Which section order should I select?

    There is no “correct” or “recommended” section order to select. This option gives you more control and flexibility to take the GMAT exam based on your strengths and testing preferences. Some people may prefer to take their strongest section first to build up their confidence and “warm up” for the other sections. Others may prefer to their weakest section first so they can tackle it with a fresh mind.

    GMAT Test Section # of Questions Question Types Timing
    Analytical Writing Assessment
    1 Topic
    Analysis of Argument
    30 Minutes
    Integrated Reasoning
    12 Questions
    Multi-Source Reasoning Graphics Interpretation
    30 Minutes
    ----
    ----
    Two-Part Analysis Table Analysis
    ----
    Quantitative
    37 Questions
    Data Sufficiency Problem Solving
    75 Minutes
    Verbal
    41 Questions
    Reading Comprehension Critical Reasoning Sentence Correction
    75 Minutes
    Total Exam Time
    ----
    ----
    3hrs, 30 minutes

    Can I take breaks in between the sections?

    You can take two optional 8-minute breaks that will be spaced at relatively even time intervals throughout the exam based on your section order selection. Remember that the breaks are optional; if you don’t want to take your break, you can skip through it and continue to the next section of your exam. 

    What Is The Scoring Pattern?

    Scoring is between 200 (Minimum) and 800 (Maximum) with 10-point increment for Quantitative and Verbal section combined. About 2/3rd of the test takers score between 400 and 600. The Quantitative and the Verbal scores are scaled out of 60 and range between 0 and 60. Score below 9 and above 44 in Verbal and below 7 and above 50 in Quantitative are rare.

    The Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) score is based on one Analysis of an Argument essay. Essays are scored independently twice and then averaged. Scores for the AWA range from 0 to 6 in half-point intervals. An AWA score of 4.0 + is a decent score.

    Integrated Reasoning (IR) scores range from 1 to 8 in single-digit intervals; no partial credit is given. Most Integrated Reasoning questions require more than one response. Because the questions are designed to measure how well you integrate data to solve complex problems, you must answer all responses to a question correctly to receive credit.

     

    When Do I Get My Scores?

    Your Official Score Report will be available to you within 20 calendar days of your GMAT exam.

    Does Admission To Good B-Schools Depend Only On GMAT Scores?

    It is one of the various criteria that the admission council looks at. However, a good GMAT score does improve chances of admission.

    Does One Have To Be A Graduate For Taking The GMAT?

    Not necessarily. However, to do a master’s course, one has to be a graduate in any stream.

    What Is The Cost/Registration Fee For GMAT?

    The registration fee for taking GMAT is USD 250. After administering the test and before getting the final scores, the test takers are asked to submit the names of 5 B Schools that they would like to send their scores to. This facility is part of the USD 250 fee that is charged for the test.

    How Do I Register For The GMAT?

    You can register online or by phone or by mail. The detailed information about registering for the GMAT® can be found at www.mba.com

    How Many Times In A Year Is GMAT Exam Held?

    GMAT® is offered usually on all working days in India (ie, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday). The schedule can be obtained from Pearson VUE in person, through phone, e-mail or online. For more information, please visit www.mba.com

    How Many Times Can I Take GMAT?

    GMAT® can be taken unlimited number of times with a gap of a minimum of 31 calendar days between 2 tests. (It is highly advisable not to appear for GMAT too many times as it may affect the applicant’s candidature). However, one can give the test only 5 times in a calendar year.

    What Is The Validity Of The GMAT Exam?

    Your GMAT score will be valid for 5 years after from the date the test was taken.

    How Soon Do I Get My Score?

    You will see your score for the math and verbal section the moment you finish the exam but official scores (with scores for AWA) take one to three weeks to reach you.

    How do I send my scores to schools?

    On the day you take the GMAT® exam, but before you begin, you may select up to five (5) GMAT accepting programs to receive your Official Score Report. If you did not select any GMAT programs to receive your scores on the day of your exam, or if you would like to send your scores to more than the five (5) programs you selected on your test day, you may order Additional Score Reports to be sent to schools online, by phone, by fax, or by mail for an additional fee.

    Is GMAT Valid Only for Going Abroad does it have Some Relevance In India?

    GMAT® is accepted in a lot of Indian Business schools like ISB, IIM-A, B,C,L, etc. TAPMI, MDI, IMT, SP Jain, Great Lakes & more.