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What Is the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT)?
Let me explain what the GMAT is: it's a standardized test that measures your aptitude in mathematics, verbal skills, and analytical writing. You should know that it's the main exam business schools review for MBA program admissions. The test is usually computer-based, but in areas with limited networks, it might be paper-based.
Key Takeaways
The GMAT stands for Graduate Management Admission Test and is the most common assessment for business school candidates. It has four sections: analytical writing, verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and integrated reasoning. You can expect it to take three and a half hours, with a maximum score of 800 points.
Understanding the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT)
The exam includes four sections: analytical writing assessment, verbal reasoning, integrated reasoning, and quantitative reasoning. You can achieve up to 800 points, and scores are valid for five years after you take it. On average, it takes three and a half hours.
More than 255,000 people take the GMAT each year. As of August 2023, it costs $275 at a test center or $300 online in the U.S. Due to its popularity, you can take it almost any day, but only every 16 days, up to eight times total and five times in a 12-month period. Most applicants take it once or twice before applying.
How the GMAT Is Applied
The Graduate Management Admission Council administers the exam. Besides testing your writing and math comprehension, it assesses your critical reasoning and logic for real-world business and management.
Since 2012, there's an Integrated Reasoning section that evaluates how you handle information from multiple sources and new formats. This tests your skills with data and technology.
Around 3,391 graduate programs worldwide use the GMAT for applicant assessment. The council recommends using it as one factor in admissions, reviewing applications holistically.
Fast Fact
For some international students, the writing section might highlight English comprehension limits rather than critical thinking. The exams' nature means you shouldn't treat GMAT and GRE the same. Avoid cutoff scores; if used, ensure they don't discriminate based on age, sex, or ethnicity.
Requirements for the GMAT
You need identification from the Graduate Management Admissions Council, such as an international passport (required outside your country; expired ones aren't accepted), Green Card for non-citizens, government-issued driver's license, national/state/province ID, or military ID. Check the GMAC website for what's acceptable in your country. You also need to be eligible for the graduate program you're applying to.
Acceptable Identifications
- International travel passport—a passport is always required when taking the exam at a location outside of your country. Expired passports are not acceptable.
- Green Cards (Permanent Resident Cards) for non-citizen residents
- Government-issued driver's license
- Government-issued national/state/province identity card
- Military ID card
GMAT vs. GRE
The GRE has three sections: Analytical Writing Assessment, Quantitative, and Verbal. It takes three hours and 45 minutes, with a max score of 170 and average of 150.8.
Graduate programs often use either GMAT or GRE. Scores can't be directly compared due to scaling differences. Many business programs prefer GMAT, while others use GRE.
Is the GMAT Hard or Easy?
The GMAT tests critical thinking and reasoning for business leaders. Whether it's hard depends on your experience, knowledge, and preparation—you might need to study or not.
Is 700 a Bad GMAT Score?
The max is 800; average in 2022 was 651. So 700 is above average, and higher scores strengthen your application.
Do Colleges Prefer GMAT or GRE?
It depends on the college and program. Business-focused ones might prefer GMAT, but check the specific requirements.
The Bottom Line
The GMAT evaluates your critical thinking, decision-making, math, analytical, and communication skills. It's accepted at most business schools and a key step for a business graduate degree.
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