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The GMAT
The GMAT, or Graduate Management Admission Test is a standardized test that
is used by many business schools to assess your application for admission.
The test measures your mathematical, verbal and analytical writing skills.
The test is delivered in 3 parts: the Analytical Writing Assessment, the
Quantitative section, and the verbal section.
The Analytical Writing Assessment requires you to complete 2 task - analysis
of an issue and analysis of an argument and you have 30 minutes to complete
each task.
The Quantitative section features multiple choice questions covering data
sufficiency and problem solving. There is 75 minutes allotted for this section.
The verbal section contains multiple choice questions covering 3 areas:
reading comprehension, critical reasoning, and sentence correction. There
is 75 minutes allotted for this section.
Do I need to take the GMAT?
If you want to enter one of the top business schools the answer is probably
yes. Although requiring or not requiring the GMAT is not a sign of the quality
of an MBA program, most top business schools do require it.
It is most popular with schools in the US, although it is also a very common
application requirement internationally. Some schools shy away from standardized
testing as a performance indicator for applications, and even those who
require the GMAT will rarely use it as the only measure of a candidates
ability to successfully complete a management school program.
An excellent GMAT is almost always required by the cream of MBA schools
but an average to good score will not automatically deny you entry to most
good schools.
Accordingly, an excellent GMAT score does not guarantee you admission. Most
schools are looking for a diverse set of skills and abilities in their candidates,
and will assess all other aspects of an application, not just a good GMAT
score.
What is a good GMAT score?
The very top business schools in the US often require a 700 out of 800 GMAT
score. But this average can be misleading. Because schools are looking at
a whole application, including past experience and achievement, references
and essays, candidates above and below this mark may be admitted or declined
an offer.
Other good (non Ivy League) schools will be looking at 600+ scores, often
in the mid 600s area.
Of course, the higher the score the better. But a mid range score is not
the end of the world. And the test can be taken again.
How do I prepare?
Many providers like Kaplan produce GMAT preparation kits and example tests
so you can practice and know what to expect when you sit the test. Tests
are held around the world. More details on locations can be found at the
Graduate Management Admissions Council website, www.gmac.com.
GMAT is a registered trademark of the Graduate Management Admissions Council
(GMAC). StudyLink is not affiliated with GMAC.
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