Are you intending to pursue an MBA at a prestigious college or university abroad? Then, one of the most important requirements in the pursuit of this dream is your GMAT score. For most B-schools and universities across the world, GMAT scores are a mandatory requisite. Therefore, scoring well improves one’s chances of making it to institutions that you desire to learn from.
The value of the exam can be ascertained from the number of students that take the exam every year—over 200,000. Students from across the world attempt the test in order to secure admissions to the best of institutions. In this article, we will discuss essential details about the exam, its structure, and tips to score well, among others.
What Should I Know About GMAT?
The GMAT exam is no child’s play. It is one of the most competitive exams in the world and requires concentrated efforts to score well in it. Below, we will talk all about GMAT and ways in which you can achieve respectable scores.
Multiple Sections
The test is divided into four sections that measure a candidate’s ability across multiple areas. They are as follows:
1. Analytical Writing Assessment: In this section, the test taker’s capacity for critical thinking and communication of ideas is scrutinized.
2. Integrated Reasoning: Here, a candidate’s ability to evaluate data and assess the information provided in several formats is gauged.
3. Quantitative Reasoning: This section examines an individual’s ability to evaluate data and arrive at conclusions utilizing their reasoning skills.
4. Verbal Reasoning: The aim of this section is to assess one’s ability to read and comprehend the presented written material, examine arguments, and correct the errors in the written material provided.
Flexibility to Pick Sections
A candidate taking the exam has the flexibility of choosing the order in which they would prefer to attempt the different sections from three options. They are:
- Verbal, Quantitative, Integrated Reasoning, Analytical Writing Assessment
- Analytical Writing Assessment, Integrated Reasoning, Quantitative, Verbal
- Quantitative, Verbal, Integrated Reasoning, Analytical Writing Assessment
Therefore, this provides a candidate the flexibility to take the GMAT exam in a manner that enables them to play to their strengths. The entire test can be completed in about 3 hours and 30 minutes; which also includes two optional breaks.
Computer Adaptive Test
The GMAT is a computer adaptive test (i.e) the difficulty level of the test changes in real-time based on the ability of the individual taking it. Thus, the feature permits the exam to evaluate a candidate’s potential with precision and deliver the results that business schools of repute accept and trust.
Computer adaption begins with the very first question that one answers in either the Quantitative or Verbal sections. The difficulty level of the question is medium. As a candidate begins answering questions one by one, the computer assigns scores to the provided answer and utilizes this along with one’s responses to any previous question in order to choose the next. If the answer to the preceding question is correct, the next question chosen by the computer will be harder.
However, if the answer to the first question is incorrect, the next question is easier. This process is a continuous one that extends throughout the section. Thus, the computer is in the position of providing a correct assessment of one’s ability in a particular subject.
Linear Flow of Test
It is important to note that the flow of the exam is rigidly linear (i.e) a candidate cannot skip, return, or change answers to questions. This is on account of the fact that the computer leverages the individual’s response to every question in order to select the subsequent one.
Limitations on Attempts
While it is said that the test can be ‘taken multiple times’, it comes with certain restrictions. Yes, the GMAT can be taken again. However, there is a mandatory gap of 16 days between two consecutive attempts. Also, the test can be attempted only five times in a given academic year. Most importantly, the lifetime attempts for the GMAT are limited to eight. Therefore, it is crucial to utilize these attempts judiciously.
Preparing for the GMAT Exam
As mentioned earlier, the GMAT is a challenging exam. GMAT test prep requires one to invest time and dedicated efforts for an extended period of time; ideally for three-four months. Below are some simple tips that can assist you in your preparations.
- Understand the Exam Pattern
Since the test has multiple sections, it is important to understand the pattern of the paper and familiarize yourself with the various concepts that the exam tests you on. Below is a table explaining the pattern of the GMAT exam.
| Section | Number of Questions and Time Limit | Types of Questions | Score Range |
| Analytical Writing Assessment | 1 question (30 minutes) | Analysing an Argument | 0-6 (0.5-point increments) |
| Integrated Reasoning | 12 questions (30 minutes) | Interpretation of Graphics, Analysis of Table, Reasoning Multiple sources, and Two-part Analysis | 1-8 (1-point increments) |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 31 questions (62 minutes) | Problem Solving and Data Sufficiency | 6-51 (1-point increments) |
| Verbal Reasoning | 36 questions (65 minutes) | Reading Comprehension, Critical Reasoning, Correction of Sentences | 6-51 (1-point increments) |
Preparing Section-wise
It is crucial that you devote equal time and effort to every section. These sections are designed to evaluate specific abilities, which play an important role in the overall score of the exam. Therefore, scoring well in all sections is impossible without focused preparation.
Recognize Areas of Concern
During the course of your preparation, it is likely that you will discover that your proficiency in every section may not be uniform. While some sections may be a walk in the park, the others are bound to be difficult. Therefore, it is important to ascertain the topics and concepts that you find challenging and improve your grasp of them.
Continuous Practice
It goes without saying that constant practice is the only way of improving your understanding of the various concepts that you will be tested on. Answering multiple papers can also help one better their time management; an essential requirement for the GMAT.
Through this article, we have tried our best to provide you with all the basic information that you will require about the GMAT exam and some simple tips that can help you score well on the test. So all that is left is for you to begin your preparation. All the best!
