Today, GMAT or the Graduate Management Admission Test has become a global standard for business school applications. The GMAT is a computer-oriented, MCQ’s based, and computer-adaptive standardized test that is mostly needed to apply for graduate business programs (MBA) throughout the world.
The internationally recognized exam is also known as the GMAT CAT. The CAT acronym refers to Computer Adaptive Test. However, not all sections of the GMAT exam are computer-adaptive. Out of four sections, only two (i.e., Quantitative and Verbal) sections are computer-adaptive. It means the test will adapt to your capacity or skill-level as you attempt the questions.
It’s not a secret to aspiring students across the globe that favorable scores on the GMAT can have a significant outlook on your business school application. If you are planning or already preparing to attempt the GMAT exam, jump in for a comprehensive look at the scores, sections, and other requirements associated with the exam.
The Objective of the GMAT Exam
The GMAT exam checks your fundamental understanding of arithmetic, algebra, grammar, geometry, and segmented analytical data. Primarily, it evaluates your capacity to contextualize textual information, infer data, and solve equations.
The primary focus of the GMAT exam, however, depends on assessing your critical thinking capabilities. So long as you know how to present and analyze analytical information, you’ll pass the GMAT scores with flying colors. And the more you understand the pattern of the GMAT exam, the better measures you can take to take the test.
Mainly, GMAT reviews Mathematics and English-language as your two primary abilities. The idea is to measure your current skills with these subject matters. Remember, all of GMAT sections, such as the Analytical Writing Assessment and Integrated Reasoning, require a higher order of reasoning from participants.
You should be able to understand complicated problems and written material and make a critical judgment. In hindsight, the GMAT exam reviews your quality and efficiency to reason rather than a purely academic knowledge of formulas or literature.
How Does a Computer Adaptive Exam Work?
The computer-adaptive nature of the GMAT exam refers to an automated real-time feature that modifies the difficulty of the test as per your skill level. Mostly, it allows the test to evaluate your abilities with more preciseness and mark reliable scores for business schools.
The functional process of the computer-adaptive mechanism works for Verbal or Quantitative sections. At first, you’ll have a relatively average difficulty. However, as you answer every question, the automated feature in the computer will score your answers and responses from the previous question to choose the next question.
For example, if you correctly answer the first question, the computer will present you with a slightly tough question. However, failure to answer the first question right means your next question will be more straightforward. It’s a continuous Mobius cycle that moves until you finish each section with appropriate responses to all preceding answered questions.
And once you complete a section through this process, the computer will have an authentic evaluation of your skill in a particular subject. Remember, you won’t be able to modify, skip, or go back to your previous answers. And that’s because the computer inputs your response to every question to choose the next one.
Who Administers the Exam?
It is created and administered by GMAC to offer business schools with a guideline to test the efficiency and effectiveness of participants’ graduate-level academic skills. In simple terms, committees of business school admission check your GMAT score, work experience, academic history, and supplemental material to review your readiness to partake in an MBA program. Though GMAT is mostly administered through the computer, it is available in paper formats in certain remote areas outside the USUS.
What’s the Time Limit?
The time limit for the GMAT test is approximately 3 hours and 7 minutes. You also get two optional 8 minutes breaks, which are not counted in the official time limitation.
The Unique Nature of GMAT Exam on Global Scale
The Graduate Management Admissions Council (GMAC) is responsible for carrying out the GMAT exam. You can get an international standard MBA or Masters in Management (MiM) degree from a reputable business school in the United States, Canada, Europe, Australia, Southeast Asia, or other world locations. In fact, the GMAT exam is considered the first step before applying to a leading business school.
The Design of the Exam
The design of the GMAT helps business schools to pass the judgment on your application based on your foundational knowledge to infer and solve mathematical skills. The analytical writing and problem-solving capabilities are designed to check your logic, critical reasoning, and data competence, which are essential in the 21st century’s business world.
In June 2012, almost eight years ago, the GMAT Integrated Reasoning became a part of the exam as a new section for test-takers. The section is designed to assess participants’ ability to analyze data presented in various formats and sources.
Scoring Mechanism of GMAT
The Analytical Writing Assessment section of the GMAT is scored differently from 0 to 6 in half-point raise. The Integrated Reasoning section, on the other hand, is also scored individually on a 1–8 scale, in a one-point raise. As for the Quantitative and Verbal sections, scores are scaled from 0 to 60. After that, scores are amalgamated to create a score on the 200–800 scale, with 10-point raise. The 200–800 scale in 10-point raise represents the highest degree of difficulty of the questions.
As of now, the average score for Verbal is 27, and the mean average score for Quantitative is 39. Conversely, the average mean score for Analytical Writing is 4.4, while the Integrated Reasoning has a 4.2 average mean score. Most of the MBA programs value combined Verbal and Quantitative scores to process your business application. Furthermore, GMAT utilizes an algorithm for your Verbal and Quantitative scores to set the mean average score of 552 by transferring them to the 200–800 scale.
Eligibility of the Exam
As thousands of students prepare to take the GMAT exam, you must do your best and secure exceptional GMAT score to get into a reputable graduate business school. If you intend to take the GMAT exam for the first time, the state of your confusion is completely normal. Before you participate and prepare for the GMAT exam, find out if you fall under the standard eligibility criteria for the test.
As of now, no eligibility criteria set forth by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC). Instead, your school or university ultimately decides whether or not you are eligible. You should, however, remember that there’s no generalization implied as every university has a different set of criteria for eligibility. That said, you should adhere to the following fundamental eligibility guidelines for GMAT exams:
The compulsory minimum age limit is 18 years old to apply for the GMAT exam. However, if you are from 13 to 17 years old, provide consent from your parent or legal guardian of permission. Contrarily, there’s no highest age limit to apply for the test.
The best aspect of the GMAT exam is arguable that you don’t need to worry about geographical restrictions. Whether you are from the U.S. or Bangladesh, your nationality is of no concern to take this test. Contrary to popular misconception, the eligibility standard for the GMAT exam doesn’t vary from one country to another. Instead, the same eligibility standards and rules apply to all the candidates across the globe.
To register for the GMAT exam, you need an Undergraduate degree. You need to showcase your degree in a particular discipline from a reputable institute or university. Conversely, you can also choose to appear in the GMAT exam despite upper-level educational qualifications.
“To register for the GMAT exam, you need an Undergraduate degree. You need to showcase your degree in a particular discipline from a reputable institute or university.”
How Many Attempts are Allowed?
Test-takers have the flexibility to take the GMAT exam for as many times as they like. That said, you can’t take the test more than five times within 12 months. For example, if you received 800 in your previous GMAT score, you’ll have to wait five years before retaking the GMAT exam.
When You Should Retake the GMAT Exam
If you know for absolute certainty that something did, in fact, went wrong with your GMAT exam, you should retake the test after 16 days of the waiting period. Simultaneously, you can also retake the test if you feel like you can do much better than the first attempt.
The curse of the “rushed judgment” has befallen upon many talented individuals. Sure, your scores are adjusted if you leave a section incomplete but retake the GMAT exam if you feel like you can pick up a better place in the next attempt.
Nervousness often impairs your ability to see things. It’s best to have a visual image of your test center. However, if you want to repeat the process at a more comfortable center, then retake the test without the dread of added anxiety.
Moreover, if you struggled in specific parts of the GMAT exam, practice a targeted study to revitalize old skills and master new ones in your next attempt. So long as you are eligible to retake the GMAT exam, you can register in the same manner as you did the first time.
What Makes GMAT Exam More Competitive than Others?
Comparatively, the GMAT exam is more competitive than other tests is because it’s more practical and has a higher worldwide acceptance rate. This practicality develops your management skills and helps you get into a reputable graduate business school. Essentially, the GMAT exam is a standardized test that has managed to maintain high standards for years.
Also, to be blunt, it is relatively challenging than other tests. However, you can mitigate your level of difficulty by reaching for the passing scores. GMAT exam sets itself apart from others because gaining a 760 score requires the same effort as it did five years ago.
Security and Reliability of GMAT Exam
The GMAT exam has specific terms and conditions, testing standards, procedures, testing environment, and validation policies that improve the security of the test. The GMAT exam is viewed as reliable and safe because it deploys modern advanced technology across the globe.
In addition, the GMAT exam is conducted via a computer that leaves no room for unbiased or unprejudiced judgment towards the test-takers. Consequently, it increases the consistency and fairness of the test. The computer-adaptive nature of the GMAT exam facilitates test-takers to register any time of the year. Furthermore, you can now track the time and the number of every question you answer.
Besides, the GMAT exam is compatible with test-takers and automatically adjusts to their level of difficulty. The more you answer the questions successfully, the easier it becomes for the computer to choose the next question.
Aspiring MBA graduates all over the world have come to realize a variety of reasons that makes GMAT the best testing approach. First, the GMAT exam has fewer questions as compared to other tests. However, test-takers won’t have to face the questions that are too straightforward or tough for you.
Another measure of GMAT reliability is that it calculates your scores as a whole rather than individually. Evidently, questions are chosen for test-takers separately. However, rules about different kinds of questions have a simple outlook that makes sure your results are fair.
Best Time to Take GMAT Exam
As MBA and other similar graduate business programs have different last date applications, it is better to choose your program of interest in advance to make sure that your GMAT score is reported on time before the deadline. Remember, no matter what time of the year you take the GMAT exam, your score is valid for at least five (5) years.
That said, several MBA programs receive and accept applications in bulks that can finalize in September at popular graduate programs and can end late in April or May. Minimally, you should take from 2 to 3 months to study before the GMAT exam takes place. And that’s because applicants who score 90% or higher study more than 120 hours before the test.
The Average Passing Score
When it comes to the passing GMAT exam score, it’s better to find the mean average GMAT score of other accepted applicants to the MBA programs. Your objective should be to get a solid foundational baseline for the scores.
The score for the Quantitative and Verbal sections ranges from 0 to 60, with a mean average of 39 for Quantitative and 27 for the Verbal section. Again, the score majority of the business schools for MBA programs prioritize the collective score scale of 200–800, which has a mean average score of 552.
Registration Criteria and Applicability
The GMAT exam is an entry-level test carried out throughout the year without a dedicated day or month. In hindsight, you can register for the GMAT exam at any time of the year. This flexibility allows individuals to enroll and prepare on their terms. Furthermore, the full availability of the slots enables applicants to decide the date of the GMAT exam with ease.
Contemporarily, the registration process in 2019 and beyond is more straightforward than ever. There are no severe restrictions attached to the registration process. You can get an application form at a specified date during registration and then attempt the GMAT exam at any time of the year.
How Soon You Can Get the Results
Once you finish the exam, you can get the results of the GMAT instantaneously. The initial report contains a rough score that only combines your Quantitative and Verbal section scores. You’ll get the final report of the score within 20 days or less. Apart from Quantitative and Verbal scores, the final scores show your scores in the Analytical Writing Assessment and Integrated Reasoning sections.
Fee Structure of GMAT Exam
The current fee for the GMAT exam is set at the U.S. $250. If you, however, want to reschedule seven (7) days after the test, you’ll have to pay an extra sum of $50. Conversely, if you are going to reschedule the GMAT exam before those seven days, you’ll have to pay the complete U.S. $250. Simultaneously, if you want to cancel the test more than seven days before the date, you’ll get a reimbursement of U.S. $80. That said, you won’t receive any refund if you cancel the exam a few days before the exam date. And if you are not satisfied with your initial results of the GMAT exam, then you can directly cancel your score for $25.
UGO Prep: Your Quest to Get the Best Guide is Over
The GMAT exam is perfect for you so long as you are sincerely want to get a graduate degree from a business school. When you complete the GMAT exam with flying colors, business schools get a general idea about your aptitude and willingness to earn a business degree. In fact, it is considered as a predictor to finalize students in world-renowned graduate business schools.
It is time to show your persistence, enthusiasm, and skill to thrive in business school. Besides, successful completion of the GMAT exam will ultimately elevate your standard from other applicants. You deserve to connect with the best program that fits your talents. Why not improve your chances to earn more and open doors to endless opportunities.
UGO Prep can provide you a GMAT Guide that fits your aspirations and your lifestyle. Think of GMAT as a platform where you can demonstrate your skills and reach the heights of your true potential. It’s never too early or late to aspire for perfection.
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