Graduate Management Admission Test - GMAT for MS in US
The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is one of the most commonly seen requirements among the aptitude test list for enrolment to Business Schools around the globe. This exam is generally associated with admissions to the top MBA programs globally, but it can also add value to your application if you are planning to apply for a master’s program in any field. Below, you will find a systematic timeline that will help you succeed in your GMAT exam.
About the Exam
- GMAT is a standardized exam for measuring the ability of prospective students applying for graduate studies in business schools.
- GMAT is a common requirement for entry to MBA programs and Master's in Management (MIM) programs.
- Your GMAT score holds a lot of weight when you apply for master’s programs in countries like the United States of America, India, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom and many more.
Before you Start
- Check if the university you wish to apply to requires you to submit your GMAT score.
- The exam is scored on a total of 800. Make a note of the minimum GMAT score set by your target university. Minimum score requirements are usually between 550 and 650.
Required Documents
- Indian Passport
- Credit/Debit card for online payment
- Names of 4 Universities/Colleges where you want your Scores to be sent to
GMAT Registration
- Online Registration : To register for your GMAT exam, you need to create a new account. Once you have logged on to the official GMAT website called MBA.com website, you can fill in your profile information.
- Phone Registration: You can call the GMAT Customer Service and schedule a date and venue for the exam. You can get more information on this link. You may be charged with an additional service fee of US $10.
- Postal Mail Registration: You can complete the online form available on the official website and mail it to them along with the payment.
- Fax Registration: Complete the online registration form for the GMAT Exam and fax it to the number on their website.
GMAT Exam Pattern
- GMAT is a computer-based test with four sections that takes 3 hours and 7 minutes to complete, details are briefly discussed below:
SECTION | NO. of QUESTIONS | DURATION |
---|---|---|
Analytical Writing Assessment | 1 essay on Argument Evaluation and Analysis | 30 minutes |
Integrated Reasoning | 12 MCQs based on graphical interpretation, multi-source reasoning, tabular analysis and two-part analysis | 30 minutes |
Quantitative Reasoning | 31 questions on Problem Solving and Data Sufficiency, testing arithmetic, algebra and geometry knowledge | 62 minutes |
Verbal Reasoning | 36 questions on Critical Reasoning, Reading Comprehension, and Sentence Correction Skills | 65 minutes |
After You Register
- You will receive an email confirming your GMAT appointment.
- This appointment letter is to be brought on the day of the GMAT appointment.
- Note if any different test centers are mentioned, or any change in test timings and test location.
On Test Day
- Carry your official ID proof that has all information matching to the one entered during the GMAT Registration. We recommend you to carry your passport as a valid proof of your identification.
- You may be asked to bring the document which will be a proof for your GMAT Appointment; this shall be communicated to you by e-mail a few days before the exam.
- Arrive at least 40 mins before your GMAT Exam. If you arrive late at the test center, you may not be allowed to attempt the test.
- The test will be at a Pearson VUE Testing Centre near you or any associated partners.
- Once you sign in, your biometrics will be taken by the test center staff.
- You will be instructed to keep all your belongings in an allotted locker.
- Each time you enter and leave the exam room, you will be escorted, and your fingerprints will be taken; these biometrics will be taken as proof of your entry and exit.
- The exam will be for around 3 hours. We recommend that you carry water and some light snacks. There will be two breaks between the tests.
Test Results
- The GMAT scores you on four skills:
- The Analytical Writing Assessment Section, where you will be marked between 0.0-6.0
- The Integrated Reasoning Section, where you will be marked between1-8
- The Quantitative and Verbal Reasoning Section (Separate), where you will be scored between 0-60
- The Quantitative and Verbal Reasoning Section (Cumulative), where you will be scored between 200-800
- As soon as you complete the GMAT Exam, you will see your unofficial GMAT Scores. You will be given 2 minutes to decide whether you want to accept this score which will later be sent to your target universities or to cancel it. If you do not make any decision in 2 minutes, it will get cancelled automatically.
- GMAT scores are valid for 5 years after the exam date.
Useful Tips
- Have a nourishing breakfast on the morning of your GMAT Exam.
- For the Integrated Reasoning section, you will find an on-screen calculator for assistance. However, for the Quantitative Reasoning section, you will not be provided with such aid.
- Once you submit an answer, you cannot change it. So, you must be smart in deciding which answers you want to guess, and which ones are you want to skip. Such decisions need to be done quickly, so as not to waste your time.
- Practice regularly and take multiple mock tests to improve your scores.
- For top business schools, the average GMAT score is between 712 and 730.
- Your GMAT Exam Scores are valid for 5 years and the exam can be taken all year round
- The entire GMAT Exam, along with the preliminary procedures and the intermediate breaks, takes up to 4 hours total.
- The test takes one day with the entire process taking about 4 hours.
Resources
Many helpful resources and information on the GMAT Exam are available online.
Websites
Youtube
Forums
EBooks
Smartphone Apps
Websites
Youtube
Forums
EBooks
Smartphone Apps