What’s the lowest GMAT score possible, and how many test-takers get it? Will a low GMAT score ruin your chances of MBA admission? In this article, I’ll go over the lowest GMAT score you can get on the exam, how common it is, and the minimum GMAT score you’ll need to get into your MBA program of choice.

What Is the Lowest GMAT Score Possible?

So, how low can you go when it comes to a GMAT score? The lowest GMAT score possible is a 200. The range of possible GMAT scores is 200-800. This range applies to the total score, which combines the Verbal and Quantitative scores.

Below are the score ranges for the GMAT total score, as well as each individual section:

It’s somewhat uncommon for students to get either very low or very high scores on the GMAT. Relatively few students receive below a 400 or above a 600; according to the GMAC, two-thirds of test-takers receive a score between 400 and 600.

If you fit in this group and are struggling to improve your score, check our PrepScholar GMAT’s comprehensive online course. It’s an affordable option that is so effective it comes with a 60 point score improvement guarantee!

Percentile Rankings and the Lowest GMAT Score

As I explained above, a 200 and similarly low GMAT scores are not at all common, according to the percentile rankings released by the Graduate Management Admissions Council (GMAC). Percentile rankings, which you’ll receive for the total score as well as for each individual GMAT section, tell you how your score fares in comparison to your peers. If you get a percentile ranking of 80%, for example, it means that you scored more highly than 80% of your peers, while 20% of your fellow test-takers scored as well or better than you.

Here are the percentile rankings for GMAT total scores of 350 and below from GMAC for the last three years:

A score of 200 corresponds to 0% percentile ranking, meaning that 100% of your fellow test-takers got a a 200 or higher. However, it’s not impossible to get a score in the very low range: the first percentile of test-takers (those who score a 200 or 210)  includes more people than you might think, given that it represents 1% of the hundreds of thousands of students who take the GMAT every year.

So, while uncommon, a significant minority of students do get very low scores on the GMAT. Even if you start off with a low score on your GMAT practice tests, don’t panic. Many test-takers improve their scores significantly as long as they prepare well.

Minimum GMAT Score for MBA Programs

There is no single minimum GMAT score for MBA programs, and most schools don’t have a hard GMAT cutoff. However, if you’re looking at top 20 programs it will be almost impossible to get in without at least a 650 (and in many cases that will still be too low).

To find out what GMAT score you’ll need to get into a prospective business school, the best resource is the school’s incoming class profile on its admissions page. Class profiles generally list the average GMAT scores, or the middle 80% range of scores, for the most recently admitted class of students. These profiles will give you a good barometer of how your score fits into a given program.

Here’s a chart of the average GMAT scores of the incoming classes at a few top-tier and mid-tier MBA programs:

Generally speaking, you should aim for a score of 700+ to get into the highest-ranking MBA programs, while most mid-tier business schools accept students with GMAT scores of 630-680. There are some programs, particularly part-time programs aimed at working professionals, where a score as low as 550 is acceptable.

But remember, the important thing is the minimum GMAT score for MBA programs that you’re interested in, so make sure to look up the expectations for every school you’re applying to.

Top-Tier MBA Programs and a Low GMAT Score

Many students wonder if it’s ever possible to get into a top-tier MBA program with a low GMAT score. The answer is yes, but don’t count on it. Not all schools report their lowest admitted student’s GMAT score, but a few do. Harvard Business School rather famously admitted a student with a total score of 570 in 2014. The Stanford MBA Class of 2018 admitted a student with a total score of 590.

However, remember that these scores are outliers. Usually these students have an outstanding MBA application in other respects, such as exceptional personal circumstances (like overcoming significant obstacles to get where they are, for example). The vast majority of students admitted to top-ranking business schools have GMAT scores close to (or above) their school’s average.  It’s better to aim for schools where your score is the norm rather than the exception.

There are also some business schools that don’t require GMAT scores at all. This policy is especially common for Executive MBA programs, which are geared towards working professionals who have already proven their capabilities with relevant experience in business. If you already have six or seven years of experience and your GMAT score is very low, an EMBA might be worth considering. Prestigious programs that don’t require GMAT scores are available at Stern School of Business at NYU, the UCLA Anderson School of Management, and the McDonough School of Business at Georgetown University, among others.

What’s Next?

Want to understand your GMAT scores more fully? Learn the complete GMAT score range and what it mean.

To learn more about how business schools view your GMAT scores, check out our expert guide to the GMAT total score.

If you’re not sure whether to take the GMAT or not, check out our complete list of MBA programs that don’t require the GMAT.

The post What Is the Lowest GMAT Score for MBA Admissions? appeared first on Online GMAT Prep Blog by PrepScholar.

Many MBA hopefuls aren’t sure what their GMAT scores mean. What is a good GMAT score? What’s a bad GMAT score? How about a really exceptional one? And most importantly, what are the average GMAT scores at your top choices for business school?

In this article, we’ll go over what makes a GMAT score good, GMAT score ranges of admitted students at various MBA programs, and how to set your own target GMAT score.

What Is a Good GMAT Score, Really?

Business schools are all different and have different expectations and uses for your GMAT scores. Generally, the GMAT is used to predict your likely first-year performance in comparison to fellow business school applicants, as studies have shown that a higher GMAT score is a fairly reliable predictor of a more successful first year in business school. There is no one score that will guarantee you admission, though (even if you get a perfect 800 total score). There’s also no one score that will necessarily deny you admission all on its own, either.

When it comes to GMAT scores, the main takeaway is this: ultimately, the most important thing to remember is that a good GMAT score is the one that gets you into the business school of your choice.

As of 2018, the mean total GMAT score is 556.04, but that doesn’t mean you just have to get above a 550 to get into the school of your dreams. At many schools, even a 600 would be a very low GMAT score. At top MBA programs like Stanford, Harvard, Yale, UC Berkeley, and Dartmouth, the average GMAT score of incoming students is above 720.

However, some well-respected schools with high post-MBA employment rates don’t have the same expectations, and have average GMAT scores of less than 600. This is often especially true for part-time and/or online programs geared towards working professionals or those who are somehow lacking in significant relevant academic experience.

GMAT Percentile Rankings

When you apply for MBA programs, you’ll be competing against your peers for a limited number of coveted spots, so your GMAT score will have to compare favorably to theirs. This means that your GMAT percentile rankings are arguably even more important than your score itself.

GMAT percentile rankings, which are provided on your score report, let you know how you did on the exam as a whole and on every section of the exam in comparison to other test-takers. For example, a total score (that is, the Verbal and Quantitative sections combined) of 650 will give you a percentile ranking of 75%. A 75% percentile ranking means that you got a higher total score than (or equal total score to) 75% of your peers and a lower total score than 24% of fellow GMAT test-takers.

650, then, is a good starting benchmark for a high GMAT score: it usually hovers around the 75% percentile ranking spot, which is a solid place to be relative to your fellow applicants. A low GMAT score, on the other hand, is anything under 550.

Percentile rankings are recalculated every year based on the past three years of test-takers. This means that while the possible scores for each section remain the same every year, the percentile rankings change (usually very gradually) from year to year.

Here are the GMAT percentile rankings from the Graduate Management Admissions Council (GMAC) for the past three years, beginning with the total score and followed by section-specific charts for the Verbal and Quantitative sections, the Integrated Reasoning section, and the Analytical Writing Assessment:

Note the differences between Verbal and Quant percentile rankings: A score of 51 would put you in the 99th percentile for the Verbal section and in the 96th percentile for the Quant section. A score of 46 would keep you in the 99th percentile in Verbal, but put you in the 60th for Quant! This gap exists because more students score highly on the Quant section than on the Verbal section, partly due to an increasing number of international students (many of whom have trouble with the Verbal section) taking the GMAT.

The percentile rankings for the Integrated Reasoning section show us that 7% of test-takers get a perfect score on the section, since a perfect score of 8 would put you in the 93rd percentile. A high GMAT score on the Integrated Reasoning section is roughly considered to be 6 or above.

11% of test-takers get a perfect score on the Analytical Writing Assessment. A high GMAT score on the AWA is usually considered to be 5.0 or above.

Which GMAT Sections Are Most Important?

Business schools consider the total GMAT score first, followed by the individual Verbal and Quant sections. Having a significantly higher score in one section over another may indicate your particular strengths or weaknesses to your prospective program.

So what about the Integrated Reasoning section and the Analytical Writing Assessment? Many students wonder how important these sections are to business schools. After all, they aren’t calculated into the overall total score.

The short answer is that both of these sections matter, but not quite as much as the Verbal and Quantitative sections or the total score. For one thing, the Integrated Reasoning section is newer than the others; it was added in 2012, so it’s not quite as tried-and-true as an analytical tool for schools. And while the schools you apply to receive and read a copy of your Analytical Writing Assessment essay, there are many other places on the application for you to provide writing samples. So it makes sense that a business school admissions committee might not regard a 30-minute essay written under pressure as the #1 means of evaluating an MBA applicant.

The longer answer is that:

1. It’s hard to tell just how much value MBA programs place on the IR and AWA sections, as schools usually don’t publicly report section-specific information. In fact, they usually only report the average total score for incoming students.

2. There is some evidence that the Integrated Reasoning section in particular has become more significant to business schools in recent years. One 2015 survey indicated that 59% of MBA admissions officials claimed to evaluate the Integrated Reasoning section as a significant aspect of an applicant’s profile, in comparison to 41% of the same pool of officials just a few years prior.

3. The Analytical Writing Assessment can be especially beneficial for non-native English speakers. If you can do well on the timed writing assessment, it’s a great indicator of your fluency in English, as MBA admissions officials can know for sure you didn’t have to take too much time to complete it and didn’t have outside help during the test. This can boost your chances of admission.

In short, prepare for both of these sections just as you would for the others. Regardless of their overall significance, an extremely low or extremely high score in either section could certainly affect your application.

For more information about how the Graduate Management Admissions Council suggests that schools use the Analytical Writing Assessment to evaluate applicants, check out these guidelines.

What Is a Good GMAT Score to Get Into Business School?

Like we went over previously, there is a wide range of GMAT scores that can gain you admission to your business school of choice. Generally speaking, top 10 MBA programs consistently look for GMAT scores of 720 or above. For mid-to-high-range business schools (those consistently ranked between 25 and 80 on annual rankings lists like U.S. News), average scores of incoming students are usually in the 600-700 range.

So, where can you find the average GMAT scores at your favorite prospective programs? MBA class profiles, like this one from Harvard Business School, are usually published yearly, as soon as an incoming MBA class is admitted and accepts their offers of admission. Class profiles are a treasure trove of information about how you might fit into various schools in terms of demographics, work experience, GPA, undergraduate major, and, yes, GMAT score.

Let’s take a more in-depth look at average GMAT scores at a range of 15 different MBA programs. Note that the ‘middle 80% range’ is reported by some schools as part of their class profiles. It includes the range of GMAT scores of all incoming students, excluding the bottom 10% and top 10% of scores:

What Is a Good GMAT Score for You? Setting a Target

Remember that the main criterion for a good GMAT score is that it helps you get into the business school of your choice. A high GMAT score for one applicant could be a low GMAT score for someone else— it just depends on what your business school plans are.

Thus, the first step in GMAT preparation is setting your own target score. This will help you know what kind of prep you need to do: do you need to brush up on a few targeted areas? Or do you need long-term, in-depth instruction? It will also help you calculate how many hours you’ll need to study.

Let’s go over how to determine your target GMAT score. Follow along with my sample chart as we go.

Step 1: Print Out the Worksheet

Before you do anything else, you should print out this worksheet:

We’ll walk through how to customize it below.

Step 2: List Your Programs

Next, you’ll need to come up with your list of prospective MBA programs so we can make a chart like the one in the previous section that’s tailored to your individual list of schools. Write the list in the column on the left. Here’s a sample:

Step 3: Find the Average GMAT Score for Each Program

For each school, find the average GMAT score of the most recent incoming class. Each school’s website nearly always includes the most recent class profile, which is where you’ll usually find this info. If for some reason you can’t find a class profile (which will be very rare), you can try the school-specific MBA Forum at GMAT Club. Write the average GMAT score in the right column. If the school only provides the middle 80% range of GMAT scores, use the top score in the range to be safe:

Step 4: Choose Your Target Score

Lastly, choose the highest score in your right column. You can either leave it as is or add 20-30 points to it if you want to have a bit of a cushion. This will be your target GMAT score:

Remember that earning your target GMAT score or higher won’t necessarily guarantee you admission. But if you reach it, you have a good shot of getting into at least one of your selected MBA programs. And having a realistic goal will help you prepare without getting lost in a sea of other numbers and comparisons.

Recap: What Is a Good GMAT Score?

Let’s review:

• A good GMAT score is one that gets you into the business school of your choice, no matter what anybody else thinks.

• A good ‘baseline’ GMAT score is 650. Top 10 business schools usually expect GMAT scores of 720 or above.

• The MBA class profiles of your prospective schools will usually provide you with the average GMAT of incoming students. This average will give you a good idea of where you might fit in relative to other applicants.

• Use your target GMAT score to decide how and when to prepare for the exam.

What’s Next?

If you’re ready to start prepping for the GMAT, check out our expert guide to determining how long you need to study for the exam.

Still curious about how to interpret your GMAT scores? Learn more about the GMAT Total score and how schools look at it.

Looking for a section-by-section tour of the GMAT? Our complete guide to the GMAT format breaks it down.

The post What Is a Good GMAT Score? A Bad One? An Excellent One? appeared first on Online GMAT Prep Blog by PrepScholar.

Can you use a calculator on the GMAT? Yes, but probably not as much as you’d like.

In this article, I’ll ago over which sections of the GMAT have an onscreen calculator, the functions of the GMAT calculator, and how to use it most effectively on test day.

Is There a GMAT Calculator?

So, can you use a calculator on the GMAT? The short answer is sometimes.

There is an onscreen calculator on the Integrated Reasoning (IR) section, but there is no calculator on the Quantitative (Quant) section. On that section, you’ll have to do all your calculations by hand.

No GMAT Calculator on the Quant Section?!

If that last sentence scared you, don’t panic. There are several reasons not to worry:

1. The GMAT Quantitative section is not designed to test you on complicated mathematical skills or specific calculations. Instead, the Quant section draws from secondary-level math skills like basic algebra and geometry. In fact, the majority of Quant questions can be answered without any calculations beyond estimation.
2. You will have a notepad with plenty of space provided to you by the proctor on test day. If you absolutely need to do some calculations, you can complete them manually there.
3. Even if you feel uncomfortable doing arithmetic without a GMAT calculator, it won’t take long for you to improve with practice.

Working without a calculator may take some getting used to, but it’s not as scary as it sounds.

How to Succeed Without a Calculator in the GMAT Quant Section

While you shouldn’t be overly concerned about not having a calculator during the Quant section, there are ways to prepare effectively so you can do your best come exam day.

#1: Practice, Practice, Practice

If you don’t feel comfortable doing arithmetic quickly in your head, you should start practicing now. Of course, you should complete all your Quant practice tests without a calculator, but you can also add, multiply, subtract, and divide when you pay bills, check out at the grocery store, or calculate a tip. Try to use a calculator as rarely as you can in preparation for the GMAT.

#2: Estimate

The key to completing many Quant questions efficiently is estimation. You should always try to round up or down to find more manageable, less unwieldy numbers (often ones that end in zero or 5) for the purpose of calculations. If a problem or answer choice requires you to multiply 44.6 by 11.15, for example, you can multiply 45 by 10 instead and still end up with the correct answer.

#3: Use Halving and Doubling to Simplify Calculations

Another useful skill when completing the Quant section without a GMAT calculator is called ‘halving and doubling,’ which doubles (or otherwise multiplies) one number in a calculation and halves (or otherwise divides by the same factor) the other to result in a friendlier pair of numbers for someone without a calculator. Let’s take 25 times 24, for example. Divide 24 by 6 to get 4–easy enough–and multiple 25 by 6 to get 150. What you’re left with is 4 times 150, a much easier calculation (600).

GMAT Calculator: What It Does and How to Use It

Unlike the Quant section, the Integrated Reasoning (IR) section does have an onscreen calculator available. You’ll simply click on “Calculator” at the top lefthand corner of the screen, and the calculator will appear in the middle:

As you can see, the GMAT calculator has standard basic functions. The fairly self-explanatory top row of the calculator consists of Backspace (which clears only the last digit you typed), CE (clear entry, or what you entered in the line), and C (clear all, or everything that is stored in previous operations).

The right column of the IR calculator contains a few other basic functions. The ‘sqrt’ (square root) button will calculate the square root of any number you just typed.

The % percentage button will help you if you want to increase or decrease a number by a certain percentage: for example, typing 100 + 10% will result in 110.

The ‘1/x’ button calculates the reciprocal of the entry currently on the screen. For example, typing “5” and then the 1/x button will show you .2, which is the decimal equivalent of ⅕.

The left column consists of the ‘memory’ functions. These are especially helpful for calculations that require several steps.

1. MS (memory store) stores the current entry in the calculator’s memory for subsequent use.
2. MR (memory recall) displays the latest number stored in memory on the screen so you can use it for the next step of your calculation.
3. M+ (memory addition) adds the current entry to whatever is in the current memory. This button is helpful when you need to add a long series of numbers and don’t want to retype each one.
4. Finally, MC (memory clear) erases whatever is in the current memory. You should click this button before every new calculation scenario.

While the IR GMAT calculator can be a helpful tool, you don’t want to use it too often or you’ll waste more time than you save. You can use many of the same tips and tricks on the IR section that you’ll use on the Quant section, where you don’t have a calculator. The same skills you practice to prepare for the Quant section will also help you on the IR section.

Review: Can You Use a Calculator on the GMAT?

There is no calculator available on the Quantitative section of the GMAT, but there is one on the Integrated Reasoning. The GMAT calculator has the same functions as a standard four-function calculator with square roots.

Though the idea of taking a math test with no calculator can be intimidating, you shouldn’t panic. The GMAT Quant section doesn’t test your ability to do complex arithmetic — you’ll only need to do basic calculations and can rely on estimation for anything more complicated.

What’s Next?

For more information on how to make effective use of the scratch pad you’ll be provided with during the GMAT, read our article on GMAT scratch paper.

Wondering what topics you need to review before trying to master the Quant section? Our guide to the math you need for the GMAT can help.

To delve more deeply into GMAT Math strategies, check out our guide to mastering the Quant section.

The post GMAT Calculator: What Is It? When Can You Use It? appeared first on Online GMAT Prep Blog by PrepScholar.

If you’re an aspiring MBA student, you’ll have to leap the hurdle of the GMAT to get into business school. Prospective students spend months training for the challenge. What is the GMAT test, exactly?

This guide will go over everything you need to know about the GMAT, its use in business school admissions, and how to register. To get you acquainted with the exam, let’s start by going over the purpose of the GMAT.

What Is the Purpose of the GMAT Exam?

The Graduate Management Admission Test, or GMAT, is a standardized, computer-based test that students across the world take to get into business school. The exam is meant to measure your writing, reasoning, quantitative, and verbal skills and predict your success in a business school classroom.

While it’s not the only piece of your application, the GMAT is an important part of gaining admission. Admissions committees often look at GMAT scores to gain an initial sense of whether or not you’re a competitive candidate. If your scores are too low, like below 550 out of 800, then the officers might not be particularly interested in the rest of your application.

Today, most business schools require either the GMAT or the GRE for admission. The vast majority of students applying for an MBA, Master’s of Finance, or other business school degree still choose to take the GMAT over the GRE.

If you decide to take the GMAT exam, you’ll be joining the ranks of hundreds of thousands of prospective students across the world. Read on to learn more about who takes the GMAT.

Who Takes the GMAT?

Students across the world take the GMAT test to get into an MBA, Master of Finance, Master of Accountancy, or other business school graduate program. The test is meant to provide a standardized way to assess students’ skills.

Last year, a total of 247,432 people took the GMAT, 84,600 of which took the test in the U.S. The average age of GMAT test-takers was 26 worldwide and 27 in the U.S. population.

If you’re curious to learn even more about GMAT test-takers, like their citizenship, gender, age, and total scores, you can find lots of information in GMAC’s research report. You’ll see that more and more people are taking the GMAT each year.

How Did the GMAT Start? A Brief History

In 1953, nine business schools formed the Graduate Management Admission Council to develop a standardized test for business school applicants. Around 2,000 people took the GMAT its first year, and 54 schools used it as selection criteria in their admissions decisions. Today, over 5,900 programs offered by more than 2,100 schools use the GMAT.

The GMAT exam has undergone some changes over time. One major one happened in 2012, when the test-makers introduced the Integrated Reasoning section and reduced the number of essay questions from two to one.

What is GMAT testing like today? Nowadays, you’ll only write one essay for the Analytical Writing Assessment and answer questions about data interpretation and evaluation in the 12-question, 30-minute Integrated Reasoning section. Neither AWA nor Integrated Reasoning factors into your total score, which is based on your Quantitative and Verbal scores.

Let’s take a closer look at the structure of the GMAT today, starting with key logistics about the test-taking experience that you need to know.

What Is the GMAT Exam Like? Key Logistics

There are a few key facts you need to know before taking the GMAT. The first is that it’s a computer-based test. You’ll get one question at a time, and you can’t skip or return to any questions. In fact, you’re responsible for getting to all of the questions in each section before you reach the time limit. If you don’t get to all of the questions in a section, then you’ll suffer a score penalty.

The GMAT exam tests your math, verbal, data interpretation, and reasoning skills, plus you’ll have to write an essay in which you evaluate an argument. The Quantitative (math) and Verbal sections are adaptive, meaning that the difficulty level of the questions changes as you go along based on your answers to previous questions. This format is meant to give you questions that match your ability.

At the end of this over three hour exam, you’ll see an unofficial score report that tells you your Integrated Reasoning, Quantitative, and Verbal scores. At this point, you can choose whether to keep your scores and send them to business schools or to cancel them. If you cancel, you can still reinstate them at a later date for a fee of $50. Canceled scores won’t be sent to business schools, and you’ll have to re-register for the GMAT and try again.

You can register for the GMAT online at various locations throughout the world. It’s administered almost every day in some countries, and you can choose whether to take it in the morning or afternoon. The cost of the GMAT is $250, though some schools and scholarship organizations offer vouchers that cover part or all of the exam for eligible students.

Now you have a general sense of the answer to “what is the GMAT test?” So let’s break down its structure and what’s actually on the test next.

What Is the GMAT Test Structure?

The GMAT exam has four sections: the Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA), Integrated Reasoning, Quantitative, and Verbal. AWA and Integrated Reasoning are 30 minutes, Quantitative is 62 minutes, and Verbal is 65 minutes. There are also two optional eight-minute breaks.

You’ll get a choice of three possible section orders for the GMAT:

• Option 1: Analytical Writing Assessment, Integrated Reasoning, Quantitative, Verbal
• Option 2: Verbal, Quantitative, Integrated Reasoning, Analytical Writing Assessment
• Option 3: Quantitative, Verbal, Integrated Reasoning, Analytical Writing Assessment

This chart shows the length of each section, as well as the number of questions it contains and how much time you get to answer each question. Remember, it’s up to you to answer all of the questions before time runs out!

Now that you have a sense of the overall structure of the GMAT, let’s take a closer look at each section and the skills you need to do well.

GMAT Section 1: Analytical Writing Assessment

At the beginning of the Analytical Writing Assessment, you’ll get a tutorial screen with instructions for typing your response and navigating the text box (don’t worry, it’s pretty standard). Once you start the section, you’ll have 30 minutes to read the prompt and write your essay.

While the excerpts change, your instructions will always be the same. Here are the AWA directions you’ll get:

You’ll also be reminded that your assignment is to “write a critique of the argument presented. You are NOT being asked to present your own views on the subject.”

Here’s a sample prompt for the AWA essay:

If this were your prompt, you’d have to critique this argument about minimizing costs and maximizing profits. You’ll get your AWA score about 20 days after you take the GMAT, as your essay will be scored at least twice, by a person and by a machine. Scoring is based on the AWA rubric. A strong essay is clear, insightful, and well-organized.

Reading sample essays will help you prepare for this section, as will practicing writing your own. You should also look over this comprehensive list of GMAT AWA prompts that are used on the GMAT.

GMAT Section 2: Integrated Reasoning Section

The IR section is a bit different and still relatively new, as it was introduced to the GMAT exam in 2012. The IR section asks 12 questions in 30 minutes, and unlike math and verbal, it’s not adaptive.

The Integrated Reasoning section seeks to measure your ability to evaluate information presented in multiple formats. You might have to read a passage, chart, or graph from multiple sources, synthesize the information, and answer questions that compare the graphics to one another.

Here’s an example of an IR sample question from the GMAT Prep software. The actual test won’t let you bookmark a question or indicate, “This is a guess.” It will have the calculator tool, though, as this sample question does in the upper right-hand corner. IR is the only section on the GMAT during which you can use a calculator.

As you can see, you’ll need to click through three tabs, Techniques, Artifacts, and Budget, to get all of the information for this set of questions.

While this sample question shows a passage, other questions may contain a chart or graph. You’ll typically be able to manipulate data in different ways. For instance, a chart might have a drop-down menu that allows you to organize the information by various columns. If you have to answer several questions about the same group of passages or graphics, then you may have to keep re-organizing the data to figure out your answers.

Some questions are multi-part, but you won’t get any partial credit. You have to answer all parts of a question correctly to get points.

Again, the 12 questions in the Integrated Reasoning section ask you to interpret data and synthesize information from a variety of graphics, text, and numbers. It’s a challenging and unusual section, so preparation is key!

GMAT Section 3: Quantitative Section

The Quantitative section is the scary section of the GMAT exam to test-takers who haven’t taken a math class in years. If you’re one of them, perhaps you’ll rest a little easier knowing that it doesn’t test particularly advanced math. The questions mainly focus on arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and logic.

Even if you haven’t studied math in years, you can easily review the concepts and formulas. To answer the quantitative questions on the GMAT, you’ll need to have a working knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and word problems.

There are two question types in this section, problem solving and data sufficiency. Problem-solving questions are straightforward math problems for which there is only one correct answer. Here’s an example of a problem-solving question in the GMAT Quantitative section:

Data sufficiency questions are a little more unusual. They present a formula followed by two descriptive statements. You have to indicate whether the first statement, second statement, neither, or both give you sufficient information to solve the original formula. Here’s an example of a data sufficiency question. Note that all data sufficiency questions will have the same answer choices.

You don’t actually have to solve data sufficiency problems. In fact, solving them would probably be a waste of your valuable test-taking time. Rather, you need to figure out whether or not you have enough information to solve them. In effect, you need to know if you could solve them if you wanted to, but you have better things to do with your time.

Problem solving and data sufficiency questions are interspersed throughout the Quantitative section, so you’ll have to switch back and forth between them.

GMAT Section 4: Verbal Section

Last but not least, we have the Verbal section. You’ll get 36 questions of three types: reading comprehension, critical reasoning, and sentence correction. Reading comprehension questions ask you to read and understand passages, critical reasoning questions want you to evaluate arguments, and sentence corrections ask you to identify and fix grammatical errors in stand-alone sentences.

For reading comprehension questions, you’ll read a passage and answer multiple questions about its meaning, logic, and what kind of evidence would strengthen or weaken its central premise. Here’s an example of a reading comprehension question. A passage like this one might be followed by seven to 10 questions. Just the first two are shown below.

Critical reasoning questions similarly ask you to examine an argument critically, as well as to root out any assumptions in a brief scenario. It calls on similar skills as the AWA essay at the beginning of the GMAT. The following is a sample critical reasoning question.

Finally, sentence correction questions present a stand-alone sentence with a certain word or phrase underlined. You’ll have to figure out whether there’s an error. If there is, then you’ll have to choose the answer that provides a correction.

On sentence corrections, your first answer choice will always be the same as the original (ie, no error). As the instructions remind you, your “answer should be clear and exact, without awkwardness, ambiguity, redundancy, or grammatical error.”

The following is an example of a sentence correction question.

You can find practice questions on MBA.com, as well as on the helpful and free GMAT PrepSoftware. After you finish the GMAT exam, you’ll get an unofficial score report with your scores for Integrated Reasoning, Quantitative, and verbal, as well as your total scores. Each section will have a different scoring range, as you’ll see below.

How Is the GMAT Scored?

Your total scores on the GMAT test will fall somewhere in the range of 200 to 800. Your total scores are based on your Quantitative and Verbal scores. Neither the AWA essay nor the Integrated Reasoning section counts toward your total scores.

Here are the score ranges, score intervals, and average scores for each section of the GMAT:

You’ll get your official GMAT score report about 20 days after your test. If you feel something is off with your essay score, you can request a rescore for a fee of $45. Whatever score you get after your essay is regraded will be your final AWA score, even if it ends up being lower than the original one.

You’ll also get percentile rankings for your total and section scores. Your percentiles tell you the percentage of test-takers that you performed better than. For instance, scoring in the 80th percentile means that you got higher scores than 80% of other test-takers.

Percentile ranges vary by section. For instance, you can score in the 99th percentile in the verbal section, but a perfect score in Integrated Reasoning is only 92nd percentile. That’s because about 8% of test-takers get a perfect IR score.

You don’t need 99th percentile scores to get into a top business school. What scores do you need to gain admission?

What GMAT Scores Do You Need for Business School?

Average GMAT scores clock in at around 552. If you score above 700 on the GMAT, then you’ll be a competitive candidate for any business school. Accepted students at top business schools, like Harvard Business School, the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth, and the Wharton School at UPenn, average a GMAT score of 720 to 730.

This is an average score, meaning that some students score higher and some got in with lower scores. The rest of your business school application is also very important. Admissions committees take a holistic approach when evaluating your candidacy and look at your work experience, undergraduate record, recommendations, and essays.

If business school is in your plans, how can you sign up to take the GMAT?

How Do You Sign Up for the GMAT?

Most people register for the GMAT online at MBA.com. You set up an account and select a testing center, date, and time of day. You can register anywhere from six months to 24 hours before your selected date. Testing centers can fill up, though, so it’s recommended that you register at least two to three months ahead of time.

You can also register by phone for a $10 fee or by mail, as long as you make sure your payment arrives at least 10 days ahead of your selected test date.

The cost of the GMAT exam is $250. Some schools and organizations have vouchers that cover all or some of this cost. To get one, you’d have to reach out to a business school of interest to see if it has any vouchers available. Since the school may require some supporting documentation to demonstrate your financial need, you should make sure to start this process months before you plan to register for the GMAT.

Once you’ve chosen your test date, you can start to gather prep materials and design a personalized study plan that will help you achieve your target scores.

Preparing for the GMAT: Next Steps

The GMAT is a challenging test, and preparation is key for doing well. Students who scored above a 700 spent an average of 121 hours studying. Prep is especially important if you’ve been out of school for a few years and your test-taking skills have grown rusty.

One of your first steps should be downloading the free GMAT PrepSoftware. It has practice questions and two full-length practice GMAT exams that emulate the real test. You might start by taking a diagnostic test to get a sense of your current scoring level. Based on your results, you can figure out where you need to focus your attention so you can see the biggest improvement.

You should also think about how you learn best. Can you make progress studying on your own from a book or online materials? Would it benefit you to get in a classroom and take a GMAT test? Would it be helpful to splurge on a private GMAT tutor?

The most expensive prep option isn’t necessarily the best one for your learning style. Think about how you’ve learned most successfully in the past and take a personalized approach to getting ready for the GMAT exam. You should especially look for materials that have a computerized component, as the GMAT is a computer-based test.

As you study, take timed practice tests so you can get used to the rhythm of the test and measure your progress. Practice tests will help you figure out where you’re excelling and where you’re struggling. By identifying your weaknesses, you can make sure to address them before test day.

The amount you study depends on how big a score improvement you’re looking to make and how much time you have before your test date. As long as you incorporate GMAT studying into your routine by setting aside a certain amount of time each week, you should be able to significantly improve by the time your test date rolls around.

In closing, let’s consider the key points you need to remember about what the GMAT exam is and why you need to take it to get into business school.

What Is the GMAT Exam? Key Takeaways

If you’ve made it to the end of this guide, then you now know that the GMAT is a three and a half hour, computer-based, at times computer adaptive test that people all over the world take to get into graduate school for business.

Your GMAT scores are an important selection criterion for admissions committees. Admissions officers want to make sure you have the skills to succeed in a business school classroom, and the GMAT offers a standardized way to assess and compare applicants.

While the four sections of the GMAT focus on different content and feature different question types, all of them test your ability to distill complex information, analyze the logic and effectiveness of an argument, interpret and solve problems, and showcase your reasoning capabilities.

You’ll need to show up to the exam equipped with certain knowledge, like how to calculate the area of a triangle and rules of commas, but you’ll also have to exercise your reasoning and problem-solving skills on the spot.

The GMAT is a challenging test, both in terms of its content and its fast pace. With a serious and intentional approach to preparing in the months leading up to your test date, you can achieve your goals and get the scores you seek to get into business school.

What’s Next?

Now that you know the answer to “what is the GMAT exam?”, how can you start preparing? This comprehensive GMAT syllabus also includes tips for designing a personalized GMAT study plan.

Have you registered for the GMAT yet? This guide leads you through the GMAT registration process, step by step.

How do percentiles work on the GMAT? Check out the complete GMAT percentile charts for every section, plus analysis of what they mean for you.

The post What Is the GMAT? 8 Key Questions, Answered appeared first on Online GMAT Prep Blog by PrepScholar.

While you might spend months preparing for and obsessing over the GMAT, how much time will you actually spend taking it? This guide will discuss total GMAT length, as well as how much time you can expect to spend in the testing center.

We’ll also take a look at how many minutes you have per question, a key piece of intel since you’ll be responsible for getting to all of the questions in each section. Read on to learn everything you need to know about GMAT time, plus some tips on how to prep for this long exam.

First, how long is the GMAT overall?

How Long Is the GMAT? Total Time

The total testing time of the GMAT is three hours and seven minutes, including two 30-minute sections, a 62-minute section, and a 65-minute section. Each section is strictly timed, so you can’t get any additional time unless you set up accommodations due to a documented disability.

During the GMAT, you have the option of taking two breaks for up to eight minutes. You can take each break after about an hour of testing. The first comes after the Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) and Integrated Reasoning, and the second comes after the Quantitative section.

If you take advantage of both eight-minute breaks, then your total testing time will be 3 hours and 23 minutes. This chart shows the full GMAT length broken down into its four sections. You’ll have a choice about the order of the sections, but the test length and the spacing of the breaks are always the same.

Your actual time in the GMAT testing room will be a bit longer, since you’ll take some time reading through additional screens that give instructions or ask you whether or not you want to keep your scores. Just like with each section of the test, each of these additional screens has a time limit.

How Long Does the GMAT Take With Additional Screens?

As you take the GMAT, you’ll read through a few additional screens. First, you’ll have the option of choosing five schools to receive your GMAT scores. These score reports are free, but any additional ones that you add after the test cost $25 each. You should take advantage of these free score reports, since you have the option of canceling your scores at the end of the test if you’re not satisfied with them.

After you select score recipients, you’ll be prompted to agree to a non-disclosure agreement. Following your electronic signature, you’ll have two minutes to pick the section order you want.

You’ll be given brief instructions before each of the four GMAT sections. The Analytical Writing tutorial is the most extensive: it tells you how to write your essay in the response box and offers some tips for navigating the next screen. You have a 10-minute time limit, after which the AWA section will automatically start. You can also click ahead at any point to start your essay. You’ll also see brief instruction screens before the Integrated Reasoning, Quantitative, and Verbal sections that have just one-minute time limits.

However, you should familiarize yourself with these instructions before you take the GMAT, so you don’t have to spend time worrying about them on test day. You can find these screens in the two practice tests on the free GMATPrep Software.

After you finish the GMAT, you’ll get your unofficial score report, which tells you how you did on the Integrated Reasoning, Quantitative, and Verbal sections, along with your total scores (AWA has no effect on your total scores).

At this point, you can decide whether to keep or cancel your scores. You have just two minutes to decide. If you don’t select an option, your GMAT scores will be automatically canceled!

To prevent this from happening, you should go into the test with a clear idea of which scores you would keep and which ones you would cancel. Luckily, you can change your mind and cancel or reinstate your scores later, but you’ll have to pay a fee of $25 to $50 to do so.

Given all of these extra screens for instructions and agreements, how long does the GMAT take? You’ll likely be sitting at the computer in the testing room for close to four hours.

The GMAT is a long and demanding test, and you’re responsible for managing your time through each of the four sections. Read on to learn how many questions you have in each section and how to manage your pacing.

How Long Is the GMAT by Section?

When you take the GMAT, you’ll get just one question at a time. You can’t skip or go back to any questions, and you’re responsible for getting to all of the questions in a section before time is up.

To help you do this, you’ll see a timer with a tracker that tells you what question you’re on and how many you have left. If you don’t answer all of the questions in each section, your score will take a serious hit.

This chart shows you how many questions you have in each section to give you a sense of how much time you have per question. Keep in mind that it might not be the best strategy to divide your time equally among every different type of question, but this estimate gives you a good starting point for thinking about time management.

On average, you’ll have about two minutes per question. In the Integrated Reasoning section, you get a little more time per question, and in verbal you get a little less.

Obviously, the GMAT is a fast-paced test, and you need to manage your time and keep up your focus over several hours in order to do well on it. What can you do to sharpen your time management skills and prepare for the GMAT length? Read on for nine essential tips for time management before and during the GMAT.

How to Manage GMAT Time: 9 Key Tips

Not only does the GMAT ask tough questions, but it also challenges you to get to all of the questions in time. This kind of test is difficult for anyone, but it poses an extra challenge for people who have been out of school for a few years and haven’t taken a test in a while.

How can you polish your rusty test-taking skills? And what can you do as you take the test to work efficiently? Below are nine essential tips for time management on the GMAT. First, consider what you can to prepare for the test, followed by some advice for managing your time as you take the test itself.

Before the GMAT…

Consider these five tips for sharpening your time management skills as you get ready for the GMAT.

Time Tip #1: Take Timed Practice Tests

The best way to get a sense of the rhythm of the GMAT is to take timed practice tests. The free GMAT PrepSoftware has two practice exams that emulate the real test, and you can find additional ones with other GMAT prep materials.

When you take a practice test, find a quiet space, use a stopwatch if you don’t have a computer-based timer, and try your best to simulate actual testing conditions. Being an efficient test-taker is a skill that you can develop with practice.

A lot of people have trouble getting to all of the questions in the GMAT, but a few actually have the opposite problem. If you find yourself rushing through and making careless mistakes, try to slow down, pay attention to details, and use the full amount of time you have to answer all of the questions.

There’s no need to finish with ten minutes still left in a section, since you can’t go back and revisit any questions that you’ve already answered. The only exception is the AWA section, when you should save a few minutes at the end to read over your essay, edit for grammar and organization, and revise any sentences that are unclear.

The more you practice with an eye on the timer, the better you’ll get at balancing time on the GMAT. Plus, practice tests are useful for gauging your score improvement, measuring your progress, and readjusting your study plan in the months before the GMAT.

Time Tip #2: Find Test-Taking Strategies That Work For You

People who do well on the GMAT don’t just have a solid understanding of content. They’re also working strategically. Each section of the GMAT calls for its own skills and strategies to work efficiently and avoid careless errors.

In the verbal section, for instance, you could try the Veritas STOP method of reading the passages. Rather than focusing on every word, try to read with an eye for the passage’s structure, tone, organization, and purpose. By focusing on these main elements, you can read more quickly while still picking up the information you need to answer the questions.

In the quantitative section, you usually don’t have to solve “data sufficiency” problems. Solving a problem would be a waste of time if you can assess whether or not you have enough information without actually going through all of the steps.

Simple process of elimination can also be a useful strategy for many of the multiple choice questions, as well. If you can eliminate any answers as definitely wrong, then you might be able to focus in on the right one more quickly.

For instance, sentence correction questions in the verbal section ask you to fix a grammar error. If two answer choices serve the same function, then neither can be the right choice. Using process of elimination, especially when you’re unsure on a question, can help you zero in on the right answer, or at least help you make a more educated guess.

As you prepare to handle GMAT time, try out your own time-saving strategies and figure out which ones work best for you.

Time Tip #3: Practice Using the GMAT Calculator

You can only use a calculator on the Integrated Reasoning section of the GMAT, and you can’t bring your own. Instead, you’ll use the provided on-screen calculator to solve any problems. If you’re not used to using a computerized version of a calculator, then you could lose valuable time here.

To make sure you can use it efficiently, you should practice before the test with the GMAT PrepSoftware or an online calculator, like the Google calculator. Using a hand calculator as you answer Integrated Reasoning practice questions won’t help you get ready for the real testing experience.

Practice first so you can make sure you don’t waste any time trying to use the calculator in the Integrated Reasoning section.

Time Tip #4: Schedule Your Test at the Right Time of Day

Do you wake up ready and eager to take on the day? Or does your brain need a few hours (and a few coffees) to really get going? Fortunately, you have a lot of choice when you schedule your GMAT, and you can choose to take it either in the morning of the afternoon.

To make sure you can maintain focus and work efficiently over this three and a half hour test, you should register for the time of day when you’re most alert. Will you be able to think most clearly in the AM? Or do you focus better when you can sleep in and take your time getting to the test center?

Be intentional about when you take the GMAT to suit your schedule and choose the best time of day for you to focus and do well on this demanding test.

Time Tip #5: Prepare for Test Day

Finally, you’ll also benefit from preparing for the test fully the night before. Get a good night’s sleep so you can focus the next day. Take the night to relax rather than doing any last-minute cramming. At that point, you’ve done all you can to prepare.

Try to eat a healthy breakfast with protein, and avoid sugar and caffeine that cause your energy levels and focus to fluctuate. You should also plan your arrival carefully, so that you’re not rushing in late and feeling frazzled.

Nutrition and stress have a big impact on our ability to concentrate. By preparing for the logistics of test day, you’ll set the conditions to feel confident, clear-headed, and ready to focus in on a challenging, long exam.

During the GMAT…

What can you do as you take the GMAT to work efficiently and avoid wasting time? Consider the following four tips.

Time Tip #6: Aim to Answer All of the Questions

As you know, you’re responsible for answering all of the questions in each section. You’ll just see one question at a time, and you can’t skip or go back to any questions.

As you take the test, you’ll see what question you’re on. For instance, on the first question in the math section, you’ll see that you’re working on 1/37. You have an average of two minutes per question on the GMAT. However, it might not always make sense to divide your time equally.

In the verbal section, you might spend proportionally more time reading a passage than you do answering the relevant questions. These reading comprehension questions, furthermore, might take you longer than sentence corrections, especially if you’re fast when it comes to identifying and fixing errors of grammar.

As you take practice tests, you should take notes on how much time you tend to spend on each type of question. The more you practice and self-reflect on the test, the clearer sense you’ll have of how to divide your time.

If you find yourself wasting too much time on a question when you’re taking the GMAT, just take your best guess and move on. It’s better to guess on a question than to run out of time and not get to all of the questions in a section.

Time Tip #7: Don’t Worry About How You’re Doing

The Quantitative and Verbal sections are adaptive, meaning that subsequent questions are chosen based on your performance. One common mistake test-takers make is trying to gauge how they’re doing in these sections. They assume that a question that feels easier means that they got the previous one wrong.

Don’t do this! First, it’s a waste of time trying to figure out the difficulty level of questions. Difficulty level can be subjective. A question may feel easier to you because you have a strong grasp of a particular concept, not because it’s actually an easier question according to the test-makers.

If you start to worry about doing poorly, then you can get in your head and end up worsening your performance. Besides, even if a question is easier, that doesn’t necessarily mean you got other questions wrong. There are experimental questions scattered throughout the test that are meant to test out material for future tests and won’t count toward your scores.

You should also ignore the rumor that the first ten questions in the quantitative and verbal sections are the most important (and if you’ve never heard it, then never mind!). All of the questions are equally important. Don’t spend more time on the first ten than any others.

As you’re taking the GMAT, try not to think about how well you’re doing at all. If you have to guess on a question that stumps you, don’t let it get in your head. Save all your mental energy for answering the question in front of you and forget about the ones that have already gone by. You’ll find out your scores soon enough.

Time Tip #8: Make the Most of the Timer

As you take the GMAT, you’ll see a timer counting down how much time you have left in each section. The timer turns to a blinking display when you have five minutes left.

Use the timer to help you keep track and make sure you’re not wasting too much time on a question. If, on the other hand, you have ten minutes and just two questions left in a section, you know you can take your time answering both.

If the timer is too distracting, you can hide it. Most people find the timer useful so they can keep the same test-taking rhythm they developed on GMAT practice tests.

Time Tip #9: Take Advantage of Your Breaks

While you might be tempted to power through each section one after another, you shouldn’t underestimate the usefulness of taking a break. The breaks are a great opportunity to clear your head, regroup, and shift focus to a new section.

Get up, move around, and give your eyes a break from staring at the computer screen. You can also drink water or eat food during breaks to help keep you going. The breaks help you reenergize after about every hour of testing.

If you don’t take a break, furthermore, you could end up getting distracted by people coming and going from the testing room. In these strictly timed sections, eight minutes of distracted test-taking could be a major drawback.

Show up to the testing center prepared with water and healthy snacks and make the most of your eight-minute breaks. Having the chance to move around and feel refreshed will help you keep up your stamina over this long test.

Now that you have a sense of what you can do before and after the test to improve your time management, let’s go over the key takeaways you should remember about the structure and length of the GMAT.

How Long Is the GMAT Test? Key Points

When your long-awaited GMAT test day finally arrives, you’ll spend over three hours in front of a computer taking the test. The Analytical Writing and Integrated Reasoning sections are half an hour long, and the Quantitative and Verbal sections are both just over an hour long.

To give yourself a break, you have the option of leaving the test room (but probably not the test center) for a maximum of eight minutes after about each hour of testing.

The GMAT puts a lot of responsibility on test-takers. Because it’s a computer-based, and in some sections, computer-adaptive test, you’re responsible for getting to all of the questions before you reach the time limit. You can’t skip or return to questions, but instead have to keep pushing forward until you answer all of them.

While an average of two minutes per question may sound like a tall order, you can hone your skills by taking timed practice tests as you prepare. By practicing and reflecting on your experience, you can become a more and more efficient test-taker.

If you’ve made it until the end of this guide, then you’ve already taken an important step in your GMAT prep. Understanding how timing works on the test is key. By understanding how the sections are timed and developing a test-taking rhythm, you’ll set up the best possible conditions for yourself as you take the GMAT and get ready for business school.

What’s Next?

What’s on each section of the GMAT? This GMAT format guide breaks down the skills and content of each section, plus you’ll find examples of every question type on the GMAT.

How should you study for the GMAT? Check out this comprehensive guide for a full GMAT syllabus, along with important tips for designing your personalized GMAT study plan.

What’s the total cost of the GMAT? Find out about registration cost and additional fees, along with advice on how to keep your total GMAT costs down.

The post 9 Tips for Making It Through the Full GMAT Length appeared first on Online GMAT Prep Blog by PrepScholar.

YOLO, IMO, tl;dr — these acronyms have nothing on GMAT, which has been in use for over 40 years. You may have heard this acronym for the business school test, but what does GMAT stand for? How did the exam start and how has it changed over the past half century?

This guide will you in on everything GMAT. If you ever find yourself at a GMAT-themed trivia night, you’ll be the star of the show.

What Does GMAT Stand For?

GMAT is an acronym for Graduate Management Admission Test. The test is so named because it’s used as a selection criterion for business graduate schools.

Business schools traditionally required the GMAT for admission, though most schools today will also accept the GRE (Graduate Exam) in its place. The majority of applicants still take the GMAT to apply to business school.

This business school exam is administered by the Graduate Management Admission Council, or GMAC. While we’re on the subject of acronyms, there are a few others you should know about that relate to the GMAT.

AWA, for instance, refers to the Analytical Writing Assessment section of the GMAT. AWA is always the first section. It’s 30 minutes and requires you to write an essay evaluating an argument.

The second section-related acronym is IR, which stands for Integrated Reasoning. This section, introduced to the GMAT in 2012, asks you to evaluate data from passages, charts, and graphs.

The other two sections usually aren’t abbreviated. They are the Quantitative section, sometimes unofficially referred to as the math section, and the Verbal section.

All of these four sections are meant to evaluate your skills and predict how well you would do in a business school classroom.

How long have graduate schools used the GMAT for MBA (Master’s of Business Administration), finance, and other business program admissions? NBow that you know what GMAT stands for, read on to learn about the GMAT’s storied past.

A Brief History of the GMAT

The year was 1953. Eisenhower had just taken office. The first Chevy Corvette was built in Michigan. And representatives from nine business schools — Columbia, Harvard, Northwestern, Rutgers, Seton Hall, University of Chicago, University of Michigan, University of Pennsylvania and Washington University in St. Louis — gathered together to form a test.

The Notorious Nine weren’t forming just any test, but an exam that would assess the skills of business school candidates in a standardized way. While no one else was in the room where it happened, the representatives emerged triumphant, having created the Admission Test for Graduate Study in Business (ATGSB? No wonder they changed the name in 1976). Today, we all know this admissions test as the Graduate Management Admissions Test, or GMAT.

Over two thousand people signed up to take the GMAT its first year. As time went on, the GMAT gained traction and became to go-to test for business school admissions.

Today, almost 250,000 students take the GMAT every year all across the continents, and over 5,900 programs at 2,100 schools use the test as part of their admissions process.

When the GMAT wasn’t busy taking the the world of business school admissions by storm, it was undergoing some changes. How has the GMAT changed from its older versions to the computer-based exam we all know and love today?

How Has the GMAT Changed Over Time?

GMAC has mixed things up over the years, slashing entire question types and even introducing a whole new GMAT section. Some of these changes were made in response to the GMAT’s increasing international popularity.

As more and more people took the GMAT across the world, the test makers decided to get rid of question types, like analogy and antonym questions, that relied too heavily on English language and idioms. These revisions represented an attempt to make the exam more fair to non-native English speakers.

In 1994, GMAC added the Analytical Writing Assessment section to assess writing skills. The whole exam became computer-based in 1997, and the Quantitative and Verbal sections became adaptive to ensure that each exam was unique.

The last time GMAC made big changes to the GMAT was in 2012, when it reduced the number of essay questions in the AWA section from two to one and introduced an entirely new section with Integrated Reasoning (IR). This section was added to reflect the skills of data interpretation that business students need today.

As for changes in policy, GMAC added some options for score cancellation and reinstatement in 2015 and 2016. Test takers now have a 72-hour window during which they can cancel their scores, and they can reinstate scores from any test taken on or after January 1, 2014. Cancelled scores won’t show up on GMAT score reports, so business schools never have to know. Plus, students can now retake the GMAT after 16 days, rather than having to wait 31, as was the previous rule.

One final change in the GMAT has to do with how scores translate to percentiles. Over the years, it has gotten increasingly harder to rank in a high percentile for total scores and quantitative scores. As more and more students score highly on the math section, percentiles have become more competitive.

If you’re planning to take the GMAT, you should research the average scores of accepted students at business schools you’re interested in. That way, you can have a sense of what scores you need, rather than relying on outdated myths, like the one that used to say you needed to score in the 80th percentile in math and verbal.

Content, policies, and scoring have changed over the years, so you should make sure you’re only paying attention to advice that’s relevant to the GMAT of today. In closing, let’s go over some of the key facts you should remember about the GMAT as you get ready to dominate your study group’s GMAT-themed trivia gala.

What Does GMAT Stand For? Key Takeaways

As you now know, GMAT stands for Graduate Management Admission Test. Your GMAT scores are an important piece of your application to business graduate school.

In fact, business programs have been relying on GMAT scores as a selection criterion since 1953. Through its changes, the test has always served the same purpose — to measure the quantitative, verbal, writing, and critical reasoning skills of applicants in a standardized way in order to predict their success in a business school classroom.

Since the GMAT is a challenging test, most test takers spend months preparing. Some people even take the GMAT more than once until they achieve their target score.

What’s your takeaway from all this, then? Once you’ve won the GMAT acronym trivia trophy, you should probably head home and hit the books (or more accurately, computer-based practice tests). This tricky test isn’t going to ace itself.

What’s Next?

Now that you’ve been introduced to the history of the GMAT, it’s time to get to know the test itself. Check out this guide for a full overview of the structure, format, and content of the GMAT.

Where should you start with the mountain of GMAT study material? Check out our GMAT study schedules, plus tips for designing your personalized study plan.

Are you ready to commit to this test and pick a date? Learn how to register for the GMAT, step by step.

The post What Does GMAT Stand For? The Fascinating History appeared first on Online GMAT Prep Blog by PrepScholar.

Studying for and planning to take the GMAT can be a confusing process. No wonder you have questions!

We’ll answer all the key GMAT FAQs right here, covering a wide range of issues such as logistics; content, planning, and preparation; format and delivery; scores; and business school admissions.

Article Roadmap: GMAT FAQs

• GMAT Logistics
• GMAT Content, Planning, and Preparation
• GMAT Format and Delivery
• GMAT Scores
• Business School Admissions

GMAT FAQ: Logistics

These GMAT FAQs address the basics of taking the GMAT, including costs, scheduling, and registration.

#1: How Do I Register for the GMAT?

You can register for the GMAT at mba.com (the official GMAT website). After you create an account, you can select your testing date, time, and location by clicking on “Register for the GMAT” under “The GMAT Exam” on the main page.

You can also register by phone by calling GMAT Customer Service. Keep in mind that there’s a $10 phone service fee.

#2: How Much Does the GMAT Cost?

Scheduling a GMAT appointment costs $250. You can pay for your GMAT registration with credit or debit card, money order, cashier’s check, or personal check.

GMAT vouchers (which allow students who can demonstrate financial need to take a test for free) are not available through the Graduate Management Admissions Council (GMAC), but you can find them through external organizations like the Edmund S. Muskie Graduate Fellowship Program and the Fulbright Foundation. 

#3: How Often Can I Take the GMAT?

You can take the GMAT up to five times every 12 months.

You can’t take the GMAT more than once in a 16-day period, or more than eight times total.

#4: Can I Reschedule a GMAT Appointment?

You can reschedule by logging into your personal GMAT account at mba.com, but there’s a fee. If you reschedule your exam more than seven days before your appointment, it’ll cost you $50; if you reschedule seven days or fewer before your GMAT appointment, there’s a $250 fee.

You can’t reschedule or cancel the GMAT 24 hours or less before your exam appointment. Find more information about rescheduling the GMAT here.

#5: Can I Retake the GMAT?

You can take the GMAT up to five times every 12 months.

About a third of students retake the GMAT, and business schools don’t look down on it, especially if your score improves with each retake. About 10% of applicants have taken the GMAT three or more times.

GMAT FAQ: Content, Planning, and Preparation

These GMAT FAQs address what skills and concepts are tested on the GMAT, as well as how to best prepare for the exam.

#6: What Material Is Tested on the GMAT?

Each section of the GMAT tests essential skills that you will need in business school as well as in a subsequent career in business.

The analytical writing assessment includes a 30-minute essay prompt that tests your ability to analyze a given argument and communicate effectively in standard English. It includes one analysis of an argument question, which will ask you to unpack and critique a given argument in essay format.

The integrated reasoning section asks you to synthesize and analyze information presented in different formats (such as text, graphics, and charts) and from different sources and to solve problems based on complex information that has to be integrated. It includes graphics interpretation, two-part analysis, table analysis, and multi-source reasoning questions.

The quantitative section tests your skills in secondary school-level math, as well as your ability to analyze and solve numerical problems, evaluate graphs, and determine whether or not you have enough available data to answer a given question. It includes problem solving and data sufficiency questions.

The verbal section tests your ability to apply logical reasoning to analyze arguments, implement grammar rules, and understand complex reading passages. Overall, the section tests your ability to read, write, and reason in written standard English. It includes reading comprehension, sentence correction, and critical reasoning questions.

#7: How Should I Prepare for the GMAT?

Take an initial practice test with the GMATPrep Software to gauge your current level.

Next, to improve your score, target your weaknesses. Determine your weak spots by section and by question type. You should devote study time to every section, but you should spend the highest number of prep hours on the areas in which you struggle.

Your prep time should be divided between practice tests (using computerized adaptive practice exams whenever possible), sets of practice questions, reading test-taking strategies, and drills of particular skills. In addition, a review of basic math concepts and the rules of English grammar should be incorporated into your study plan. Find out more about preparing for the GMAT here.

#8: Where Can I Find Prep Material for the GMAT?

The best source of GMAT prep material is the Official GMATPrep Software, which you can download with an account at mba.com. It includes two full-length computerized adaptive practice GMATs, practice questions, and a math review. Other official practice materials include [links] the GMATPrep Exam Collection and Question Pack, the Integrated Reasoning Prep Tool, GMAT Write (which will help with the analytical writing assessment), and the GMAT Focus Online Quantitative Diagnostic Tool.

Find out more about GMAT prep materials here.

#9: How Long Should I Study for the GMAT?

Obviously the amount of time you spend studying depends on your current skill level, your target score, and your particular circumstances. However, a good rule of thumb is to prepare for at least three months before taking the GMAT if you want to improve your score by a modest amount—say, 30-50 points. This assumes that you are studying regularly throughout the week (approximately 10 hours a week).

If you need a more substantial boost in your score, it’s best to plan for six months of regular study if you can. This will ensure that you are familiar not only with the concepts tested on the GMAT, but with the nuances of the exam and the format as well, and that you have ample time to target your weaknesses.

#10: What Math Is on the GMAT?

The quant section tests basic math concepts in the areas of algebra, geometry, and arithmetic.

The GMAT quant section is divided into problem-solving questions and data sufficiency questions. Data sufficiency questions will ask you whether, given a question and two statements containing data, whether the data in the two statements are enough, or ‘sufficient,’ for answering the question.

Since you won’t have a calculator on the quant section, it’s also important to practice doing calculations in your head as part of your GMAT prep.

GMAT FAQ: Format and Delivery

The answers to these GMAT FAQs will go over what the GMAT will look like, how it will be delivered, and what to expect on the day of the exam.

#11: What Is the GMAT Format?

The GMAT consists of four separately scored sections. Let’s take a look at them.

As of July 2017, you can select the order in which you complete the sections of the GMAT. Find out more about this change here.

The analytical writing assessment requires you to complete an essay using a basic text editor.

The multiple-choice integrated reasoning section contains questions with multiple parts, all of which you’ll have to answer in order for your response to be marked as “correct.”

The multiple-choice quantitative section consists of data sufficiency questions, which ask you to decide whether given data would be sufficient to answer a question or solve an equation, and problem-solving questions (word problems).

The multiple-choice verbal section consists of reading comprehension questions with both short (about 200 words) and long (300-400 word) passages, critical reasoning (logic) questions, and sentence correction (grammar) questions.

The verbal and quantitative sections of the GMAT are always delivered in computerized adaptive format. All sections of the GMAT are completed on a computer. No paper GMAT is available.

#12: How Long Is the GMAT?

In total, the GMAT takes about 3.5 hours to complete (including breaks). The analytical writing assessment is 30 minutes long, and the integrated reasoning section is 30 minutes. The quantitative section takes 62 minutes, and the verbal section takes 65 minutes. 

There are two optional eight-minute breaks during the test.

#13: What Is a Computerized Adaptive Test (CAT)?

A computerized adaptive test adjusts to your skill level in real time as you take the GMAT. A computerized algorithm will determine the difficulty level of the questions you will receive, and your score, based on your answers.

You will begin the exam with questions of medium difficulty. If you complete “medium” questions correctly, you will receive more difficult questions. If you complete ‘medium’ questions incorrectly, you will receive easier questions. Your score will be determined not only by how many questions you answer correctly or incorrectly, but by how many questions of each difficulty level you answer correctly.

#14: Can I Use a Calculator on the GMAT?

You will have access to an onscreen calculator with basic functions during the integrated reasoning section. You will not have access to a calculator on the quantitative section, but don’t worry: You will not be asked to complete detailed or exact calculations for quant questions.

#15: Will I Get Scratch Paper on the GMAT?

Yes, you will get a double-sided, laminated scratch pad the size of a standard legal pad to use during the GMAT. You can write on the scratch pad with non-permanent markers that will be provided to you on the day of the test. You can ask the proctor for a new scratch pad at any time during the exam.

You can practice with Manhattan Prep’s simulation GMAT scratch pad while you take practice tests at home.

GMAT FAQ: Scores

In these GMAT FAQs, we’ll go over how the GMAT is scored, what your score means, and how long it will take to receive your score reports.

#16: How Is the GMAT Scored?

The four sections of the GMAT are scored separately. Your total score, between 200 and 800 (what people are generally referring to when they say “GMAT score”) reflects the combination of your verbal and quant scores. You will also receive individual verbal and quantitative scores between 0 and 60. On the integrated reasoning section, you’ll receive a score from 1-8.

The analytical writing assessment is scored by two graders. You’ll receive a score from 0-6 in half-point increments. Find out more about how the GMAT is scored here.

#17: What’s a Good GMAT Score?

While the average GMAT score is usually around 550, you’ll need a 600 or over to get into most top 50 business schools. For top 10 schools, a 700+ score is expected of most incoming students. At particularly elite programs like Harvard or Stanford, you’ll usually need a score of 720 or higher to be admitted.

What matters most is that your GMAT score gets you into the business school of your choice. To find the average GMAT score of the most recent incoming students at your MBA programs of choice, check out the most recent class profile at each of your prospective schools. Find out more about how to find out if your score will get you into your favorite business school here.

#18: What’s the Average GMAT Score?

The average GMAT score for all test-takers is 551.94. The average score on the analytical writing assessment is 4.37; on the integrated reasoning section, it’s 4.23.

The average verbal score is 26.8, and the average quant score is 38.91.

Remember that average scores aren’t a good barometer of where your score should land in order for you to get into an MBA program. Competitive business schools will expect scores much higher than the average.

#19: How Long Does It Take to Get GMAT Scores?

You’ll get an unofficial score report for every section except the analytical writing assessment at the testing location immediately after you take your exam. You’ll receive an official score report approximately 20 days after you take the GMAT.

You will be able to choose five schools to send your scores to before you take the exam. Those schools will receive your official score report approximately 20 days after your GMAT appointment. Additional score reports, which can be ordered online, cost $28 each and will be sent to the schools you select within a week.

GMAT FAQ: Applying to Business School

These FAQ address how your GMAT scores will affect your chances in the MBA admissions process.

#20: Do I Need to Take The GMAT for Business School?

Many business schools accept the GRE instead of the GMAT, but most do require one or the other as part of the admissions process.

A few business schools don’t require the GMAT. In particular, executive MBA programs—accelerated, advanced programs designed for working professionals or students with extensive relevant work experience—often accept GMAT waivers if you can demonstrate a certain number of years of work experience, success in former leadership roles, and/or a record of high academic achievement.

#21: What GMAT Score Do I Need to Get Into Business School?

At top 10 business schools, average GMAT scores of incoming students are above 700. A score of 720 or over will help you stand out among your peers in the admissions process.

At mid-ranking programs, a GMAT score of 600 or over is a fairly safe bet.

To find out more about the average GMAT scores at your prospective business schools, check out the class profiles of the most recent incoming class at each of your chosen MBA programs. Find out more about what GMAT score you’ll need to get into an MBA program here.

#22: Can I Get Into an MBA program With a Low GMAT Score?

There’s no cutoff GMAT score below which you absolutely can’t get into an MBA program.

Some students with lower scores are admitted to high-ranking MBA programs, but they are outliers. Usually, if a student with a lower score is admitted, he or she has an especially impressive work history or some especially exceptional achievement, such as awards or special recognition.

GMAT FAQ: Takeaways

In the GMAT FAQ, we’ve covered many common questions related to the GMAT, including logistics, content and preparation, format and delivery, scores, and MBA admissions. Hopefully we’ve helped you cut to the chase so that you understand the nuts and bolts of the GMAT and feel ready to prepare for the test.

What’s Next?

Choosing a 2017 GMAT test date? Our expert guide will help you.

Now that you know the basics about the GMAT, look up the most common GMAT mistakes and how to avoid them here.

To learn more about the relative difficulty of the exam, check out How Hard is the GMAT?

The post GMAT FAQ: 22 of Your Biggest Questions, Answered appeared first on Online GMAT Prep Blog by PrepScholar.

Who is eligible to take the GMAT? It’s one of the most common questions asked by students hoping to complete this step on the way to their MBA.

In this article, I’ll break down the three main GMAT eligibility criteria for anyone looking to register, as well as factors that can make you ineligible to take the test now or in the future. We’ll also briefly cover the other eligibility criteria set by most business schools when they evaluate potential students.

Who Is Eligible for the GMAT?

First off, the good news: almost anyone can take the GMAT, regardless of background or education. The criteria for registering for and taking the test aren’t strict. And since the exam is available at testing centers frequently all over the world, GMAT eligibility isn’t something to be too concerned about.

That said, there are a few things you do need to know about your eligibility for GMAT testing. There are three primary eligibility criteria for anyone planning to take the GMAT:

• Be over the age of 18
• Have a government-issued photo ID
• Pay the testing fee

Age is pretty self-explanatory, but let’s delve into the other two a little more.

Photo ID: What Kinds of Identification Do I Need?

A government-issued form of photo ID is required of all test-takers on exam day. Make sure your ID fits the GMAT requirements:

• Includes your signature
• Includes a clear, recognizable photo of you
• Government-issued
• Original, not photocopied
• Non-expired
• Includes the full name, citizenship info, and birthday you entered when you registered for the GMAT

GMAT test centers will accept the following forms of ID, but make sure to note the caveats attached as not all types of ID are accepted in all circumstances:

• Passport (required for non-citizens of testing country)
• Government-issued driver’s license
• Government-issued learner’s permit (in the U.S. only)
• Other government-issued ID, such as national, state, or province identity card (such as European ID card)
• Green card or permanent resident card (U.S. only)
• Military ID (laminated)

On the day of your exam, you’ll also be asked to verify your identity by having a photo taken, entering an electronic signature at your testing computer to agree to the GMAT rules and policies, and, in some areas where it’s legally permitted, provide a palm vein scan.

Make sure to gather all your documents, including your ID, the day before the exam (or earlier if you’re an overachiever). That will cut down drastically on stress the day of your test.

Keep in mind that each country, and even each region where a testing center is located, may have a different policy regarding the exact required identification documents. Check out country-specific regulations in order to prep your documents here.

GMAT Fees

After you register for and schedule your test at mba.com, you’ll have to pay a testing fee online by debit or credit card, or by mail with a cashier’s check, personal check, or money order. The flat fee for test takers is $250 U.S dollars.

Needing financial assistance with your registration fee? You may be able to apply for vouchers that can be used towards your fees and other expenses. While the Graduate Management Admissions Council (GMAC) doesn’t offer vouchers itself, the Edward S. Muskie Graduate Fellowship Program and the Fulbright Foundation both do — contact them ASAP if you’re looking to apply for one. Individual schools sometimes offer vouchers to promising students, too, so make sure you check your intended schools’ websites.

For more information about GMAT fees, check out our complete guide to how much the test costs.

So, What Can Make You Ineligible for the GMAT?

There’s really only one thing that can make you permanently lose GMAT eligibility for testing: a policy violation. To keep things fair for everyone, the GMAC has set very clear guidelines for a safe and equitable testing environment. For the full list, see our complete guide to GMAT test day.

Most GMAT policies are self-explanatory, such as not cheating in any way, not duplicating any part of the test, and not tampering with the testing computer.

There are a few you might not know in advance, like the items allowed in the testing room or at breaktime. No cell phones or other electronic devices are allowed, but you can have a few personal items such as light outerwear in case you’re cold and snacks at breaktime. But again, there’s nothing too surprising.

Nonetheless, make sure you read the policies in full (you’ll be provided with a Testing Agreement right before the test and when you register) to avoid any potential mistakes that would endanger your eligibility for GMAT testing. You’ll need to agree to them with a signature in order to take the exam. You’ll also be expected to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement, which means you can’t discuss any specific questions online, orally, or in writing post-GMAT.

Penalties for violating GMAT policies may include cancelled scores, being banned from testing again for one year to the rest of your life (in serious circumstances such as deliberate cheating or harassing another test-taker), notifications to your intended schools, and even legal consequences where applicable.

Bottom line: don’t be shady, read the policies, and follow them! Your future self will thank you.

MBA Eligibility: What You Need to Get In

While you are most likely eligible to take the GMAT itself, business schools have their own expectations for admission. Read on to learn about the key MBA requirements.

GMAT Scores

Of course, one of the most significant aspects of your MBA application is your GMAT score. Many MBA programs will accept the GRE in lieu of the GMAT (though some still prefer the GMAT), but most will require scores from one of the two tests. Check your school’s website for their specific recommendations about which test to take and what score you need.

Official Transcripts

Virtually all business schools require students to enter the program with a bachelor’s degree in any subject or the foreign equivalent. Columbia Business School, whose admissions requirements are comparable to those at most high-level MBA programs, requires official undergraduate transcripts and proof of undergrad GPA. At most institutions, you’ll also be required to fit any general criteria for incoming graduate students (such as a specific undergrad GPA).

Don’t worry too much about your major; MBA programs admit students with all kinds of backgrounds, as many different skill sets can be useful for careers in management.

Proof of English Fluency

International students are generally required to submit proof of English fluency for MBA programs conducted in English. The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), PTE (Pearson Test of English), and the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) are all accepted by most schools for this requirement.

This requirement is waived for students who have completed a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree that was taught entirely in English.

Other Requirements for MBA Admission

Though the three factors above are required by almost every business school, many programs will also ask for further information about you, including letters of recommendation, essays, and interviews.

You’ll generally be asked for two letters of recommendation (though some schools ask for three), which can come from former professors, instructors, supervisors, or colleagues. Remember to contact prospective recommenders as early as possible to give them time to write you a quality recommendation.

As MBA programs and careers in business require stellar interpersonal, writing, and communication skills, MBA applications often include several essays as a major factor in the admissions process. These essays are a chance for your prospective programs to get to know you on a slightly more personal level. Questions often cover your post-MBA goals and long-term goals, the diversity you could offer on a business school campus, your approach to teamwork, and school-specific questions.

Some schools also require interviews or additional writing samples. Check your prospective schools’ individual websites for more information.

Bottom Line: What Determines Eligibility for GMAT Testing?

As long as you’re 18 or over, have a valid photo ID, and haven’t been caught violating GMAT policies, you’re eligible to take the GMAT.

Now that you know the basics about eligibility for the GMAT, you’re ready to start preparing for the test and register for an exam date. Because the GMAT is so widely and frequently available, you don’t need to worry that you won’t be able to take it.

Stay organized, but focus on preparing yourself mentally and psychologically for the exam itself, rather than worrying about your eligibility for GMAT testing. Good luck!

What’s Next?

Ready to register for the GMAT? Check out our comprehensive registration guide.

If you want to know more about paying for the GMAT, our guide to GMAT fees will give you the nitty-gritty on costs.

Questions about what’s on the exam? Check out our complete GMAT syllabus, which explains exactly what to expect from the test and how to prepare for it.

The post GMAT Eligibility: 3 Key Factors appeared first on Online GMAT Prep Blog by PrepScholar.