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Tips for GMATpreparation techniques always come in handy for MBA applicants. Most top business schools require their MBA candidates to pass a GMAT test before embarking on their MBA program. Kaplan Test Prep and Admissions provides potential MBA students with a guide to preparing for the all important GMAT test.
The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a standardized test used in the admissions process for the majority of MBA programs. Data has shown that GMAT scores are good predictors of academic success in the first year of business school; they are used by admissions committees as a useful guide when comparing the credentials of candidates from widely varying backgrounds. Whereas essays and grades can be hard to compare, with letters of recommendation being subjective, GMAT test scores can be used as an international standard in each candidate's application.
The number of people taking the GMAT is on the increase. In fact in 2007, more than 207,000 GMAT tests were taken worldwide, which is an increase of over 12% from 2006 (Source: Graduate Management Admission Council). It therefore makes sense that potential MBA students should not underestimate the competition and ensure they prepare thoroughly for the GMAT.
What Does the GMAT Involve?
The GMAT measures general mathematics, analytical writing and verbal skills. It does not test business competence or specific subject knowledge. Preparation is essential in achieving a high score on the GMAT. The test is standardized, meaning that the same topics and question types appear again and again. Therefore, preparation and training based on familiarity, content review, strategy and realistic practice can easily raise a candidate's maximum score potential.
Test Format and Scoring
The GMAT test consists of a multiple choice examination and two essays. The test lasts 3.5 hours and is scored between 200 and 800 (there is no pass or fail score). As well as an overall score, three sub-scores are also given for the maths, verbal and essay components. The average score among examinees worldwide is approximately 540, but many business schools look for higher scores than this from their applicants. Those who are applying to a very competitive program are likely to require a score approaching 700 or perhaps even higher.
Computer-Adaptive Testing (The CAT)
The GMAT test is a Computer-Adaptive Test (CAT), which means that the testing software gives a harder question when an examinee answers a question correctly or an easier question when a wrong answer is submitted. Questions are weighted by difficulty, meaning that more points are scored for getting a harder question right and vice versa. Computer tests can be very different experiences from the usual paper-based tests with which most people are familiar. Learning how to approach the computer-adaptive format and planning strategically for it will be to your advantage if you are planning on taking the GMAT.
Beyond the Question at Hand
The GMAT is about more than a selection of multiple-choice questions. Aside from testing numeric and verbal proficiency, the GMAT is also a test of time-management skills, endurance and confidence. This is in addition to the ability to prioritize, follow instructions correctly and of course perform under pressure.
Recent News from the GMAT Test-Makers
The Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), which is the owner and administrator of the GMAT, held a Test Preparation Summit in New York in October 2007. GMAC updated Kaplan Test Preparation and Admissions on the latest research and development on the exam, as well as reviewing common myths about the GMAT. There were some interesting points of discussion at the event, which will be of interest to all potential takers of the test.
The GMAT is about more than "the first 10 questions"
It is often thought that because of the computer-adaptive format, the first questions in each section of the test are crucial to your final score. GMAC reports that while the first 10 questions on the exam are important to the computer's initial estimate of your performance level, every question on the test is important. The algorithm self-corrects to a student's "real ability level" as the test progresses, and it is important to pace yourself throughout the exam so you don't run out of time at the end. Remember, your final score is based on all the questions you answered correctly, as well as their difficulty level.
Leave no question unanswered
GMAC emphasized the severe penalty for not finishing the exam in time. It is estimated to impact your score even more than getting a few questions wrong, so make timing a fundamental part of your GMAT preparation plan. By the time you get to the day of your test, you should aim to have taken enough full-length practice exams in order to be confident of your pacing. However in the worst case scenario, be sure to enter an answer for EVERY question in the exam to avoid any timing penalties. The difficulty of the GMAT comes from analytical skills, not just content.
While the GMAT tests a variety of maths proficiencies, the difficulty of the questions does not necessarily come from extremely challenging content. According to GMAC, it comes more from the logical and analytical thinking needed to answer GMAT-style questions. The maths for example, is actually high-school level maths, with no calculus or trigonometry. Make sure your GMAT preparation focuses on content as well as critical thinking so that you can answer questions both quickly and accurately.
High-scorers log more studying hours
Do not underestimate the amount of preparation time required to get that high GMAT score. GMAC's research shows a strong correlation between the hours candidates spent on preparation, and their subsequent score (the table below shows the results). NB: The number of hours of study includes time spent both in and out of classes, for those students who took a GMAT preparation course.
GMAT Preparation Strategies
By QS Contributor
Updated September 29, 2014 Updated September 29, 2014Tips for GMAT preparation techniques always come in handy for MBA applicants. Most top business schools require their MBA candidates to pass a GMAT test before embarking on their MBA program. Kaplan Test Prep and Admissions provides potential MBA students with a guide to preparing for the all important GMAT test.
The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a standardized test used in the admissions process for the majority of MBA programs. Data has shown that GMAT scores are good predictors of academic success in the first year of business school; they are used by admissions committees as a useful guide when comparing the credentials of candidates from widely varying backgrounds. Whereas essays and grades can be hard to compare, with letters of recommendation being subjective, GMAT test scores can be used as an international standard in each candidate's application.
The number of people taking the GMAT is on the increase. In fact in 2007, more than 207,000 GMAT tests were taken worldwide, which is an increase of over 12% from 2006 (Source: Graduate Management Admission Council). It therefore makes sense that potential MBA students should not underestimate the competition and ensure they prepare thoroughly for the GMAT.
What Does the GMAT Involve?
The GMAT measures general mathematics, analytical writing and verbal skills. It does not test business competence or specific subject knowledge. Preparation is essential in achieving a high score on the GMAT. The test is standardized, meaning that the same topics and question types appear again and again. Therefore, preparation and training based on familiarity, content review, strategy and realistic practice can easily raise a candidate's maximum score potential.
Test Format and Scoring
The GMAT test consists of a multiple choice examination and two essays. The test lasts 3.5 hours and is scored between 200 and 800 (there is no pass or fail score). As well as an overall score, three sub-scores are also given for the maths, verbal and essay components. The average score among examinees worldwide is approximately 540, but many business schools look for higher scores than this from their applicants. Those who are applying to a very competitive program are likely to require a score approaching 700 or perhaps even higher.
Computer-Adaptive Testing (The CAT)
The GMAT test is a Computer-Adaptive Test (CAT), which means that the testing software gives a harder question when an examinee answers a question correctly or an easier question when a wrong answer is submitted. Questions are weighted by difficulty, meaning that more points are scored for getting a harder question right and vice versa. Computer tests can be very different experiences from the usual paper-based tests with which most people are familiar. Learning how to approach the computer-adaptive format and planning strategically for it will be to your advantage if you are planning on taking the GMAT.
Beyond the Question at Hand
The GMAT is about more than a selection of multiple-choice questions. Aside from testing numeric and verbal proficiency, the GMAT is also a test of time-management skills, endurance and confidence. This is in addition to the ability to prioritize, follow instructions correctly and of course perform under pressure.
Recent News from the GMAT Test-Makers
The Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), which is the owner and administrator of the GMAT, held a Test Preparation Summit in New York in October 2007. GMAC updated Kaplan Test Preparation and Admissions on the latest research and development on the exam, as well as reviewing common myths about the GMAT. There were some interesting points of discussion at the event, which will be of interest to all potential takers of the test.
The GMAT is about more than "the first 10 questions"
It is often thought that because of the computer-adaptive format, the first questions in each section of the test are crucial to your final score. GMAC reports that while the first 10 questions on the exam are important to the computer's initial estimate of your performance level, every question on the test is important. The algorithm self-corrects to a student's "real ability level" as the test progresses, and it is important to pace yourself throughout the exam so you don't run out of time at the end. Remember, your final score is based on all the questions you answered correctly, as well as their difficulty level.
Leave no question unanswered
GMAC emphasized the severe penalty for not finishing the exam in time. It is estimated to impact your score even more than getting a few questions wrong, so make timing a fundamental part of your GMAT preparation plan. By the time you get to the day of your test, you should aim to have taken enough full-length practice exams in order to be confident of your pacing. However in the worst case scenario, be sure to enter an answer for EVERY question in the exam to avoid any timing penalties. The difficulty of the GMAT comes from analytical skills, not just content.
While the GMAT tests a variety of maths proficiencies, the difficulty of the questions does not necessarily come from extremely challenging content. According to GMAC, it comes more from the logical and analytical thinking needed to answer GMAT-style questions. The maths for example, is actually high-school level maths, with no calculus or trigonometry. Make sure your GMAT preparation focuses on content as well as critical thinking so that you can answer questions both quickly and accurately.
High-scorers log more studying hours
Do not underestimate the amount of preparation time required to get that high GMAT score. GMAC's research shows a strong correlation between the hours candidates spent on preparation, and their subsequent score (the table below shows the results). NB: The number of hours of study includes time spent both in and out of classes, for those students who took a GMAT preparation course.
700+
114
600-690
104
550-590
100
< 500
8
This article was originally published in November 2012 . It was last updated in September 2014
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