The GMAT

The GMAT, or Graduate Management Admission Test, is the standardized test designed to measure a candidate's aptitude for graduate management studies. More than 4,800 programs use the GMAT in their admission process. The test costs $250 each time you take it. MBA.com offers a GMAT Official Starter Kit and two practice exams for free here.

This page includes some basic information to get you started. For a more comprehensive introduction to the test, go to the official GMAT site.

Test Format

The GMAT consists of four sections:

1. Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA)
2. Integrated Reasoning
3. Quantitative Reasoning
4. Verbal Reasoning

The test is administered via computers in approved testing centers. The AWA section consists of one written analysis: the analysis of an argument. The integrated reasoning section consists of interpreting information from a variety of sources. The quantitative and verbal reasoning sections are multiple-choice and computer-adaptive, meaning that questions are dynamically selected based on your responses. The AWA and integrated reasoning sections do not affect your composite score (the total score out of 800), but are scored separately.

Also, in the quantitative and verbal reasoning sections, some questions are trial-questions that are being pretested for future exam use. These questions are unidentified and dispersed throughout the two sections. Answers to trial-questions are not factored into your final score.

Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA)

The purpose of the AWA section is to measure your ability to think critically about an issue or argument and assess how well you communicate your ideas.

Highest scores are received by writers who are concise and have well-structured essays. Essays are graded by a computer software and a human GMAT-essay grader. Scoring differences are resolved by a second human GMAT-essay grader. Human graders generally try to follow the computer's grading; for this reason, it is best to avoid humor or witty remarks in your essays since the computer will likely not understand.

800score.com has a great guide to doing well on this section of the GMAT.

Find out more here.

Integrated Reasoning

The integrated reasoning section consists of four question types: (1) Multi-source reasoning, (2) Graphics Interpretation, (3) Two-Part Analysis, and (4) Table Analysis.

Find out more here.

Quantitative Reasoning

The quantitative reasoning section has two kinds of questions: (1) Problem-Solving and (2) Data-Sufficiency.

• Problem-Solving questions are designed to test math skills and understanding of math concepts. There are lots of good guides out there to review the basic math knowledge you need for the test.

• Data-Sufficiency questions are more difficult and ask you to analyze a quantitative problem to decide what information is relevant. You are given a problem and two statements; your task is to determine which (if any) of the statements gives you enough information to solve the problem.

Find out more here.

Verbal Reasoning

The verbal section has three types of questions: (1) Reading Comprehension, (2) Critical Reasoning, and (3) Sentence Correction.

• Reading Comprehension questions measure your understanding of words or statements from reading passages. This section is similar to the Reading Comprehension sections of other standardized tests.

• Critical Reasoning questions measure your ability to construct and evaluate arguments.

• Sentence Correction questions are of two types: (1) correct expression, which tests grammar skills and knowledge of grammatical rules, and (2) effective expression, which deals more with word choice and concise writing. BYU's M COM 320 book is a great source to use in your preparation for this section (chapter 2 is particularly useful for the grammar skills questions).

Tip: Spending extra time studying for the verbal section will do more to set you apart from other test-takers since scores are generally lower for the verbal than for the quantitative section. For example a 49/51 in both the verbal and quantitative sections means you performed comparatively better on the verbal section than most students. See the GMAT Percentiles page to compare scores across exam sections.

Find out more here.

Test Scores

GMAT scores are valid for five years and range between 200 and 800. Two-thirds of all test-takers score between 400 and 600. The GMAT is not the only criteria that decides admission into a Ph.D. program, but it does carry weight. Thus, while a high GMAT score will not guarantee that you are accepted into a given program, a low score can eliminate you from consideration. For most research-intensive universities, a 700 is often considered the "magic number," although the actual benchmark will vary between schools. Schools often state what the minimum or average GMAT score is for their students. Some schools will focus mostly on the score from the quantitative section, while others will also put significant weight on the verbal section. This is because the program will likely require good quantitative skills, but writing skill may determine how likely you are to publish your papers.

Testing Locations

Approved testing centers can be found on MBA.com’s scheduling page. The closest center to Brigham Young University is in Draper, UT.

Suggestions for Preparation

Familiarize Yourself With the Test

It’s important to know what the test will be like—both the format and the types of questions. Know what time constraints exist for each section and consider what aspects of those constraints will be most difficult for you. Know the various types of questions asked, what makes them challenging, and how the test writers try to trick people. The best way to be familiar with GMAT-style questions is to take practice exams (discussed next). Most GMAT preparation books (e.g. Kaplan) also include examples of each section with several practice problems.

Take Practice Tests

This is where you should devote a significant portion of your time. Practice tests help you learn time management, which is critical for performing well on the GMAT. MBA.com has official practice exams that use the same format and technology as the real exam, are considered the most reliable measure of preparation, and are the only source that use questions from real former GMAT exams. You could start by taking one of the two free practice tests available on MBA.com to give you an idea of where you’re at and where you should spend time studying. Once taken, you can take these practice exams again and get new questions from the question bank (though after multiple attempts, you will begin to see some repeated questions).

Some suggest doing 8-10 practice tests. Besides the few official practice exams offered on MBA.com, there are many independent companies that offer GMAT Prep Courses (which include practice exams). Some of these are free, while others come at a price. Reviews of these services can be found at beatthegmat.com and gmatclub.com. Practice exams from independent companies are often more difficult than the real GMAT or the practice exams on MBA.com (in part to prepare you for the worst, but also to scare you into paying for their more intensive prep courses).

To reiterate, taking practice tests is the best preparation strategy. Unlike many expensive prep courses claim, there is no "trick" to ace the GMAT.

Review Key Concepts

Much of the test covers topics that most people learned in later middle school and high school. Some of these concepts have key components that are easy to forget when they haven't been reviewed or used in several years. Once you’ve taken a practice exam to benchmark where you’re at, spend some time reviewing some of the basic grammatical and mathematical concepts you find you’re a bit rusty on.

If money isn’t an issue and you struggle to be self-motivated/disciplined enough to study on your own, you might consider paying for a prep course. However, many people perform very well without ever paying for a prep course. These prep courses are often not geared toward the median student, not people who are trying to score high enough to get into an elite school.

While paying for prep courses may not be necessary, buying a few good prep books and other materials is very beneficial. The Official Guide (you should be able to find the current year with a quick Google search) is arguably the most necessary and is the only one produced by the GMAC and has real questions from past GMAT tests. Other valid options are the GMAT 800, GMAT flashcards, and books on test taking strategies. It is strongly recommended that you practice taking a full GMAT exam with the same testing software to get used to the time pressure and technology.

Learn Test-Taking Strategies

Once you’re familiar with the test (format and types of questions), invest some time learning basic test taking strategies. This will help you know how to best attack the test and understand some of the tricks the test writers use. Most people could answer most of the questions correctly if given enough time. However, because the GMAT is a timed test, you should develop a strategy that works for you when you have to perform under a time crunch. For example, because you are not allowed to skip a question and return to it later, if a question is taking too long to answer, guess and move on rather than waste a lot of time on one question.

Another strategy, perhaps one of the best, is to focus a little more on the verbal section. It is very difficult to set yourself apart in the math section (most likely due to the quantitative skills that GMAT takers may have). However, a higher score in the verbal section will really skyrocket your overall score. With a little bit of extra time preparing here, you can really learn how to attack the verbal questions.

A third suggestion is to study only minimally for the written section if English is your first language. Many people who have taken the GMAT claim that it is an easy section if you speak English well. In addition, most accounting Ph.D. programs aren’t as concerned with the score on the written section. This varies depending on what school you hope to attend (some don’t care at all while some expect at least a decent score here), so don’t blow it off entirely. However, most people recommend native English speakers spend little time on this as it’s typically easy and not as important.

Don't Give Up

Make sure you persevere through the whole test! You don’t get a refund if you don’t finish, so you might as well finish (even if you feel like you’ve blown it at the beginning—you’ll at least get more real GMAT questions to practice). Also, remember that some questions are being screened for future GMAT exams. Don’t let a hard question throw you off your rhythm. It’s easy to make up for one missed question, and if you’re lucky, it won’t even be counted!

One person shared their experience: "When I was taking the test, I chose an answer and then realized I had forgotten to take the square root to calculate the final answer. I spent the entire test trying to win a mental battle with myself. When I took a break between the math and verbal sections, I told myself to let it go and focus on making up for any deficiencies on the back-end. Before deciding to report my scores, I was tempted not to because I knew I had missed an easy question. I'm glad I decided to report my score, because I did well."

Don't freak out. Many people panic the night before and the day of their exam. This only adds unnecessary pressure and stress to an already stressful situation. Take a deep breath and tell yourself that you’re prepared. A lot of people end up getting higher scores than they think they’ll get during the test. Stay calm and realize that you can take it again if you really do poorly.

Report Your Scores

After the test is over, make sure to report your scores. Even if you are worried about one question that you missed, report your scores because it is hard to gauge personal performance on the actual test.

From Past Test-Takers

• How I increased my GMAT score 180 points in 8 days
• If I had to take the GMAT again
• Free GMAT Prep resources

Retaking the GMAT

You can take the GMAT no more than once in a 31-day period and no more than five times in a 12-month period. Schools to which you report your new scores will also receive your old scores. More information on the retesting policy is found at MBA.com. According to Manhattangmat.com, scores increase 31 points (on average) when someone re-takes the exam.

If you do poorly your first time taking the GMAT, don't despair. Many students have scored below a 600 their first time, and then scored above 700 their second time. Study diligently the first time you take the exam, but if it doesn't go well, try again (and invest another $250). Most business programs will not discount your new score if your old score is lower (although some schools do take it into consideration).

External Links

The GMAT is already expensive, so why spend hundreds of extra dollars when there are plenty of free resources available? These links are provided to help you learn more about the GMAT and point you in the right direction to begin successfully studying for free (or very cheaply). You may find value in spending more money for additional resources, but it's worth at least investigating these first to determine if you can do it without breaking the bank.

• MBA.com - The Official GMAT Web Site, which includes registration, information about the exam, free practice exams, and free test-preparation software.
• GMAC.com - The Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) manages the exam.
• GMAT Handbook - The GMAT Handbook, including logistics about registration and things to do before, during, and after taking the exam.
• The Official Guide - The Official Guide to the GMAT (also sold by other vendors like Amazon).
• Manhattangmat.com - This site leads you to several free resources, including a practice test and a few free trials.
• Kaptest.com - This site offers a 7-day free trial for their prep material.
• BYU GMAT Prep - This is the link to the BYU GMAT prep course.
• Beatthegmat.com & GMATclub.com - Online forums with lots of free resources to help in GMAT preparation including practice problems, tips, solutions and common mistakes, and a GMAT score calculator that can help predict what you might get on the real exam based on various practice exams.
• Article - GMAT Tip: The 90-Day GMAT Study Plan.
• Article - GMAT Tip: The Right Way to Study.

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