Information about GMAT Test

It tests your verbal and mathematical skills through the two main scoring sections of the test. 800 is the maximum score you can receive by answering 37 multiple choice questions in the quantitative section and 41 multiple choice questions in the verbal section of the GMAT test. The quantitative section consists of problem solving and data sufficiency questions. The verbal section comprises questions on reading comprehension, sentence correction and critical reasoning.

The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT, pronounced G-mat) is a computer adaptive standardized test in the English language for measuring aptitude to succeed academically in graduate business studies. Business schools commonly use the test as one of many selection criteria for admission into an MBA program. It is given at various locations around the world. Throughout North America and in many international locations, the GMAT is administered only via computer. In those international locations where an extensive network of computers has not yet been established, the GMAT is offered either at temporary computer-based testing centers on a limited schedule or as a paper-based test (given once or twice a year) at local testing centers. As of 2007, the fee to take the test is U.S. $250 worldwide.

The GMAT also includes an analytical writing section which is scored on a 6 point scale. Your response to this section does not form a part of the 800 score. The writing section includes two writing tasks of 30 minutes duration each.

You would take the test on a computer. The verbal and quantitative sections follow what is called the computer adaptive format. Under this format the levels of difficulty of questions adapt to your skill level. You receive questions of higher difficulty as you answer questions correctly and questions of lower difficulty when you make a mistake. As a test taker you need not worry about the format of the test. It in no way requires you to prepare any differently.

Most schools do not publish a minimum acceptable score or detailed statistics about the scores achieved by applicants. However, schools do generally publish the average and median score of their latest intake, which can be used as a guide. At nearly all of the top business schools that are commonly listed in popular magazines and ranking services, the scores will average in the upper 600s or low 700s.

Many test-takers have been working for several years and some are still in colleges. However, the GMAT exam does not test any specific knowledge in business or other subjects. Rather, it tests the "mental intelligence" and the ability to make decision under time pressure.

The GMAT seeks to measure three broad areas of ability by way of its different test sections:

1. Analytical Writing Assessment (two 30-minute essay sections)
2. Quantitative Ability (one 75-minute multiple choice section)
3. Verbal Ability (one 75-minute multiple choice section)