GMAT

The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a test that has been produced by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), and is used to help business schools in making admissions decisions. In the United States, the GMAT test is computer-based. The GMAT exam is given in English only, and it tests analytical writing, quantitative, and verbal skills. The GRE GMAT tests are taken by students who are applying for admission to either MBA or other graduate management programs.

There are several ways in which to register for the GMAT. Registration can be completed online on the website for the GMAC or by phone by calling 1-800-717-GMAT. If registering by mail, the GMAT Appointment Scheduling form needs to be downloaded from the GMAC site, filled in, and mailed to Pearson VUE.

GMAT Preparation

The GMAT test covers a wide range of topics. The Analytical Writing Assessment is always found at the beginning of the GMAT, and test takers are given 30 minutes to complete each writing task. The second section of the GMAT is the quantitative section. The third section is the GMAT English verbal section. Sample GMAT questions can be found online at the GMAC website.

The GMAT test is required for admission to most business school programs worldwide. Since there can't be shortcuts and techniques for all different GMAT question types, it's better not to rely entirely on techniques (for that high score) but focus on the fundamentals as well. The GMAT test also relies on a complex algorithm to determine which type of question to ask next.

Great methods of GMAT prep include free GMAT tests or GMAT sample tests for a fee, and free GMAT tutorials. The GMAT practice test is an excellent way to see where you will stand on the actual GMAT exam.

Scoring

The verbal and quantitative sections of the GMAT scores range from zero to 60. The verbal section often proves to be the difference between a low score and a high score on the GMAT. An "800" is the highest possible score on the GMAT, and average GMAT scores are usually in the area of 500.

As mentioned above, you can also expect the types of questions asked in the quantitative and verbal sections of the GMAT test to show up in a random order. The best way to develop the necessary skills to do well on the GMAT: Lots of practice.