GMAT

The GMAT, or Graduate Management Admission Test, is a standardized exam widely used for admission to Master of Business Administration (MBA) programs and other graduate business programs. Here’s a breakdown of the GMAT:

What does it assess?

The GMAT is designed to measure your quantitative, verbal, analytical writing, and integrated reasoning skills. These skills are considered crucial for success in business school, as they demonstrate your ability to:

• Analyze data and solve quantitative problems
• Understand complex written material and communicate effectively
• Think critically and approach problems logically
• Integrate information from different sources and draw sound conclusions

Test format:

The GMAT is a computer-adaptive test, meaning the difficulty of each question adjusts based on your performance on previous questions. It’s delivered at testing centers worldwide and takes approximately 3 hours and 7 minutes to complete. Here’s a breakdown of the sections:

• Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA): (30 minutes) This section evaluates your writing skills by asking you to analyze an argument and write a persuasive essay.
• Integrated Reasoning (IR): (30 minutes) This section assesses your ability to analyze data presented in different formats (graphs, tables, etc.) and draw conclusions.
• Quantitative Reasoning (QR): (62 minutes) This section measures your problem-solving skills using mathematical concepts. No calculator is allowed.
• Verbal Reasoning (VR): (60 minutes) This section evaluates your reading comprehension, vocabulary usage, and critical reasoning skills.

Preparation Resources:

The Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), the administrator of the GMAT, offers various official resources to help you prepare for the test, including:

• GMAT Official Prep: This platform provides practice questions, computer-adaptive practice tests, and study guides.
• GMAC Focus Edition: This is a streamlined version of the GMAT designed for specific business schools. It focuses on skills most relevant to their programs and offers a shorter testing time.

Additional Resources:

• Many test prep companies offer GMAT preparation courses and materials.
• Online communities and forums can connect you with other GMAT test-takers for support and advice.