The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a multiple-choice, computer-based and computer-adaptive standardized exam used globally for admission to graduate management programs. It is developed and administered by testmaker GMAC to provide business schools with common measures of applicants’ preparedness for graduate-level academic work. The GMAT exam measures the verbal, quantitative, integrated reasoning, and critical thinking skills that are most relevant for graduate business programs. It includes the Quantitative, Verbal, Integrated Reasoning and the Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) section. The GMAT online exam provides candidates with more choice and flexibility to bring their best on test day. It can be taken on both Windows and Mac personal computers and laptops. Test center-based GMAT exams are also available. Candidates who take the GMAT exam demonstrate their seriousness about earning a graduate business degree. 9 out of 10 new MBA enrollments are made using a GMAT score, making it an important factor in gaining a competitive advantage during the admissions process.

GMAT Exam format

The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a multiple-choice, computer-based and computer-adaptive standardized exam used globally for admission to graduate management programs. It is developed and administered by testmaker GMAC to provide business schools with common measures of applicants’ preparedness for graduate-level academic work. The GMAT exam measures the verbal, quantitative, integrated reasoning, and critical thinking skills that are most relevant for graduate business programs. It includes the Quantitative, Verbal, Integrated Reasoning and the Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) section. The GMAT online exam provides candidates with more choice and flexibility to bring their best on test day. It can be taken on both Windows and Mac personal computers and laptops. Test center-based GMAT exams are also available. Candidates who take the GMAT exam demonstrate their seriousness about earning a graduate business degree. 9 out of 10 new MBA enrollments are made using a GMAT score, making it an important factor in gaining a competitive advantage during the admissions process.

GMAT Registration process

The GMAT registration process is relatively straightforward and can be completed in about 20 minutes on MBA.com. To register, applicants must create an mba.com account and provide some basic information. After selecting a date and time, applicants must pay the $250 registration fee (plus any applicable taxes). The GMAT exam is offered year-round in most locations around the world. It typically takes 7 business days for an Official Score Report to become available, but may take up to 20 business days in some cases. Applicants should plan ahead for application deadlines and consider their preferred test time when scheduling the exam. Additionally, they should take a GMAT practice test to assess their skills and find the best GMAT prep option for their learning style. Finally, applicants should be aware of any country-specific regulations that may apply to them when registering for the GMAT.

GMAT Test scoring

The GMAT total score is a numerical score between 200 and 800 that is calculated based on the number of correct answers in the Quantitative Reasoning and Verbal Reasoning sections. The Official GMAT Score Report sent to schools includes the Total, Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA), Integrated Reasoning, and Verbal and Quantitative scores from every reportable exam taken in the past five years. The average total GMAT score is currently 565, while the average of all test takers is 551.94. Percentiles are also included on the Official GMAT Score Report, which indicate the percent of test takers that you performed better than. Two-thirds of test takers score between 400 and 800. The exact details of how the composite score is calculated are not publicly available, but it is known that it takes into account how many questions were answered correctly, how many were answered incorrectly, and how difficult each question was.

GMAT Preparation tips

Preparing for the GMAT can be a daunting task, but with the right study plan and test prep strategy, it is possible to set yourself up for success. It is recommended to use the GMAT Official Starter Kit + Practice Exams 1 & 2 to get acquainted with the test and its different sections. Additionally, using the GMAT Official Guide Series can help you gauge your abilities and pinpoint your weak areas. It is important to practice time management when taking the GMAT as running out of time on one of the sections can reduce your score. To ensure success on the GMAT, it is recommended to start studying early (at least four weeks ahead of your test date), take practice exams, and practice pacing before taking the actual exam. Additionally, it is important to understand your capabilities and develop a study plan that works best for you.

GMAT Score validity period

The GMAT score is valid for five years from the date of the test. This means that if a student took the GMAT on January 1, 2021, their score will be valid until January 1, 2026. After five years, the Official Score Report will no longer show the GMAT score and it will not be accepted by any institution. However, students can cancel their GMAT scores at any point during the five-year validity period. Once canceled, they can also reinstate it if they want to keep their GMAT score validity left. It is recommended that students take the GMAT as early as possible so that they have enough time to retake it if needed.