Passing the GMAT Test
by Crystal Conde
In the MBA world, one test reigns supreme: the Graduate Management Admission Test or GMAT.
If you've procrastinated and haven't quite prepared for the assessment, resources are available to help you brush up on your analytical writing, problem solving, and verbal skills.
The test doesn't measure your business knowledge or information retained during undergraduate study; instead, it gauges more general skills related to writing, math, reading, and standard written English. Registering for the test is easy and can be done online.
About the Test
The three main sections of the GMAT are:
- Analytical Writing Assessment
- Quantitative
- Verbal.
The Analytical Writing Assessment portion is writing-intensive and covers analysis of an issue and analysis of an argument. You'll have 30 minutes to complete each essay.
The Quantitative section contains 37 multiple-choice questions that fall under one of two categories - data sufficiency and problem solving. One hour and 15 minutes is allotted to complete the Quantitative section.
The Verbal section features 41 multiple-choice questions that measure reading comprehension, critical reasoning, and sentence correction. You'll also have one hour and 15 minutes to finish this portion.
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Your GMAT score report has four scores: Verbal, Quantitative, Total, and Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA).
Scores break down as follows:
| Section |
Score |
| Verbal |
0-60 |
| Quantitative |
0-60 |
| Total |
200-800 |
| AWA |
0-6 |
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| You'll take the Verbal and Quantitative sections in a computer adaptive format with dynamically selected questions that adjust to your ability level. In other words, when you answer a moderately difficult question correctly, the next question will be more difficult. Get it wrong and the next question will be easier.
This method of conducting the test allows the computer to measure your ability level within each subject area. And you'll receive your score on these two sections immediately after you complete the test.
Taking the Test
To locate a testing center and to check seat availability, check out the GMAT Appointments section on mba.com. Be sure to adhere to the test center regulations listed on mba.com and to take proper identification with you. Appropriate forms of ID include a valid passport, national identity card, driver's license, and military ID card. See mba.com for other acceptable forms.
On the day of the test, you can select to have your scores sent to five schools free of charge. You cannot amend the schools you've chosen once you've taken the test. To send your scores to additional schools, you may order score reports online at mba.com for $28 per school. GMAT score results are on file for 20 years, but most schools will not accept those that are older than five years.
Studying for the GMAT
Taking the test doesn't have to be an anxiety-ridden experience. The mba.com Web site has pages devoted to study and test-taking strategies, as well as test prep courses. The GMAT POWERPREP Test Preparation Software is a useful study tool and is available free of charge.
The software features hundreds of practice questions, a comprehensive math review, and other valuable tutorials and practice elements.
If you prefer using printed materials to study, you can purchase the Official Guide for GMAT Review (Graduate Management Admission Council, 1994). Regardless of the study strategy you choose, be sure to allow enough time to prepare in advance. A high score the first time helps you avoid taking the GMAT multiple times. | 
