What is GMAT?

GMAT (The Graduate Management Admission Test) is a standardized computer test in English that allows business schools to objectively assess the level of preparation of candidates for further education in business and management when entering MBA programs or other post-bachelor programs in management.

GMAT test is currently used by more than 2,500 business schools worldwide. The centers where you can take the GMAT are spread all over the world and are open to those who wish all year round.

GMAT features

GMAT is a general education test that tests speaking, writing and math skills. The difficulty lies in the fact that the test is taken in English, and therefore requires a high level of knowledge in English.

The GMAT is designed to test the skills required in the field of management. However, it does not require special knowledge and does not concern narrow areas of specialization.

The GMAT test is unique in that its results can be used to determine the potential of a person, to predict his success in the course of studying at a business school.

Contents of the International GMAT Exam

Information and sample questions are available

The GMAT test includes three types of questions - to test the skills of writing, counting and speaking. Questions are determined individually, in accordance with the level of preparedness of the examinee. They are selected from a wide range of test questions sorted by content and difficulty. One question appears on the monitor screen. The first question is always of medium difficulty. The choice of each subsequent question is determined by the answers to the previous one. Thus, the test is appropriate for the level of the respondent, so that the questions are not too easy or too difficult.

Each question must be answered. You cannot return to the previous question or change the answer to it. If an incorrect answer was given by mistake or, conversely, the correct answer was guessed by chance, subsequent answers will return to the level of questions that corresponds to the preparation of the examinee.

Each test includes practice questions that must be answered before taking the test. These same questions can be found in the test itself, so you should take the answer to them seriously. Answers to test questions do not count and do not affect the test results.

GMAT exam includes 4 sections, each of which takes a different amount of time to complete.

Analytical Writing Section - AWA ( Analytical Writing Assessment) requires writing two essays on computer-selected topics. You have 30 minutes to write each essay. The first essay is devoted to the analysis of a controversial statement or opinion, which will require justification own opinion, supported by their experience, observations or read. The second is devoted to the analysis of the argument: you need to consider how the proposed argument is justified, find weaknesses in the argument, check whether the conclusions are correct, whether all the circumstances are taken into account, etc. This part of the test assesses the ability to critical thinking and the written expression of their thoughts.

The next section of the test - Integrated Reasoning - takes 30 minutes and consists of 12 questions designed to assess your ability to understand and analyze different sources and types of information - graphic, numerical and verbal - in how they relate to each other. You will need both mathematical and verbal justification for solving complex integrated problems. This section of the exam includes 4 types of questions: Multi-Source Reasoning; table analysis; graphics interpretation; Two-Part Analysis; questions in these parts can be mathematical or verbal, or a combination of both. It will be necessary to be able to interpret graphical information and sort tables to isolate specific values; however, the test does not require in-depth knowledge of statistics. To solve the problems of this section, you will have at your disposal an online calculator with basic functions. Important: the calculator will not be available for the next section (Quantative Section).

After a five-minute break, you move on to the "Math Section" of the GMAT - Quantitative Section. The purpose of this part of the test is to test basic mathematical skills, understanding of basic mathematical concepts, the ability to mathematical reasoning, solving quantitative problems and interpreting graphic data. This includes 37 questions, for each of which 5 possible answers are offered. These are questions of two types - to solve problems and "to determine the sufficiency of data" (Data Sufficiency). Each Data Sufficiency question is accompanied by background information and two statements, numbered "1" and "2", that contain additional information. The task is to determine whether the the necessary information in the first, in the second, or both. You have a maximum of 75 minutes to complete this section.

After the second five-minute break, you can go to the "Verbal Section" - verbal section. It consists of 3 stages: reading, critical justification and correction of proposals. This section also has a time limit of 75 minutes. The Reading Comprehension questions follow the texts (approximately 350 words) that deal with natural and social sciences, including such business-related areas as marketing, economics and human resource management. The texts included in the test are different in content. Neither the reading of the texts nor the answers require in-depth knowledge of the issues involved.

Reading Comprehension questions are aimed at assessing the ability to understand the text, analyze it and reflect the information received in writing. All questions assume answers based on the material read and do not require specific knowledge.

The questions in the Critical Reasoning stage are designed to test the ability to argue, plan actions and critically evaluate. The materials on which the questions are based are taken from various sources. Knowledge of the subject to which the questions are devoted is not assumed.

Sentence Correction questions ask you to choose from five options the one that best expresses an idea or a logical connection in a sentence. Answering these questions requires knowledge stylistic features and grammar rules of standard written English. The answers require the ability to correct incorrect and unused expressions in speech.

At the end of the GMAT test, questionnaire questions follow - about your experience, qualifications, etc., as well as about the schools where you are going to send the GMAT results. You can find out your results by sections where questions with answer options are presented. It is important to remember that if you decide to show your results in the test center, you will not be able to cancel them later. An official score report, including the results of the written sections, is mailed to the test taker and to their chosen business schools approximately two weeks after the test.

GMAT results

When you complete all assignments, you will receive four grades: a Quantitative Section grade, a Verbal Section grade, an Analytical Writing Assessment grade, and overall score from 200 to 800 points. Each of them also has a percentage expression. The score, expressed as a percentage, shows your level in comparison with other dealers. The higher the percentage, the better you did. For example, if you have 56%, this means that you are "smarter" than 56% of those who took the test.

One of interesting features test evaluation is that the essay is evaluated by both a person and a computer (called an e-rater). These scores are then averaged. If the estimates differ significantly, then resort to the help of a third party, which determines the final result.

According to U.S. magazine. News and World Report, GPA according to GMAT results in the best American business schools the following: Stanford - 722, Chicago - 695, MIT - 690, Harvard - 689. AT European schools the average score is lower.

The official result is sent to the five business schools of your choice, whose names you will need to indicate before taking the test. The distribution is handled by an organization called ETS (Educational Testing Service), which oversees the test.

The GMAT score is valid for five years.

If the result does not satisfy you, the test can be retaken once a calendar month, but no more five times a year. If you have taken the test more than once, the results of the last three tests are sent to business schools. Some schools consider the latest results, others - the best results (most of them), others - the average score.

It is important to remember that if you choose to show your results in the test center, you will not be able to cancel them later. An official score report, including the results of the written sections, is mailed to the test taker and to your chosen business schools approximately two weeks after the test.

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What is GMAT?

GMAT(General Management Admission Test) - a standardized general educational test for checking mathematical, verbal and analytical skills examinee. Test designed international association GMAC (Graduate Management Admission Council) especially for applicants for MBA programs. The purpose of the test is to check whether the applicant for admission to a business school has the skills required in the field of management. However, passing the exam does not require special knowledge and economic education.

GMAT required in over 1000 business schools around the world. About 500 more educational institutions use the results of the test to assess the knowledge qualifications of their prospective students, but passing the exam is not a mandatory test here.

Max GMAT score- 800. Students entering most European and American business schools, gain about 600-720 points. True, for top schools this will not be enough.

The General Management Admission Test is taken in English. The test is computer-adapted (Computer-adaptive Test), which means that you can not return to the passed questions and change the answers. Moreover, depending on the level of human knowledge, the computer selects more difficult or easier questions.

How does this happen?

The first question offered by the program is of medium difficulty. If the dealer answers it correctly, the second question will be more difficult. If the answer is incorrect, the computer will give an easier task. Therefore, it is important to check the first 10-15 answers twice. They are decisive in choosing the desired level of test difficulty, which will further affect the points earned. So, for the correct solution of 80 questions, you can get both 500 and 800 points.

Age restrictions- not younger than 25 years old.

GMAT- The test consists of three main sections:

Analytical Writing Assessment / AWA Section)

Mathematical section (Quantitative Section)

Verbal Section

In each section, 2-3 more sections are distinguished. Let's take a look at each section.

Before proceeding directly to the test itself, candidates are instructed in computer literacy ( TheIntroductorycomputertutorial). The introductory part is not limited by time frames. Until the dealer learns basic manipulations, namely: use the mouse, move the page using the scroll bar, select or change the answer to the question, confirm the answer to the question, go to the next question, use text editor(to complete the Analytical Writing Assessment), use the help of On-line, find information on the performance of one or another part of the test, he will not be allowed to take the exam. There will also be an opportunity to answer sample questions during the briefing.

Exam GMAT- The Graduate Management Admission Test- designed to assess the knowledge of applicants who are going to enter business schools and universities for MBA programs, as well as master's, doctoral (PhD) and other postgraduate programs.
You can take the GMAT test at a specialized center (today there are more than 600 of them around the world). Before being tested, the applicant must register (by phone, fax or mail). If the results of passing the test do not satisfy the applicant, the exam can be retaken no earlier than in a month. In total, no more than five attempts are allowed. GMAT scores are considered valid for five years.
The GMAT test is taken on a computer, and the program “adjusts” to the level of knowledge of the applicant: as the correct answers are received, the questions become more difficult and, conversely, if the applicant answers incorrectly, the next question will be easier than the previous one.

Materials for self-study for the GMAT

Structure of the GMAT Test

The GMAT test consists of four sections:

- writing an essay with logical reasoning on a given topic. The task consists of two parts, the subject is given 1 hour to complete them. The essay is checked using a computer program and two people. The overall score is given for both the grammar and the content of the essay. The first part of the task is called "Analysis of an Argument", in which the applicant will have to consider a statement from a critical point of view, and then express their opinion (i.e. either agree with the argument or refute it). In the second part of the task, the applicant will be asked to research the text (mostly newspaper articles), and then comment on it briefly. As a rule, the texts of both parts are related to economics or business.

integrated resonating- within half an hour, the applicant must answer 12 questions, including the analysis of graphs and tables. The results of the analysis must be coherently presented and justified logically. The section determines whether an applicant has entrepreneurial skills, strategic thinking, the ability to analyze information, plan their activities.

Quantitative- mathematical section. Within 75 minutes, the applicant must solve 37 small problems. Mostly offered not too much difficult tasks, calculated on the amount of knowledge high school. This module assesses knowledge of arithmetic, geometry, geography and algebra.

verbal- the conversational part of the test. Within 75 minutes, the applicant must answer 41 questions, demonstrate their vocabulary and ability to interpret, analyze and write English texts.

The cost of taking the GMAT test

• To pass the GMAT test, an applicant needs to pay 250 USD;
• When canceling the test, the applicant is not refunded the full amount, but only 80 USD;
• Rescheduling the test date costs 50 USD (no later than 7 days before the test);
• You can get an additional certificate for 28 USD.

How is the GMAT test scored?

The resulting score can range from 200 to 800. This number does not include the essay grade (from 0 to 6 points). The GMAT test is quite difficult. According to statistics, only about 7% of applicants cross the threshold of 700 points.

Analytical Writing Assessment. This section of the exam is graded twice, the final grade is the average of the two ratings. In the case when the two scores do not match, the essay is checked by a third expert, who makes the final verdict. For the part of the Analytical Writing Assessment, the applicant can score a maximum of 6 points (assessment step - 0.5 points).

The essay is evaluated according to criteria such as: written literacy English speech, the persuasiveness of the arguments, the total number of ideas and the ability to convey your idea to the reader.

• Integrated Reasoning. For this section, you can get a maximum of 8 points. As a rule, module tasks require the selection of several correct answers, so partial answers are not considered correct.
• Sections Quantitative and verbal are evaluated on a gradation scale from 0 to 60 points. It is noteworthy that the score for these sections depends not only on the number of correct answers, but also on the amount of time that the applicant spent on each question. Statistics say that on average, GMAT participants score from 7 to 50 points for the Quantitative part, and from 9 to 44 points for the Verbal part.

Improving English

To understand what in question in the test tasks, you must speak English at a level not lower than Upper-Intermediate. In the process of preparing for the exam, you should first of all expand vocabulary, as well as repetition of the norms of English grammar. The emphasis should be on academic and scientific terms. Reading English-language magazines or books will help fill in the gaps in vocabulary. Without knowledge of the grammar rules, it will be very difficult to pass the Sentence Correction module and the written part of the test.

GMATPREP Mock Test Solution

You should take a trial test without preparation, which will help you understand which questions cause the most difficulties, which you need to work hard on. It is these results that will become the basis for further preparation for the test.

Essay writing

Writing Assessment score does not count towards total score, therefore, it is better to devote less time to training on writing an essay than to the mathematical part. To get in shape, it is enough to write an essay once a week.

Analysis of all types of questions

Each section of the test has its own difficult questions - mathematical problems, logical tricks, perhaps rules English grammar. To deal with this, you should stock up on the right educational materials. In this case, official GMAT guides are fine, as well as additional literature, for example, Barron's and Kaplan 800. If it is too expensive to order new books from the official GMAT website, then you can buy used books from those who have already taken the test.

Timed test solving

Time constraints and stress are the most difficult obstacles on the way to the goal. To overcome the excitement and learn to give all the best to the maximum, you should solve as many time tests as possible. The ideal option would be to solve full-fledged tests in four parts, like in a real exam, but there are very few such tasks. Therefore, it is worth working out separate sections. For example, you can set a timer for 75 minutes and solve 37 problems from the quantitative section. It is better to devote as much time as possible to this particular method of preparation.

Solution of the second trial test

After quality preparation, you should check the results of your work. It is important to understand whether it was possible to work out the weaknesses. This test can be called a dress rehearsal before the real exam.

Buying the right writing utensils

At the GMAT exam, applicants are given special writing utensils - markers and A4 laminated sheets; you cannot write with ordinary pens or pencils. Working with such devices for the first time is quite inconvenient, so it is better to get used to them before the exam. You can buy markers at an office supply store and laminate 5 sheets of paper.

Joint training

It is much more interesting to prepare for the exam with a partner. There is an opportunity to discuss complex issues and jointly find a solution, plus you can solve problems for a while, competing with your partner.

Proper timing

During the preparation for the exam, it is important to learn time management. This is the key to success. It is better to answer all the questions in each section than to give perfect answers to some of the questions without getting to the last tasks. In the first case, the penalty will not be as serious as in the second. Initially, you should set yourself the goal of answering all the questions in the test. To do this, you should allocate a certain amount of time for each section.

Answers at random

If the allotted time for solving problems from the proposed section is not enough, you should speed up the process a little by putting answers at random. In practice, this method works as follows: from several answers, one should discard those whose fallacy is absolutely clear. The next step is to make a choice from the remaining answers. You should not rely only on your memory, it is better to mark 100% wrong answers on paper so as not to make a mistake in choosing. Still, excitement can interfere with the solution of even an elementary task at first glance.

Importance of the first test questions

Particular attention should be paid to the first five questions of the section, since the computer program is adaptive, i.e. it adapts to each candidate, first issuing less difficult questions, and then more difficult ones if the applicant copes with easy tasks. The more difficult the level of questions, the higher the score at the end of the test gets. Therefore, you should answer the very first questions correctly in order to increase the level of complexity of the tasks. It is also important to check the answer twice, because due to strong excitement, you can make a mistake in the calculation.

Introduction to test rules

Before taking the test, it is important to familiarize yourself with its rules. In the classroom, you can’t talk to anyone, peep at a neighbor’s monitor, use a calculating machine or a mobile phone, it’s also forbidden to be late for a test (in this case, the candidate will not be allowed to take the exam or his result will be canceled if the applicant does not return on time with break). The worst thing is that they will find out about the violation of testing rules admissions committees universities chosen by the applicant.

What else do you need to know about the GMAT test?

1. Each business school or university sets its own minimum scores for admission. For enrollment in many foreign universities, a result of 650 points is enough.
2. Exam results are considered valid for 5 years.
3. The test lasts 3.5 hours.
4. For successful delivery exam is given 5 attempts per year.
5. People with a mathematical mindset and good knowledge of English take about two months to prepare for the exam, humanities with poor knowledge of the language will have to study for more than 5 months.
6. The main result of the exam is displayed on the monitor screen immediately after the end of the test, it takes about 3 weeks to check the Integrated Reasoning and essay.
7. You can’t use a calculator during the exam, so you have to remember all the delights of written calculation in a column;
8. The applicant has the right to refuse the test result before it is shown on the screen;
9. Some tasks from the test are not taken into account when calculating the final score, as they are offered to applicants to test a new type of tasks for subsequent tests. During the testing process, it is impossible to understand which tasks are not taken into account, so it is worth solving all the tasks correctly;
10. The applicant has the right to cancel the test results within 72 hours, this service costs 25 USD. You can restore the result within 4 years and 11 months after passing the test. You will have to pay 50 USD for the service. To successfully pass the GMAT, you need to practice more time in solving timed tasks, since no textbook can fully prepare an applicant for passing the test. It is advisable to recreate the atmosphere of the exam at home in order to realistically assess your level of knowledge.

GMAT results are taken into account when entering most foreign business schools, which set their own passing score, as a rule, about 700. The test is taken at authorized centers, the certificate is valid for 5 years.

Where and how to take the GMAT

The GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) exam consists of four parts:

• argument analysis (essay) - Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA);
• complex solution math problems- Quantitative;
• processing information from different types sources - Integrated Reasoning;
• verbal section - Verbal.

To pass the GMAT, you need to have a good command of English: each of the modules is conducted in this language. For a preliminary check of the compliance of knowledge with the required level, it is recommended to try your hand at the TOEFL and TOEIC tests. If there are no problems, you can be sure that you can easily cope with the essay and the verbal (speech) module.

It is not necessary to go abroad - it is also possible to pass the GMAT in Moscow or St. Petersburg. The centers authorized to take the exam can be found on its official website.

Exam sections and types of tasks

Deciphering the abbreviation GMAT - Graduate Management Admission Test - means something like this: "an entrance exam to test managerial abilities." During testing, not only the completeness of the subject's knowledge base is determined, but also his ability to think creatively.

Structure of the GMAT test:

1. GMAT verbal section.
   This is the speaking part of the exam. Consists of 41 questions, 75 minutes are given for answers. Contains three types of tasks:
   • Sentence Correction (correction of errors in the construction of sentences). Of the five proposed options for speech turns, you must choose the most suitable in style and meaning for insertion into the original phrase. To cope with the task, you need not only to know well language norms, but also be able to quickly assess the content of the text, its compliance with grammatical, lexical and stylistic standards.
   • Reading Comprehension (reading comprehension). Several texts of 300-350 words are given and questions for each of them. Topics are different: business, economics, society, science. All the information that is required for answers is in the material proposed for reading. The difficulty lies in the fact that the style of presentation is ornate, which makes it difficult to quickly study the content of the text.
   • Critical Reasoning (critical analysis). Assignments test the ability to analyze. A factual argument is offered. The task is to identify assumptions in it that allow you to build reasonable logical connections and draw correct conclusions. The statement must be analyzed in such a way as to understand what serves as its confirmation and how one can arrive at the main idea stated in the framework of the argument.
2. GMAT Math (Quantitative).
   This is a math module. It consists of 37 small tasks to complete in 75 minutes. Knowledge of geometry, algebra, arithmetic is assessed. There are two types of tasks:
   • Data Sufficiency . Tasks in this category require the ability to assess the sufficiency of the information contained in the text of the condition for solving a specific problem. You do not need to count anything, you need to give an answer: “no” or “yes”.
   • Problem Solving . In such tasks, you should solve the problem and quickly choose the correct answer from the options offered. For example, the following conditions are given: “College tuition is $12,600. This amount must be repaid within a year in monthly installments. At the end of the fourth month, the amount of money paid by the student was $4,580. How much has been deposited over the established limits? Answer options: A) 380, B) 540, C) 1050, D) 1380. The ability to concentrate and the ability to count quickly will be very useful for solving.
3. GMAT AWA (Analytical Writing Assessment).
   Writing an analytical essay. The task consists of two parts, the completion of which takes one hour. Topics related to business and economics. The first part is Analysis of an Argument (argument evaluation). A certain fact is given. It is necessary to analyze and critically consider the statement, to discover its strengths and weaknesses. Then comment in writing, pointing out the identified errors or inaccuracies, incorrect or vague causal relationships, put forward a counterargument. If you agree with the statement, back it up with additional facts and conclusions, briefly describing the course of thought. As the second part of the task, a fragment of a text is offered (newspaper articles are often used). It must be read carefully, and then commented in a concise and concise manner in writing, giving arguments in favor of the stated position.
4. GMAT IR (Integrated Reasoning).
   This analytical section appeared in the GMAT exam relatively recently. In the module, in 30 minutes it is necessary to solve 12 tasks that reveal the presence of strategic thinking, entrepreneurial skills, the ability to find optimal solutions, analyze statistical data, and plan one's activities.

If you're going to take the GMAT, preparing for the test must be more than just conscientious.

How does the GMAT usually work?

When you arrive at the place where the GMAT exam is held on time, you must present an identity document and an application for participation to the center employee. The staff will verify the authenticity of your signature, scan your palm and take a photo of you. Then, in a room (like a dressing room), the participants leave everything in the lockers except for their ID. The possibility of cheating on the GMAT exam is excluded. If you try to bring cheat sheets or any aids, this is most likely to be discovered, then an awkward situation cannot be avoided.

In the exam room, everyone will be given noise-isolating headphones, a notebook, a pencil and an eraser. The first part of the test is an analytical essay. A draft can be sketched in a notebook, but the final version is typed on a computer. After the essay without interruption, the second section begins - the analysis of tables and graphs. Then you can take an eight-minute break.

After the mathematical module, 8 minutes of rest are again required. In most cases, the verbal part of the exam is taken last. Grades are assigned for each of the modules, the average score for the entire exam will be calculated from the total amount.

Preliminary test results are announced immediately after the exam, within two weeks at email comes confirmation of the readiness of the certificate and instructions on how to get online access to it. The document indicates the scores for each section and the overall score. If the GMAT result is not satisfactory, you can cancel it and try to take the exam another time.