| |  |  |  | | gmat-nyc.com : GMAT : about |
What is the GMAT? | The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a test required by any student who wants to start postgraduate studies in management or business like an MBA program. It measures the flexibility of the applicant's approach to problem solving. It is administered by the Educational Testing Service. You can visit their website at www.ets.org. |  | | |  |
Do I really need to take the GMAT? | A few years ago, one school (Harvard Business School) attempted to waive the GMAT for its applicants. HBS reintroduced the GMAT requirement for the fall 1997 applicants. It's safe to say that virtually any MBA program in the US and in many other parts of the world will require the GMAT. So yes, you do really need to take it. | | | | |
How important are GMAT scores in the application process? | While the GMAT is not the only factor in the application process and a good GMAT score does not automatically guarantee admission, a score below a certain level may prevent some schools from even considering your application. Your GMAT score becomes considerably more important if you are coming from outside the US, since the quality of foreign grades are hard to evaluate for US schools. | | | | |
What's the format of the GMAT? | The GMAT is now given as a Computer Adaptive Test (CAT), which means that the candidate is sitting in front of a computer and typing the answers directly. This new format requires different strategies and tactics to get an outstanding result. | | | | |
What is tested in the GMAT? | The new GMAT CAT lasts approximately three hours and is composed of two 30-minute essays, a 75-minute 37 multiple-choice Quantitative section and a 75-minute 41 multiple-choice Verbal section. The test is comprised of the following three sections: - Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA)
This section reqires the candicate to write two essays in 30 minutes each.
- Quantitative Section
This section includes both Problem Solving and Data Sufficiency questions, which were once given as seperate sections in the paper-and-pencil test. - Data Sufficiency
For each item you will decide how much of the
mathematical data you are given is sufficient for answering a question. - Problem Solving
You will solve general math and word-type problems. - Verbal Section
This section includes Sentence Correction, Reading Comprehension and Critical Reasoning questions, which were also given as seperate sections in the paper-and-pencil test. - Sentence Correction
You will demonstrate your knowledge of correct and
effective English expression. - Reading Comprehension
You will answer questions about reading passages
from a variety of subjects. - Critical Reasoning
You will derive logical conclusions and relationships
from a variety of situations and passages. Here is a table summing up the format: GMAT CAT Format | Analytical Writing Assessment (non adaptive) | | 30 minutes | Analysis of an Issue | 1 Question | | 30 minutes | Analysis of an Argument | 1 Question | | 5 minutes break (optional) | Quantitative Section (computer adaptive) | | 75 minutes | Problem Solving, Data Sufficiency | 37 Questions | | 5 minutes break (optional) | Verbal Section (computer adaptive) | | 75 minutes | Sentence Correction, Reading Comprehension, Critical Reasoning | 41 Questions |
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How is the test scored? | The GMAT in its CAT format is now an adaptive test, which means that the test software determines your next question by your performance on the previous ones. Here's how it works: The CAT starts with a question of medium difficulty. If you answer the question correctly, it will raise your score and pull out a harder question from its pool. If you make a mistake, it will deduct your score and lower the difficulty of the next question. This process repeats until you reach the maximum number of questions or the time limit for each section. Due to this format, each candidate will face a unique combination of questions. In contrast to the paper-and-pencil version of the test, in the CAT format each question does not carry the same weight for the overall score. This means that you get more points for answering a hard question correctly than you do for an easier one.
In addition to your scored questions, each test contains some questions which do not count and are being pre-tested for use in future tests. These will not adapt to the level of the candidate's performance. | | | | |
How can I register for the GMAT? | Please see the respective question in the FAQ.
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