What is the GMAT and Should I Take It?

The Graduate Management Admission Test, or GMAT, is a necessary exam to take if you are interested in graduate business and management programs. In fact, nearly 2,000 schools across the globe require this test as part of the admissions process. So if you’re interested in pursuing a master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA) or similar post-graduate degree, it’s in your best interest to be familiar with the GMAT.

The first question we need to answer is what’s on the GMAT? Like other post-college standardized tests (such as the GRE), the GMAT tests basic skills in mathematics and the humanities. The test consists of the following timed sections:

1. Analytical Writing
Just because you’re going to business school, that doesn’t mean you don’t have to write effectively. In that vein, this section will test your ability to communicate clearly. Within the section, you will find two separate writing assignments: analysis of an argument and analysis of an issue. Both will require you to think critically and produce an analytical, sophisticated, and grammatically sound response in just 30 minutes. Business and management firms rely heavily on clear communication, so showing a school that you are a skilled writer can say a lot for your chances of acceptance.

2. Quantitative Section
The aim of this 75-minute, 37-question section is to ensure that you are well-versed in common mathematical concepts, including algebra, geometry, problem-solving, and data analysis. As with writing, mathematical skills are highly valued by graduate-level programs, so this is your chance to impress with your knowledge of basic concepts.

3. Verbal
In this 75-minute, 41-question section, your comprehension skills will be examined and evaluated. Along with compositional and computational mastery, verbal and language skills are invaluable to schools and employers. The ability to comprehend multidisciplinary information, read critically, and understand basic grammar and language conventions is essential to succeeding on this part of the GMAT.

If you’ve decided that the GMAT is the next step in your educational journey, remember to make sure that you have enough time to practice and seek tutoring, as this is not a test you want to take without preparation. Chances are that some of the GMAT’s content, such as basic concepts, is now deep, deep in your memory, so getting acquainted with its content and working on practice material is essential. Now that you’re ready to start working on the GMAT, let’s answer some important logistical questions:

How do I register?
The GMAT is available throughout the year at a cost of $250 per test. You are required to register in advance via phone or email.

What score do I need?
This will depend on the school(s) to which you plan to apply. It’s important to research what is required by your schools of interest so that you have an idea of what score will work for you. At the same time, you shouldn’t overstress about it; the GMAT reminds us that “fewer than 50 of the more than 200,000 people taking the GMAT each year get a perfect score of 800.” That being said, it is important to tap into resources such as college counselors to help figure out how to best use this test to your advantage.

How much practice do I need?
This, too, will vary from student to student. How much you need to prepare depends heavily on your knowledge of basic skills across the disciplines. Consider taking a diagnostic test to help determine where you stand and how much practice you might need.

Written by Phil Lane

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