GMAT TEST ! What is GMAT ?

WHAT IS THE GMAT TEST?

The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a standardized test which has been widely used as part of the assessment process for admission to MBA programs in Business Schools for many years.

The test measures skills and abilities that develop over time. Although it is basically verbal and mathematical, the complete test offers a method of measuring overall ability. It doesn't test specific knowledge in specific subject areas.

The test has three main sections - quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning , and analytical writing. Each complete test has the same format and areas of content, but specific questions vary from one to another. The questions are continuously replaced, but must fit the overall content and statistical requirements for the test.

The GMAT is only available as a Computer Adaptive Test ( CAT )

HOW IS THE TEST SCORED?

The test scores are intended as one measure of your ability to do graduate work. The test aims to predict your chances of academic success in the first year of an MBA program. It yields four scores - verbal, quantitative, total, and analytical writing.

Quantitative, Verbal and Total Scores
Both verbal and quantitative scores range from 0 to 60, (scores below 10 and above 46 are unusual). These are on a fixed scale and can be compared across any individuals. They measure different things and are not comparable to each other. The total scores for the test ranges from 200 to 800.

Analytical Writing Score
The analytical writing score is an average of the ratings given to two writing tasks. Each response is given two independent ratings. Once both essays by a candidate have been scored, they are averaged to provide an overall score. This average score can range from 0 to 6 in half point intervals.

How Schools Use and Interpret Scores
Test scores have two important characteristics:

1. They are reliable measures of certain developed skills that have been found to be important in the study of management/business at the graduate level. They have been found to be good, but imperfect, in predicting academic success in the first year of study at Graduate Schools of Management.

2. Unlike academic grades, which vary in meaning across School, test scores are based on the same standard for all test takers.

The Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) has published guidelines for the use of test scores. Because the test only measures some of the characteristics related to success in graduate School, Schools usually use test scores as only one source of information. Undergraduate record and information obtained from applications, interviews, and letters of recommendation are other good predictors of success. Each School evaluates the scores in its own way. Some set and state a minimum total score for entry.

PLANNING WHEN TO TAKE THE TEST

The test is available, year-round, at test centers throughout the world. In the United States, U.S. territories, Canada, and Puerto Rico, it may be possible to schedule your test within a few days of taking it, but popular dates (especially weekends) book up quickly. In some countries the test may be offered only once per year, so planning is essential. Refer to the admissions deadlines of the Schools to which you are applying and make your appointment early enough to increase your chances of receiving your chosen test date and the test center most convenient to you. You cannot take the test more than one time in any calendar month, even if you have taken the test and cancelled your scores. If you test more than once in a calendar month, your new scores will not be reported and your test fee will be forfeited.

ADVICE ON TEST PREPARATION

Overconfidence
Don't think that you can drop into the test testing center and cruise through the test with no effort. Think again. The test- if required by your chosen School - is important. Be forewarned: You should take it very seriously.

Focussing on some areas only
Some candidates will focus on strengths at the expense of their weaknesses, while others will concentrate only on their weak areas and neglect their strong areas. Both approaches are dangerous. Your test score will be based on how many questions you answer correctly and their difficulty level, but also on the range of question types and specific abilities covered by those questions. Prepare carefully for all sections of the test. Also note that Schools often have their own formula for weighing your individual scores. Try to perform your best on every section and every question type within each section.

Undue emphasis on practice-test scores
Even though your preferred School may have a declared minimum total score for entry, setting a goal for your test score is understandable. Try not to concern yourself as much with your scores but with what you can usefully do between now and your test day to improve your performance.

Over-preparation
Preparing for the test is like training for an sporting competition. Familiarize yourself with it and get comfortable with it. Build up your endurance. Aim to have your motivation, interest, and performance peak on the day. Preparation (training) e.g. getting comfortable with the test, correcting poor test-taking habits, developing an instinct for spotting wrong-answer choices and to finding your optimal pace. But after a time additional practice will give little additional benefit. So - don't over prepare by starting many months in advance or by postponing test dates to give yourself more time than you actually can usefully use need for preparation.

High expectations
In theory you are capable of attaining perfect scores, but you do not need to do so. Everyone is limited to some extent by their abilities. Accept your limitations. Prepare yourself so that you can do as well as you can reasonably expect.

The essays
Schools often clearly state their admissions requirements on Quantitative, Verbal, and Total scores, but they are often a lot vaguer about their requirements for essay scores. This does not mean that you can take the test essay sections less seriously! The top School for you will look at all the evidence - nothing in unimportant.

Negative views
Don't make the mistake of thinking - I'll give the GMAT one go, and if I do poorly, I'll not try for an MBA program. With time and effort you could do very well. See it as preparation for your study. Register for and take the real test once as a full practice—just to get comfortable with the testing environment. You'll be far more relaxed the second time around. More than 90% improve their score in the second test.