GMAT Guide

About the GMAT

The Graduate Management Admission Test® (GMAT®) is a standardized exam administered by the Graduate Management Admission Council® (GMAC®) and is commonly used by top business schools and other graduate programs around the world as an important factor in the admissions application process.

Computer Adaptive Test

The GMAT is a computer adaptive test (CAT), meaning that questions are selected by the testing computer based on how the GMAT test taker is performing on the exam. As such, each GMAT test taker is presented with a unique set of questions which adjust throughout the test based on the ability level of the test taker.
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GMAT Scoring

The GMAT contains three sections, the Analytical Writing Assessment section, the Quantitative section and the Verbal section, each of which is graded separately. GMAT test takers also receive a Total Score, assessing combined performance on both the Quantitative and Verbal sections of the GMAT. The Analytical Writing Assessment section is graded on a scale from 0.0 to 6.0 in half point increments, with a 6.0 being the highest possible score. The Quantitative and Verbal sections are graded on a scale from 0 to 60, and the Total Score is based on a scale ranging from 200 to 800.
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When to take the GMAT

When determining an appropriate date to take the GMAT, it is important to research the admissions application deadlines for each of the schools to which you plan to apply, as deadline dates for MBA and other graduate schools vary widely. GMAT test takers are encouraged to register for a GMAT appointment well in advance to ensure they may take the GMAT at the closest test center location and allow a wider selection of test days and times.
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GMAT Contents

What the GMAT tests

The GMAT has three sections: the Analytical Writing Assessment section, the Quantitative section and the Verbal section, listed in order of appearance on the exam. The Analytical Writing Assessment section of the GMAT consists of two essay topics, Analysis of an Argument and Analysis of an Issue, to be written in 30 minutes each. The Quantitative section of the GMAT consists of 37 intermingled Data Sufficiency and Problem Solving questions to be answered in 75 minutes. The Verbal section of the GMAT consists of 41 intermingled Critical Reasoning, Reading Comprehension and Sentence Correction questions to be answered in 75 minutes.
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What's covered in the Quantitative section of the GMAT

In the Quantitative section of the GMAT, the GMAT test taker is presented with intermingled Data Sufficiency and Problem Solving questions. The Quantitative Section of the GMAT has 37 total questions to be answered in a maximum of 75 minutes. All questions in the Quantitative section of the GMAT are multiple choice questions and are selected individually throughout the section using the Computer Adaptive Test methodology.
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What's covered in the Verbal section of the GMAT

In the Verbal section of the GMAT, the GMAT test taker is presented with intermingled Critical Reasoning, Reading Comprehension and Sentence Correction questions. The Quantitative Section of the GMAT has 41 total questions to be answered in a maximum of 75 minutes. All questions in the Verbal section of the GMAT are multiple choice questions and are selected individually throughout the section using the Computer Adaptive Test methodology.
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Understanding the Analytical Writing Assessment section of the GMAT

In the Analytical Writing Assessment section of the GMAT, the GMAT test taker is presented with two essay topics, one of which requires an Analysis of an Argument and the other of which requires an Analysis of an Issue. The GMAT test taker is given 30 minutes for each essay to read and understand the essay topic and related questions, brainstorm a response and finally type and submit an essay into the testing computer.
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GMAT Registration

How to register for the GMAT

Most test takers register to take the GMAT online at www.mba.com. Registration may also be made via phone, fax or post mail.
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What it costs to register for the GMAT

The cost of taking the GMAT exam is US$250. This registration fee is the same for all test takers worldwide. Taxes, where applicable in some countries, are charged on the GMAT exam registration fee.
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How to reschedule a GMAT appointment

Test takers may reschedule the location, day or time of their scheduled GMAT exam. Test takers will incur a US$50 fee if rescheduling arrangements are made at least seven full calendar days prior to the day and time of the currently scheduled exam.
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What the rules are for retaking the GMAT

A test taker may take the GMAT only once within any 31 consecutive calendar day period. Further, a test taker may take the GMAT a maximum of five times within any 12 consecutive calendar month period.
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Taking the GMAT

Understanding test day procedures for the GMAT

Upon arrival to the test center on your test day, you will need to check in. Make sure to arrive at least 30 minutes ahead of your scheduled GMAT appointment to allow adequate time to comfortably check in and acquaint yourself with the test center environment.
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Understanding the GMAT Testing Rules

Test takers must agree to the GMAT Examination Testing Rules & Agreement during the check in process prior to starting the GMAT. The GMAT Examination Testing Rules & Agreement may vary slightly from country to country in order to comply with local laws in which the GMAT is being taken.
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Understanding GMAT score reports

The GMAT test taker is able to view an Unofficial Score Report which shows the Quantitative, Verbal and Total scores from the exam immediately after completing the GMAT. The Unofficial Score Report does not contain a score for the Analytical Writing Assessment, the only section of the GMAT which is not immediately scored upon completion of the exam. The Official Score Report, which shows the Quantitative, Verbal and Total scores in addition to scores for the Analytical Writing Assessment, is made available to the GMAT test taker online and sent to graduate programs designated by the GMAT test taker to receive the report within 20 days after the GMAT test appointment.
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Requesting disability accommodations when taking the GMAT

GMAT test takers with disabilities who meet specified criteria may submit a written request for appropriate accommodations. Requests for accommodations should be made as early as possible, as consideration of accommodation requests may take up to four weeks and an accommodation approval must be made prior to registering for a GMAT appointment.
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