What Is The GMAT Exam

If you are considering starting an MBA program, you have certainly heard of the GMAT exam. Many people have read the term in admissions materials, but they have no idea what it means. Let's talk about what the GMAT is and how you can prepare to take it successfully.

Definition of the GMAT
GMAT stands for the Graduate Management Admission Test. This computerized examination was created and is administered by the Educational Testing Service on behalf of the Graduate Management Admission Council. High-quality business schools around the world require this examination for their full-time MBA programs, and test takers must have a certain score in order to be eligible for admission to most business schools. The GMAT may be required for other business school programs as well.

Parts of the GMAT
The GMAT is given on the computer and is made up of three parts. Each section has a time limit and all are given on the computer. The three parts are as follows: the Analytical Writing Ability (AWA) section, the Quantitative section, and the Verbal section.

The Analytical Writing Ability (AWA) Section
The AWA section is made up of two essay questions. The section tests your ability to analyze an issue and and an argument analytically. This is the first section you will take, and you are given 60 minutes total (30 minutes per question).

Quantitative Section
The Quantitative section tests your knowledge of the basics of Math. There are two types of questions in this section: Problem Solving (PS) and Data Sufficiency (SC). Both are important for your score, and you have 75 minutes to answer these 37 questions.

Verbal Section
The GMAT Verbal Section is separated into three parts: Sentence Correction questions, Critical Reasoning questions and Reading Comprehension questions. There are 41 questions in this section, and you have 75 minutes to complete the section.

Preparing for the Exam
Although the exam mostly tests basic knowledge gained in high school and college, you will want some time to review. You will want to spend two to three months preparing, spending an hour or two a week studying. First, you'll want to review your basic knowledge, and then you'll want to begin taking practice tests on the computer. Depending on the quality of your background knowledge, you may need less time to prepare.

In order to prepare for the test sufficiently, you will need the right tools. You may want to consider purchasing an ETS, Kaplan, or Princeton Review book. They are all high-quality books, so you may want to take a look at online reviews to see which current version seems to be the best. Make sure there is a CD full of practice tests as getting accustomed to the computer format of the test will be one of the most important steps in your preparation. With the right tools and enough time spent studying then you'll probably pass with flying colors your first time around.

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