GMAT- Graduate Management Admission Test

Introduction

The GMAT  is a 4 hour standardized exam used to determine applicant eligibility for admission into graduate-level business programs.  GMAT referred to as the "GMAT CAT", stands for "Computer Adaptive Test." The GMAT is administered only by computer now, except in certain locations outside North America, where the test is referred to as the "paper-based" GMAT. The test measures abilities in three broad categories: verbal, quantitative, and analytical writing. It does not test business competence nor specific subject knowledge. The test is offered the last 3 weeks of every month, the cost to take the exam currently is $250.

Test Description

Verbal Section- 41 multiple choice questions focusing on reading comprehension, sentence correction, grammar and critical reasoning. Time Duration: 75 minutes

Quantitative Section- 37 multiple choice questions focusing on problem solving and data sufficiency including interpreting graphs and charts, geometry, arithmetic, basic algebra and word problems. Time Duration: 75 Minutes

Analytical Writing Assessment- Consists of two analytical writing tasks: Time Duration: 60 minutes

The Issue task consists of writing a brief essay on an issue (chosen from 2 randomly selected issues from a pool of topics) in which the applicant provides relevant reasons and examples to support his/her own argument by taking a position on an issue.

The Argument task requires the applicant to write an essay that critiques the structure of the argument given, the writer's assertion or position on the issue stated.

Score

GMAT scores are valid for five years, applicants' receive four scaled scores on a GMAT test-

1.Quantitative Ability score (on a 0-60 scale)
2.Verbal Ability score (on a 0-60 scale)
3.Total score (on a 200-800 scale)
4.Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) score (on a 0-6 scale)