The GMAT is a multiple-choice, computer-based and computer-adaptive standardized exam that is often required for admission to graduate business programs (MBA) globally.
The GMAT is developed and administered by test-maker GMAC . Business school admission committees look at your GMAT score, along with work experience, academic record, and supporting materials, to assess your readiness for the rigors of an MBA program.
WHAT DOES THE GMAT TEST?
It measures your command of basic arithmetic, algebra, geometry, multi-source data analysis, grammar and your ability to analyse and evaluate written material, think critically, and solve problems. The GMAT is first and foremost a test of your critical thinking skills.
THE GMAT SECTIONS
The content on the GMAT is broken down into four scored test sections, two of which are scored separately, and two of which are scored separately but are also combined to generate your composite score:
HOW LONG IS THE GMAT?
On Test Day, you can expect to sit for the exam just over 3.5 hours, including test-taking time and optional breaks. Note that this time does not include your check-in time at the testing centre. It is recommended that you arrive at the testing centre at least 30 minutes before your exam.
|
GMAT Section |
Time |
|
Analytical Writing Assessment |
30 minutes |
|
Integrated Reasoning |
30 minutes |
|
Quantitative |
62 minutes |
|
Verbal |
65 minutes |
|
Optional Breaks (Total) |
16 minutes |
|
Total Approximate Time |
3 hours, 23 minutes |
WHAT IS A GOOD GMAT SCORE?
The Quantitative and Verbal sections of the GMAT are each scored from 0 to 60, with the mean score for Quantitative at 39 and the mean score for Verbal at 27. The score business schools and MBA programs pay the most attention to is the combined 200–800 score scale, where the mean score is 552.
You can use the tables below to see the relationship between scaled scores and the test-takers achieving them:
|
Percentile |
Total GMAT Score* |
|
Top 10% of all test takers |
710 |
|
Top 25% of all test takers |
650 |
|
Top 50% of all test takers |
580 |
|
Below 50th percentile of all test takers |
570 |
* Based on the performance of GMAT test takers between 2013 and 2015
WHEN IS THE GMAT OFFERED?
The GMAT is administered year-round at Pearson VUE centres.
It is highly recommended that you register for your preferred GMAT test date early so you can select a test date that will allow enough time for GMAT to process your scores and send them to the MBA programs you’ll be applying to. This can take up to 20 calendar days.
During popular testing times, seats in Pearson VUE testing centres can be limited. You can take the GMAT once every 16 days, up to five times within any continuous rolling 12-month period (365 days) and up to eight total times.
