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What is the GMAT Test? The GMAT stands for Graduate
Management Admission Test. It is an exam held by Graduate
Management Councils. Currently, the exam is a computer based
test and covers three sections: verbal, quantitative, and essay.
The GMAT is developed to test the ability to tackle the graduate
education. It does not require any specific business knowledge.
As we stated in
What is GMAT, GMAT is now a
four-and-one-half hour exam.
Why does MBA require the GMAT?
The GMAT exam is required by almost all (if not 100% of)
accredited MBA programs because applicants come from different
educational, employment , and cultural background. The
admissions committee need a common criteria to determine the
quality of each candidate. The GMAT score, together with GPA,
employment history, MBA essays, letter of references and
interview, thus provides a comprehensive picture of a particular
applicant. In addition, most EMBA programs also require GMAT
score for admissions consideration.
Can the GMAT exam be waived?
For most MBA programs, the GMAT requirement can not be
waived. But a few schools do waive GMAT if the applicants
demonstrate strong leadership experience, hold an outstanding
GPA in a business management related major, etc. For example,
The University of South Florida is one of them.
Do I need to take the GMAT?
If you plan to attend MBA program, you are required to take
the GMAT before admissions application. For PhD program or other
Master program, the exam can be substituted by GRE.
Can I substitute the GMAT for the GRE?
The answer is not. Again, GRE is only accepted by graduate
schools.
Are there any free GMAT resources?
The GMAT test maker, GMAC or MBA.com, provides some of the
best resources for GMAT, such as GMATPrep Software. It is free.
You can download it from GMAC website. Also, our site offers a
free section of GMAT test. Please refer to:
Free Sample GMAT Questions.
Can I use a book to prepare for the GMAT?
Actually, the ebook provided by this site is sufficient to
prepare for the test. If you need more materials, you can
purchase from the bookstore nearby or Amazon.com.
Should I take a classroom GMAT preparation course?
It depends on your own learning style. If you prefer an
interactive environment, you can choose a classroom test prep
course. The fact is that most test takers can confidently
prepare the test online with with a study guide.
When Can I take the GMAT test?
You can take the exam anytime throughout the year. The GMAT
is in a computerized format, so it is convenient to schedule.
Where can I take the GMAT?
There are a number of testing centers throughout the country
and the world. You can find a test center near to you by
visiting GMAT Testing Centers.
How to Prepare for the GMAT?
This is not a question that can be answered completely here.
However, if you are a starter, try to do the followings:
1. Get a copy of sample GMAT questions from the test
administrator (you can download from MBA.com). Try to find
out the types of question on the exam.
2. Review the basic math skills and grammar rules.
3. Practice sample questions and essays. A complete list of
topics can be obtained from the mba.com website.
4. Study for at least one month before taking the test. If
you have enough time, buy a study guide.
When should I take the GMAT?
It is wise to take the test a few months before applying. The
GMAT score is valid for five years only. Thus, it is not good to
take the test if you are still in the college. In general,
business school requires three to four years of working
experience before enrollment. If you are a college senior, wait
three or four years.
How to Improve my GMAT Score?
Practice more questions under timed conditions or focus on
the areas of weakness. You can also turn to a private tutor or
preparation course for specific testing techniques if you have
spent significant time last time, but did not achieve a
satisfying score.
How to Submit GMAT Scores to an MBA Program?
On the test day, you can select up to five recipients for
free. After the test, you can request the MBA.com to send
additional score report to more schools. The cost is $28 for
each school.
How is GMAT scored?
Right after the test, you will get an unofficial score
report. On the paper, there are several different numbers. The
3-digit is the overall score you got. This number ranges from
200 to 800. It is determined by your performance on each section
of the test.
How important are my GMAT Scores?
Business schools tend to weight your GMAT score most heavily
because it provides a common standard that can be used to
compare applicants from different backgrounds.
Can I cancel my scores?
Yes, you can. Immediately after you take the exam, you will
be asked to report or cancel your scores. Once you cancel your
score, you will not be able to see your scores.
How many times can I take the GMAT?
Previously, you can take the GMAT as many times as you want.
After 2002, however, you may take the test no more than five
times within a year and once in any calendar month.
How hard is the GMAT?
The GMAT is not easy for those who have left schools for many
years. In the math section, you are not allowed to use a
calculator during the test. And the verbal section is tricky due
the length of the sentences. To get a good score, you have to be
well prepared.
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