The GMAT

Answer 1

What is the GMAT?

The term GMAT is the acronym for the Graduate Management Admissions Test. It is an exam that tests academic aptitude to attend business schools all over the world. The test consists of several sections such as the analytical writing assessment, quantitative section, and verbal section. It used to be a paper and pencil exam, but it is now taken on computers exclusively. The exam can only be taken at designated testing facilities and everyone must register in advance to take the exam. The GMAT is only offered several times a year and it costs roughly $250 to take in the US.

Why Should I Take the GMAT?

The purpose of the GMAT is to provide a means of evaluating potential business school applicants. Almost all of the accredited graduate business programs require their applicants to complete the exam and their test score will weigh very heavily in the admissions process along with your transcripts and recommendations. You should take the GMAT if you are planning to pursue a graduate degree in business like an MBA or a PhD in a business related subject like accounting or marketing. The GMAT only applies to business schools, so if you have other interests then you will probably need to take the GRE, which is the Graduate Record Examinations.

How Can I Prepare for the GMAT?

Given that the admissions process for most graduate business programs are quite selective, it is vital that you achieve a high score. A high score is considered to be somewhere in the 600-700 range and it will probably take some practice to prepare for the exam. There are lots of test preparation books and software on the market for those that are able to study independently. Most people tend to perform better on the exam if they take test preparation classes that explain the best test taking strategies. Preparing for the exam may take several months, so you will have to plan your course of study before you select a date to take your test.