GMAT stands for the Graduate Management Admission Test. It is a standardized test which you
will have to take before applying to a business school. More than 7000 programs at approximately
2,300 business schools worldwide accept the GMAT scores. The test provides business schools
with standard measures of applicant's preparedness for graduate-level academic work. And that's
not all. Did you know your GMAT score holds the highest amount of weightage in your MBA
Application Process? Thus, scoring a 740+ on the test will boost your chances of getting
into a top business school. So, if you are planning to take the GMAT, then this video
is for you!
Hi Guys and Welcome back to our channel! In this video, we are going to talk about the
GMAT its different sections, what does it test, how it is scored, and much more.
Before moving forward, do not forget to subscribe to our channel to get the latest information
on GMAT Preparation and MBA Admissions. So, Let's get started!
What is GMAT? GMAT is administered by GMAC and is a computer
adaptive test. The testing software adapts to your performance as you progress through
the test. Thus, your performance on each question will determine the difficulty level of the
next few questions. The total time to take the test is under 3.5
hours, including two optional eight-minutes breaks.
What is the format of the GMAT? The test consists of four sections – Analytical
writing assessment, Integrated Reasoning, Quantitative, and Verbal.
Here is the no. of questions, question types, and duration for each section:
Let us dive into each section! Verbal Section
This section tests your command of standard written English, your ability to read critically
and analyze arguments. It aims to test the ability to comprehend the written material
and understand the logical relationship. There are three sub-sections in verbal:
1. Sentence Correction: Sentence Correction tests your ability to express an idea in a
logical and grammatical correct fashion. The test presents five ways to express an idea
and asks you to choose the answer choice that produced the most effective representation.
2. Critical Reasoning: Given a prompt, Critical reasoning tests your ability to evaluate,
strengthen or weaken an argument, formulate a plan of action, or draw inferences based
on a given prompt. Like SC, the CR section contains multiple choice questions.
3. Reading Comprehension: Reading Comprehension includes 200 to 400 word passages from which
you need to draw inferences, understand author’s main point, identify details and roles of
various aspects of the passage. Each passage contains three or four multiple-choice questions.
Here are a few topics that you can expect on the test:
Quantitative Section The GMAT Quant section is designed to test
your analytical knowledge of basic math concepts, including geometry, arithmetic, and algebra.
It aims to measure your ability to reason mathematically, interpret graphic data, and
solve quantitative problems. There are two types of questions in Quant:
1. Data Sufficiency: which consist of a problem statement followed by two factual statements.
You must decide whether the statement given is sufficient to answer the question in the
problem statement. Approximately 11 -13 questions are there.
2. Problem-solving questions consist of topics such as arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and
more. Approximately 18 – 20 questions are there.
Here are a few topics that you can expect on the test:
Analytical writing Assessment Section The analytical writing section helps business
schools test your writing and analytical skills. This section measures your ability to analyze
an argument and communicate your ideas or thoughts.
When scoring this section, you need to make sure that you:
1. Identify and examine parts of the case 2. Develop and organize your ideas logically
and thoughtfully 3. Connect your statements with clear transitions.
At last … the integrated reasoning section. Integrated Reasoning Section
This section consists of data presented in graphs, tables, passages, or a combination
of the three. It measures your ability to assess information presented in multiple formats.
The IR section tests both verbal and quantitative skills.
Thus, you must prepare well for the verbal and quant sections of the GMAT first.
There are four different types of questions: 1. Two-Part analysis – These questions are
in the form of 2 questions that relate to the same information. Five or six answer choices
follow the questions, and the answers to each of the two questions may be the same or different.
2. Multi-Source Reasoning – These questions have multiple tabs that have inputs in them.
These questions are more like Critical Reasoning questions.
3. Graphic Interpretation – Here, you must analyze the information given on a graph or
a chart and use it to solve the given questions. 4. Table Analysis – You are presented with
a sortable table with three questions. You must be able to differentiate between useful
and non-useful data Since July 11, 2017, GMAT takers have the
option to select the order of the test from 3 possibilities:
Now that you are aware of the topics covered in each section let's look at how is GMAT
scored. How is it scored?
The GMAT score range varies from 200 to 800, in 10-point increments
Here is how each section of the GMAT is scored
Keep in mind that the IR and AWA sections do not get factored into your total GMAT score.
Thus, your total GMAT score is a combination of Quant and Verbal scores.
Then why are the IR and AWA sections part of the exam? Do they matter for MBA admissions?
YES, they Do! Check out the link to our article in the description where we discuss its importance
and how a low score in IR and AWA could hurt your chances of getting into your targeted
business school. How hard is the test?
GMAT is a test of high-order reasoning skills. This test is taken by 200,000+ people every
year, and the average score at top business schools is 720+.Just to tell you the significance
of this score, only 6% of the test takers score 720 or above in the test.
Here are some reasons why this test is a tough nut to crack:
• Computer Adaptive Nature • Content
• Timing Pressure • Format
Let us help ace you the GMAT with our high-quality content and superb instructors. Take a free
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What are the eligibility criteria? There is no minimum academic qualification
or work experience required to take the GMAT. Also, all nationalities can take the GMAT.
When it comes to age as an eligibility factor, if you are 13 years or above, you can take
the test. There is no upper limit on age. However, if your age is between 13 and 17
years, you need your parent or legal guardian to sign the permission letter to allow you
to take the test. One thing that you need to keep in mind is
that there is a limit on the number of attempts. Here are the conditions to take the GMAT:
• You can take the test once every 16 calendar days
• Not more than 5 attempts in 12 months • Not more than 8 attempts in a lifetime
• If you score GMAT 800, you must wait for at least 5 years for your next attempt
What is the at-home GMAT online exam? GMAC has launched an online alternative to
the exam called the 'GMAT Online Exam,' which will allow you to take the test at home.
The decision to launch this alternative came into the picture because of the GMAT test
centers closure due to the covid-19 outbreak. This exam is available until December 31,
2020, and can be taken 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can even schedule an appointment
24 hours before your preferred slot. One of the key differences between GMAT Online
and In-center test format is that there is no AWA section for GMAT Online Exam. Also,
the section Order for the GMAT Online exam is fixed as follows:
There is no change in the number and types of questions.
What resources to use to prepare for the GMAT? The first thing that comes to anybody's mind
is to opt for the GMAC Official GMAT Guide. But is this resource good enough to achieve
your targeted score? One of the major disadvantages of only preparing
through GMAT Official guide is that it includes mostly easy and medium questions. Also, it
is advisable not to depend on one resource for GMAT prep.
The two most prominent ways to prepare for GMAT is through – GMAT books or Online GMAT
courses. However, in our experience, most students go for GMAT books but eventually
opt for online preparation courses. We talked to numerous GMAT test takers to understand
why they prefer Online preparation courses over GMAT books. Here are few reasons:
• Less time to consume • Easier to focus
• Online content is more up to date • GMAT is an online test, so it's better
to train yourself on the computer during your preparation
How much does it cost? You will have to pay at least US$250 in the
registration fee. However, the GMAT cost will be more than just the registration fee, and
it'll differ from country to country. Why is that, though?
The GMAT registration fee is more than $250 in a lot of countries, and other services
like rescheduling, cancellation, ESR, additional score reports cost extra.
For example, the GMAT registration fee in India is $250 whereas in the US its $275 and
in few European countries it’s $285. | Check out the county-wise GMAT cost and
other costs that are involved while taking the GMAT. Link in the description
What is a good GMAT score? A good score is the one, which will make your
application competitive based on you profile in your applicant pool. Also, the answer to
this question depends on which business school you are targeting.
Our experts have laid down a 5-step process to identify a good GMAT score for you. Check
out the link in the description to know in detail.
Can a high score get you Scholarship? A high GMAT score can also help you get a
scholarship. However, scholarship committees do not list a minimum score to guarantee a
scholarship. But a high score can increase your chances of getting one.
| Learn about MBA scholarship and factors that Adcoms look at while awarding scholarships.
Link in description. Now that you have an idea about the GMAT Exam,
the two most common questions that we get asked are:
1. How to score high on the test? 2. How to overcome a low score?
You can check out the answer to both the questions in our articles. The links are in the description.
Also, check out some of our articles on how to prepare for the GMAT by visiting our Blog
Thank you for watching the video and stay tuned for more videos on GMAT and MBA admissions.
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