GMAT FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about GMAT : General GMAT Questions and Strategies
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What is GMAT?

GMAT stands for Graduate Management Admission Test and is the test required by almost all MBA programs. It is a rigorous computer adaptive test that lasts 3.5 hours. You must register for the GMAT at an official testing center.

Also - consider getting the GMAT® Handbook (Formerly the GMAT® Information Bulletin) 24 pages, Effective Date 4/3/2012)

What is tested on the GMAT?

Writing ability, knowledge of Basic Math (Arithmetic, Algebra, Word Problems, Geometry) and just a bit of intermediate Math (Statistics, Probability, Combinations/Permutations), and knowledge of grammar principles, logical reasoning, reading, and analytical skills.

What is the GMAT Fee?

The fee GMAC charges for the test is $250; tax applies in some of the countries - see this listing for details: GMAT Fees Is there such thing as GMAT payment voucher or GMAT promotion code? They exist, but are very rare - see this thread for details: GMAT payment voucher/promotion code What does the GMAT test consist of? What is the Format of the GMAT? GMAT consists of 3 sections and lasts 3 and a half hours (not including an optional break). Part 1: AWA (Analytical Writing Assessment) Section - 60 minutes - 2 essays 30 minutes each. Optional 8 minute break Part 2: Quantitative Section - 75 minutes - 37 questions Optional 8 minute break Part 3: Verbal Section - 75 minutes - 41 questions You can find more details about each of the sections here: GMAT Test Format UPDATE for NextGen GMAT: The above image is from the GMAC. The order is incorrect. The current known order is: AWA -> IR -> Break -> Math -> Break -> Verbal How does the GMAT Test work? What is a CAT? GMAT is a CAT test - a computer adaptive test. It starts at a medium difficulty and increases question difficulty as long as you answer the questions correctly. Once a question is missed, the difficulty decreases. This methodology allows GMAT to hone exactly on your performance. It is believed that your final score for each of the sections is know after about the 15th, question, but 30 more are given just to ensure that the original assessment was correct. Are all GMAT questions scored/do all GMAT questions count? No. About 20%-30% are experimental questions that do not impact your score and are designed to help GMAC evaluate questions for future tests, What is the reason for experimental questions/unscored questions on the GMAT? 1. Estimate the difficulty level of questions to be included in future tests- Questions on the GMAT tests change every calendar month or every 30 days - that's why you can take the test only once every 31 days. Since GMAT is an adaptive test, that's quite a few new questions that GMAC needs to develop monthly and one of the hardest things about developing new questions is understanding how hard/easy they are. To help address this issue, about 20-30% of the questions you will see on the test are experimental questions (to be used on future tests) that GMAC is trying out and using to measure difficulty level. This is one reason some test takers get scared when suddenly they get an easy question after a hard one, which could mean that they missed a previous question, but in reality they just got served an experimental question that does not have a difficulty level assigned to it yet. 2. Measure question fit and quality - Regardless of difficulty, a question may still be of poor quality - meaning it does not measure one's performance well enough, has multiple interpretations, or confusing answers. Having experimental questions on the test helps GMAC weed these out and ensure that the questions that count are close to perfect, which increases the accuracy and consistency of the test across 5 years. 3. Eliminate controversial questions- Some questions may prove controversial or inappropriate in certain cultures or parts of the world. What is the maximum score on the GMAT? The GMAT score range is between 200 and 800. Very few people get 200 or 800, the majority, however falls between 400 and 600. The average score is about 550. You can see the score distribution in the Gmat Score Interpretation Guide - also check out Everything You Need to Know about GMAT Scores and GMAT Score Reports Attachment: How does GMAT scoring work? What is the GMAT algorithm? There are several theories about how the test is scored: some believe the first 15 questions are critical; others think that hard questions must be answered correctly to get a good score, and another group believes that all questions must be answered to get a high score. Visit this thread for one of the many discussions about GMAT Scores on this site: gmat-scores-83890.html How do I schedule a GMAT test appointment? You must register with one of the authorized test centers. GMAT is administered by the Vue/Pearson testing centers 6 days a week. You can schedule your appointment here Can I cancel or reschedule a GMAT appointment? Yes, and quite a few people do - there is a$50 rescheduling fee if you reschedule more than 7 days out. You will lose the $250 deposit if you decide to reschedule less than 7 days out. You can also apply for a refund as long as your appointment is more than 7 days out. However, you will get only$80 back. In general, if you got cold feet a few days before the test, and feel that you need to reschedule, it may be worth going and taking the test since you won't get any money back. Of course there are several theories about having a low score on your report, but more about that later.

Which Schools use GMAT for the Admissions process?

More than 1,900 MBA programs use GMAT as a part of the application process. See the full listing here

How long are the GMAT Scores valid for?

GMAT Scores are valid for 5 years. Some applicants take the test right after the undergrad (while the memory of math is still very fresh) and then apply after several years of work experience.

How many times can you take the GMAT?

You can take the GMAT 5 times in any 12 months and no sooner than 31 days after your previous appointment. Note that if you take the GMAT multiple times, all of the scores from the past 5 years will be reported to the recipients. If you get 800 on the test, you cannot retake it for 5 years (least of your worries probably), and if you attempt to take the test more than 5 times in a 12-month period, your score will be canceled and you may potentially be barred from taking the GMAT again.

After I take the GMAT, how soon will I know my score?

Your unofficial (preliminary that is) GMAT score will be made available to you immediately after you finish the test. You can also cancel your test score immediately after taking it, but in that case, your score will not be displayed. This option is not recommended unless you feel that you bombed the test and did not finish a number of questions. Your official test scores will be sent to you either by mail or via email (to be accessed on http://www.mba.com). That's when you will find out your Analytical Writing Assessment score.

How do I send my GMAT scores to the Schools?

Before or after the test, you will have a chance to enter up to 5 schools names that will automatically receive your GMAT score about 20-30 days after you take the test. You can also request for additional score reports to be sent, but it will cost $28. Some applicants prefer not to send any reports to any schools unless they are sure they received a good score, so they will actually order additional reports after they receive the score confirmation. Ordering can be done here: http://www.mba.com/the-gmat/gmat-scores ... hools.aspx What are the Identification Requirements in the US? For US Citizens - Driver's License For US Residents and Visitors: certain test centers will only accept a Passport as the valid ID or a Green Card but not a Driver's License - we have several confirmations posted in the forum. Link to mba.com for more information: http://www.mba.com/the-gmat/test-day/pr ... ation.aspx How do I interpret my GMAT Score Report? You will receive your official score report either by mail or electronically (you are given a choice). You will have several scores - your raw scores are the scores for Quantitative and Verbal sections (scaled score between 0 and 51), though very few ever get above 50. Your score report will also have your AWA (Analytical Writing Assessment) score on a scale between 0 and 6. Most get between 4 and 6 and this score is not very critical. Your score report will also contain a percentile - that's the measurement of how you did on the test compared to ALL the other test takers in the past 5 years. See the attachment to this post - a GMAT score interpretation guide. It was discontinued by GMAC in 2004, but this copy still works. Attachment: Not much is known on Integrated Reasoning, other than it will be scored as its own section. As of now, we're assuming it will be scored in the same way/scale as the AWA (0-6). Once more is known, we will update the FAQ. Do I have to take GMAT to get into an MBA program? As a matter of fact no - if you prefer or if you have taken the GRE, you can use GRE results in more than 120 schools. Check with your business schools of choice to make sure they accept GRE instead of GMAT. A program that does not require a GMAT or GRE, is a red flag for a diploma printing press. Is GMAT easier than GRE? Some believe that GRE is a better choice as it does not have the Data Sufficiency questions unique to the GMAT and costs only$140 vs. $250 but many do think that GRE is harder. However, it comes down to a personal preference - if you have a hard time with the GMAT, perhaps GRE offers a better format for you; give it a shot. And YES, we do have GRE Club See ETS' website for details on programs accepting the GRE: http://www.ets.org/gre/revised_general/ ... /programs/ Is GMAT Useless After Admissions? A number of people say - No. Many of the top companies (e.g. McKinsey) ask for your GMAT Score on the job application. Also, if you get a good score (90+ percentile, it is something else to put under your achievements section of the resume). Here is a discussion of this subject: t21669-gmat-score-use-in-employment Recommendations for Next Steps: Find everything you need to prepare for GMAT GMAT Book Reviews Find Prep Course Reviews Additional Links and Resources GMAT Home - overview and official information from GMAC GMAT in a nutshell overview by Manhattan GMAT - good review of the test GMAT Myths - a report from a GMAC conference Useful Abbreviations and Acronyms related to GMAT Information from the GMAC hosted Test Prep Summit: 2009 2011 Have a Question or Correction? Post your questions and corrections in this thread and they will be included into the master thread to keep it updated. _________________ Strategy Discussion Thread | Strategy Master | GMAT Debrief| Please discuss strategies in discussion thread. Master thread will be updated accordingly. | GC Member Write Ups GMAT Club Premium Membership - big benefits and savings  Manhattan GMAT Discount Codes Magoosh Discount Codes Math Revolution Discount Codes Intern Joined: 11 May 2013 Posts: 1 Followers: 0 Kudos [?]: 0 [0], given: 2 Re: GMAT FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about GMAT [#permalink] ### Show Tags 13 Jun 2013, 04:13 do AWA score is calculated in GMAT? Intern Joined: 23 Jul 2013 Posts: 47 Location: India Concentration: Strategy, Entrepreneurship GMAT 1: 680 Q49 V34 WE: Programming (Computer Software) Followers: 0 Kudos [?]: 5 [0], given: 0 Re: GMAT FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about GMAT [#permalink] ### Show Tags 19 Sep 2013, 11:15 How much important is the IR score ? Intern Joined: 09 Nov 2013 Posts: 1 Followers: 0 Kudos [?]: 0 [0], given: 0 Re: GMAT FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about GMAT [#permalink] ### Show Tags 10 Nov 2013, 03:17 hello , can anyone help me in providing the sentence correction practice questions Director Status: My Thread Master Bschool Threads-->Krannert(Purdue),WP Carey(Arizona),Foster(Uwashngton) Joined: 27 Jun 2011 Posts: 894 Followers: 89 Kudos [?]: 228 [2] , given: 57 Re: GMAT FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about GMAT [#permalink] ### Show Tags 10 Nov 2013, 06:14 2 This post received KUDOS 1 This post was BOOKMARKED GMAT Pill Representative Joined: 14 Apr 2009 Posts: 2050 Location: New York, NY Followers: 389 Kudos [?]: 1350 [0], given: 8 Re: GMAT FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about GMAT [#permalink] ### Show Tags 13 Nov 2013, 08:11 Aspire009 wrote: How much important is the IR score ? The IR score is scored separately from the Q/V at the moment. Generally, if you are shooting for a top school - you don't need to worry about completely acing this section. But at the same time, you don't want to be an outlier. You would not want an IR score of 1, 2, 3, or 5. Shoot for 5, 6, or 7. Don't worry too much about getting an 8 -- unless you would like to shoot for a potential scholarship from certain schools. See more here: http://www.gmatpill.com/gmat-practice-t ... -reasoning Quote: hello , can anyone help me in providing the sentence correction practice questions Sure - you can try out some here: http://www.gmatpill.com/gmat-practice-t ... questions/ Intern Joined: 27 Jan 2014 Posts: 1 Followers: 0 Kudos [?]: 0 [0], given: 0 Re: GMAT FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about GMAT [#permalink] ### Show Tags 27 Jan 2014, 01:04 I need to know that how important gmat exam is? There are many universities who enroll students even without the gmat scores, so is it good to join these universities? Intern Joined: 21 Oct 2013 Posts: 1 Followers: 0 Kudos [?]: 0 [0], given: 2 Re: GMAT FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about GMAT [#permalink] ### Show Tags 17 Apr 2014, 04:12 can anyone let me know when do we have to give the names of the 5 schools? Is it on the day of the test or while registering for it? Moderator Joined: 02 Jul 2012 Posts: 1231 Location: India Concentration: Strategy GMAT 1: 740 Q49 V42 GPA: 3.8 WE: Engineering (Energy and Utilities) Followers: 119 Kudos [?]: 1421 [0], given: 116 Re: GMAT FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about GMAT [#permalink] ### Show Tags 17 Apr 2014, 07:25 It's on test day.. After the test before seeing your scores.. meow29 wrote: can anyone let me know when do we have to give the names of the 5 schools? Is it on the day of the test or while registering for it? _________________ Did you find this post helpful?... Please let me know through the Kudos button. Thanks To The Almighty - My GMAT Debrief GMAT Reading Comprehension: 7 Most Common Passage Types Intern Joined: 16 Mar 2014 Posts: 7 Followers: 0 Kudos [?]: 0 [0], given: 0 Re: GMAT FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about GMAT [#permalink] ### Show Tags 22 Apr 2014, 03:20 Dear All, I wish to do MBA in near future for which I am preparing for GMAT. But ,I have certain questions which if answered can be very helful for me in deciding further course of action. 1. I have 22 months of work experience in IT feild. For admission in top universities across globe is it essential to have 60 months of work experience ? 2. I have already strated with my GMAT preparation on my own. However, I wish to join classes as it provide GMAT coaching+TOEFL+Post exam consulting at Rs.30000. So, in short its a ONE STOP SHOP. Is it a right decision or can there be an alternative ? 3. Many forums mentions that a good profile(i.e Recommendations from top management, National level sports, NGO etc) is preferred in top universities. I have none of the mentioned. Also, my score for Engineering is 75%(Mumbai University). How much do I need to improve on my profile ? 4. I wish to give exam in December 2014. Can I apply to all B-Schools in India and Foreign Countries ? What is the right time to apprear for GMAT. Please answer. Thanks in advance Intern Joined: 13 Aug 2014 Posts: 3 Followers: 0 Kudos [?]: 0 [0], given: 1 Re: GMAT FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about GMAT [#permalink] ### Show Tags 13 Aug 2014, 19:55 Hi all, I'm new here so I apologize if this is not the right place to post this. Well, I'm not actually taking the GMAT at this time but... I'm applying to a few top-tier consulting companies such as BCG, Mckinsey and Bain and here (I'm from Brazil, btw) that involves taking a GMAT-like test. This is the first part of the process and it usually cuts about 80-90% of applicants. To make it worse the first test is in a couple of weeks from now, so I don't really have much time to prepare... But wait, that's not all... I've graduated from high school over 10 years ago (that's right, I'm old) and to be honest I skipped half of my math classes back then. The test they give us includes Problem Solving/Data Sufficiency and some of the companies are also including Integrated Reasoning questions. So I was hoping that maybe some good soul could point me in the right direction regarding where and how to start studying (i.e novice to intermediate questions samples, plus some basic study materials and/or websites). Plus, a few tips wouldn't hurt either. Thanks in advance! Founder Affiliations: AS - Gold, HH-Diamond Joined: 04 Dec 2002 Posts: 14548 Location: United States (WA) GMAT 1: 750 Q49 V42 GPA: 3.5 Followers: 3785 Kudos [?]: 23619 [0], given: 4554 Re: GMAT FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about GMAT [#permalink] ### Show Tags 13 Aug 2014, 20:14 We can suggest how you can study for the GMAT. I am not sure what test BCG offers, however If you are looking for GMAT help - start here: gmat-study-plan-for-gmat-novices-start-your-gmat-journey-80727.html?fl=menu _________________ Founder of GMAT Club US News Rankings progression - last 10 years in a snapshot - New! Just starting out with GMAT? Start here... Need GMAT Book Recommendations? Best GMAT Books Co-author of the GMAT Club tests GMAT Club Premium Membership - big benefits and savings Intern Joined: 13 Aug 2014 Posts: 3 Followers: 0 Kudos [?]: 0 [0], given: 1 Re: GMAT FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about GMAT [#permalink] ### Show Tags 16 Aug 2014, 17:28 bb wrote: We can suggest how you can study for the GMAT. I am not sure what test BCG offers, however If you are looking for GMAT help - start here: Hello bb, Thanks for the info, I'll check it out. Just as a side note: In Brazil, most management consulting companies will make candidates take a GMAT-like test as the first part of the selection process. The test is in English (which is the first barrier for most candidates) and they use questions taken from previous GMAT exams, most of which come from the Problem Solving and Data Sufficiency sections. It also has the same time limit, 1.5 minutes per question, but with an added bonus: it's not computer based, so we have to -very carefully- fill the answer sheet within the test's time limit... Intern Status: An Ordinary Guy With Extra Ordinary Dreams. Joined: 15 Aug 2014 Posts: 1 Location: India Concentration: Marketing, General Management GMAT Date: 12-11-2014 GPA: 2.64 WE: General Management (Retail) Followers: 0 Kudos [?]: 5 [0], given: 15 Re: GMAT FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about GMAT [#permalink] ### Show Tags 03 Nov 2014, 03:16 What is the gmat appointment number? Is it the registration id, the candidate id, or the order number? Intern Joined: 19 Aug 2014 Posts: 5 Followers: 0 Kudos [?]: 0 [0], given: 1 Re: GMAT FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about GMAT [#permalink] ### Show Tags 30 Dec 2014, 12:34 Hi all, I am going to register for my gmat exam soon.I would like to clarify about the following: 1)Do I need to fill my GPA,Work experience Information in the profile for exam registration process? 2)Would the GPA be asked on the day of exam? 3)My college/university isn't listed in the section:'the place you received undergrad/first degree',what should I do? Please help me with these. Thank you. Intern Joined: 05 Jan 2015 Posts: 1 Followers: 0 Kudos [?]: 0 [0], given: 0 GMAT FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about GMAT [#permalink] ### Show Tags 09 Jan 2015, 05:13 If i cancel my Gmat score, will the school i chose earlier get the score? Intern Joined: 03 Jun 2014 Posts: 19 Location: India GMAT 1: 690 Q V Followers: 1 Kudos [?]: 4 [0], given: 66 Re: GMAT FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about GMAT [#permalink] ### Show Tags 03 Mar 2015, 01:01 1 This post was BOOKMARKED Hi I wanted to know the following: 1) Does the official scorecard show how many times we have rescheduled the test? a) Does it show the dates also for the reschedule? 2) Does it show how many times we have cancelled the test before 7 days? 3) Does it show that we cancelled submitting the scores on the test day ? Manager Status: One Last Shot !!! Joined: 04 May 2014 Posts: 244 Location: India Concentration: Marketing, Social Entrepreneurship GMAT 1: 630 Q44 V32 GMAT 2: 680 Q47 V35 Followers: 4 Kudos [?]: 74 [0], given: 141 Re: GMAT FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about GMAT [#permalink] ### Show Tags 15 Sep 2015, 02:50 Can someone tell me if I will get any additional official prep-material (extra CATs or Question packs) when I register for the GMAT? _________________ One Kudos for an everlasting piece of knowledge is not a bad deal at all... ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover. -Mark Twain EMPOWERgmat Instructor Status: GMAT Assassin/Co-Founder Affiliations: EMPOWERgmat Joined: 19 Dec 2014 Posts: 8565 Location: United States (CA) GMAT 1: 800 Q51 V49 GRE 1: 340 Q170 V170 Followers: 398 Kudos [?]: 2564 [0], given: 166 Re: GMAT FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about GMAT [#permalink] ### Show Tags 15 Sep 2015, 16:37 Hi arhumsid, When you register at www.mba.com, you can download a FREE package that includes 2 full-length CAT Tests and a series of additional practice questions (a sampling from all question types). Any other resources from that site have to be purchased. 1) Are you just starting off your studies or have you been studying for awhile? 2) When are you planning to take the GMAT? 3) What is your score goal? GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made, Rich _________________ # Rich Cohen Co-Founder & GMAT Assassin # Special Offer: Save$75 + GMAT Club Tests

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05 May 2016, 10:46
Hi,
I am Saptarshi, and I have a query. I have been giving practice tests on veritasprep, and for the last 3 tests I faced a problem. After confirming every answer it takes atleast 15 seconds to about 25 seconds to display the next question. I feel this is hampering my time management and I am falling short in both sections( guessing last 5 answers). Does this happen in actual gmat or is this some other problem? How can this be solved? Losing about 13 minutes for each section is making me feel awkward. Please let me know if anyone has any ideas.
Regards,
Saptarshi Roy

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