GMAT Test Assesses Readiness for Graduate Business Programs

Accredited MBA programs may require an admissions test known as the GMAT, a comprehensive assessment of analytical, quantitative, verbal, and writing skills. Here are some tips to help you prepare for your test session.

By Karen Lawson
klawson@mba-business-schools.com
MBA-Business-Schools Columnist

If you’re applying for an MBA degree, you’ll come face to face with the GMAT. The GMAT, or Graduate Management Admissions Test, assesses a candidate’s potential for graduate study in business and management. Here’s what to expect on test day.

The GMAT is a standardized test, which means that the test is administered in the same manner regardless of location. Test administrators must adhere to strict and consistent regulations governing the test, the testing environment, and those taking the test. One of these procedures is the identification requirement.

Expect to provide proper identification on test day. You’ll also be asked to submit to digital fingerprinting and photographing by the test administrator. These procedures are designed to prevent cheating and errors related to examinees’ identity. It’s a good idea to contact your testing facility in advance to determine exactly what kind of identification you’ll need to present.

The GMAT examination is organized in three sections:

• Analytical and Writing Assessment. You will read and analyze an issue statement and an argument, and will prepare two original essays analyzing what you’ve read.
• Quantitative Analysis. You will solve mathematical problems analyzing data sufficiency and using problem solving skills.
• Verbal. This section of the GMAT test consists of multiple choice questions that assess your reading comprehension, critical reasoning, and ability to correct sentence errors.

Your test scores will be sent to the MBA schools you designate, and you will also receive your scores. Good luck and congratulations on taking this important step toward your MBA degree.

Karen Lawson is a freelance writer whose interests include topics in higher education and the humanities. She holds an MA degree in English from the University of Nevada, Reno.

Posted on March 12, 2007 at 10:28 AM

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