GMAT The Graduate Management Admission Test

The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a standardized test that business schools use to judge the qualifications of applicants who are applying for a Masters in Business Administration (MBA). The GMAT is used to predict academic performance in MBA and other graduate management programs.

The GMAT measures verbal, mathematical and analytical writing skills that have been developed throughout your life. The GMAT does not test your business knowledge or specific job related skills.

The GMAT consists of three parts: the Analytical Writing Assessment, the Quantitative section, and the Verbal section.

Analytical Writing Assessment

The GMAT begins with the Analytical Writing Assessment. The Analytical Writing Assessment consists of two separate thirty minute writing tasks: Analysis of an Issue and Analysis of an Argument.

Quantitative Section

The Quantitative Section of the GMAT contains thirty-seven multiple choice questions. The questions test data sufficiency and problem solving. The Quantitative Section has a seventy-five minute time limit.

Verbal Section

The Verbal Section of the GMAT contains forty-one multiple choice questions composed of three question types: reading comprehension, critical reasoning and sentence correction. The Verbal Section has a seventy-five minute time limit.

Take Practice GMAT Tests

When considering applying for an MBA, it is a good idea to take several practice GMATs to establish your baseline performance. Do not be discouraged if you do not score as high as you anticipated on a practice test as there are many ways to improve your scores on the actual test.

GMAT Test Prep Services

Many applicants choose to take a test preparation course to improve their score on the GMAT. Kaplan Test Prep and Admissions, Princeton Review, Thomson Peterson’s, 800score.com and Powerscore are just a few of the companies who offer GMAT preparation coursed and materials. These companies may also provide free sample GMAT tests so that you can evaluate whether you need to take a preparation course.

GMAT Test Prep Books

Before purchasing any test prep books, it may be a good idea to browse the reviews on our site as well as reviews on other sites. Many of these books are extensively reviewed and students have discussed their effectiveness as test prep tools noting strengths and weaknesses. We have featured a few test prep books below, but please note that there are hundreds out there and you should look into several before committing to just one.

Review: The Official Guide for GMAT Review, 10th Edition

Review: Kaplan GMAT 2005 with CD-ROM

Review: Cracking the GMAT with Sample Tests on CD-ROM

Review: Verbal Workout for the GMAT

Review: The Ultimate Math Refresher for the GRE, GMAT, and SAT