Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT)

Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT)

The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a standardized exam used by many business schools to assess applicants’ analytical, quantitative, verbal, and writing skills. It helps admissions committees evaluate candidates’ readiness for graduate management programs such as MBAs.

Key points

• Administered by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC).
• Four sections: Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA), Integrated Reasoning (IR), Quantitative Reasoning, and Verbal Reasoning.
• Maximum score: 800. Scores are generally valid for five years.
• Typical testing time: about 3.5 hours.
• Widely used: thousands of programs worldwide accept GMAT scores.
• Retake and scheduling limits: can be taken every 16 calendar days, up to 5 times in a 12‑month period, and no more than 8 times total.

What the GMAT tests

The GMAT evaluates a mix of skills important for business school success:
* Analytical writing — ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and effectively.
* Integrated reasoning — ability to evaluate information presented in multiple formats (added in 2012).
* Quantitative reasoning — problem solving and mathematical skills.
* Verbal reasoning — reading comprehension, critical reasoning, and effective written communication.

The exam is designed to measure critical thinking, logic, and the ability to reason with quantitative and qualitative information rather than specific business knowledge.

Format, timing, and scoring

• Four sections as listed above. (Exact section timing and order may vary by test delivery mode.)
• Overall score ranges from 200 to 800 (quantitative and verbal sections drive the scaled score); AWA and IR receive separate scores.
• Scores typically remain valid for five years.

Registration, cost, and ID requirements

• GMAT is offered frequently throughout the year and is available at test centers and online (where available).
• In the U.S., typical fees are around $275 at a test center and $300 for the online exam (fees vary by region).
• Acceptable identification varies by country but commonly includes:
• Valid passport (required for testing outside your country of residence)
• Government-issued driver’s license
• National/state/province ID card
• Permanent resident card (Green Card) or military ID where applicable
• Check the GMAC website for the specific ID rules in your country.

How schools use GMAT scores

Many business schools use the GMAT as one component of a holistic admissions review. The GMAC recommends against relying on a single cutoff score because that can disadvantage certain groups; schools are encouraged to consider test scores alongside transcripts, work experience, essays, and recommendations. Around several thousand graduate programs accept GMAT scores worldwide.

Note: For some international applicants, the AWA may reflect English proficiency as much as analytical ability; admissions committees typically consider this when reviewing applications.

GMAT vs. GRE

• GRE consists of three main sections (Analytical Writing, Quantitative, Verbal) with a maximum score of 170 on the Quantitative and Verbal sections; total scores are not directly comparable to GMAT scores because the tests use different scales and formats.
• Many business programs accept either GMAT or GRE, but the GMAT remains the more common choice specifically for business schools.

Preparing and difficulty

Difficulty depends on your background and preparation:
* The GMAT emphasizes critical thinking and reasoning rather than memorization of advanced formulas.
* Most test takers prepare by studying key concepts, practicing timed sections, and taking practice tests. Many candidates take the exam once or twice before applying.

Common questions

Is 700 a good GMAT score?
* Yes. With a maximum of 800 and an average around the mid‑600s, a 700 is above average and competitive for many programs. Higher scores improve competitiveness, especially for top-tier schools.

Do colleges prefer GMAT or GRE?
* It depends on the program and school. Business-focused programs often prefer the GMAT, but many programs accept either exam.

How often can I retake the GMAT?
* You can retake the exam every 16 calendar days, up to five times in a 12‑month period, and a maximum of eight times total.

Conclusion

The GMAT is a widely accepted tool for measuring skills relevant to graduate management education. Use it as one part of a broader application strategy: prepare deliberately, understand how your target programs use test scores, and combine your GMAT performance with academic records, experience, and other application materials for the strongest candidacy.