About The GMAT Exam

Getting the MBA admission edge - an overview

The Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) is created and

administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS). Admissions
officers use the GMAT to measure academic ability. In fact, ETS data has
shown that GMAT scores are consistently good, though imperfect,
predictors of academic success in the first year of business school. GMAT
scores are also used by admissions committees as a useful guide in
comparing the credentials of candidates from widely varying
backgrounds.

Standardized = Predictable
The exam itself measures general verbal, mathematical, and analytical writing skills. It does not test
business competence nor specific subject knowledge. The GMAT is a standardized test. Standardized tests,
by definition, are predictable. Knowing the format and structure of the exam and applying certain
strategies to address them can significantly increase score levels. In short, targeted preparation is the key
to success in the GMAT.

Snapshot: GMAT

The GMAT consists of three sections:

Analytical Writing Assessment

Quantitative

Verbal

The Quantitative and Verbal subscores contribute to your total score.

Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA)

Two 30-minute typewritten essays

Topics tested include: Analysis of an argument and analysis of an issue.

Quantitative
75 minutes

Maximum of 37 multiple-choice questions

Question types include: Problem solving and data sufficiency

Topics tested include: Arithmetic, algebra, and geometry.

Verbal
75 minutes
Maximum of 41 multiple-choice questions

Question types include: Reading comprehension, sentence correction, and critical reasoning

Topics tested include: Speed reading, grammar, and analytical reasoning.

The CAT
The computer adaptive test (CAT) is more than just a computerized version of a paper and pencil test. In
this format, the computer actually adapts to your performance as you’re taking the test.

During the administration of the test, you will see one question at a time and must answer it in order to
move to the next question. The first question is of average difficulty. The computer selects subsequent
questions based on whether you’ve answered previous ones correctly or incorrectly and whether you’ve
seen the required mix of concepts and question types.

Scoring on the GMAT

You will receive four scores on the GMAT:

An overall score, ranging from 200 to 800.

A math percentile, comparing you to other test takers.

A verbal percentile, comparing you to other test takers.

A score for the Analytical Writing Assessment, ranging from 0 to 6.

Your GMAT score is valid for five years.

Percentile Rank
Each of the aforementioned scores are accompanied by a percentile rank. The percentile rank highlights
what proportion of test takers scored lower than you on the test. The higher the percentile rank, the
better you did. For example, if you received a percentile rank of 56, you did better than 56 percent of test
takers. This number tells business schools exactly where you fell with respect to other candidates who
took the GMAT.

The Essay
Each essay is given a separate grade on a 0-6 scale by two different graders – a human and a computer
named the “e-rater.” These grades are assigned holistically, taking into account all aspects of content,
writing style, and grammar. If the two grades for an essay agree, that score will be assigned. If the two
scores are markedly different, then a third scorer, a person, will read the essay to determine its grade. In
addition, business schools may receive copies of your typewritten essays.
Each of the aforementioned scores are accompanied by a percentile rank. The percentile rank highlights
what proportion of test takers scored lower than you on the test. The higher the percentile rank, the
better you did. For example, if you received a percentile rank of 56, you did better than 56 percent of test
takers. This number tells business schools exactly where you fell with respect to other candidates who
took the GMAT.75 minutes

Average GMAT Scores at top Business Schools*

Business School Average Score

Harvard University 707

Stanford University 720
U Penn (Wharton) 714
MIT (Sloan) 702
Northwestern (Kellogg) 702
University of Chicago 703
Dartmouth College (Tuck) 710
UC Berkeley (Haas) 707
Columbia University (NY) 708
New York University (Stern) 700

*U.S. News & World Report, Best Business Schools, 2008 edition