The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a globally recognized standardized test used as a key admissions criterion for MBA programs. Administered by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), the GMAT is designed to assess analytical, quantitative, verbal and reading skills in written English.
This exam plays a crucial role for candidates aspiring to join prestigious business schools and can significantly impact their MBA application success. The GMAT is accepted by more than 7,700 programs and 2,400 business schools worldwide.
Although many business schools no longer require prospective students to submit a GMAT score, there’s still a distinct advantage for applicants who can submit a competitive score.
“The statistics so far show that students applying to test-optional schools who submit scores are accepted far more often than students who don’t,” says Anthony Ritz, director of test prep at Stacy Blackman Consulting, an MBA admissions agency. “Not submitting just really tells the schools, you know, if you saw my score, you wouldn’t like it.”
Michelle Zhu, MBA administration director at China Europe International Business School in Shanghai, says: “Business schools view strong GMAT scores as evidence that a candidate will be able to handle the rigors of an MBA program.”
Last year, GMAC updated the test, launching the GMAT Focus Edition, which shortened the exam considerably. The GMAT now consists of three main sections, each lasting 45 minutes and testing different skills.
Breaking down the test
The Quantitative Reasoning section consists of 21 questions. It tests mathematical skills and the understanding of elementary concepts in arithmetic, algebra, and geometry. The questions in this section are designed to assess problem-solving and data sufficiency.
The Verbal Reasoning section has 23 questions and it evaluates reading comprehension, critical reasoning, and sentence correction skills. This section measures the ability to understand and evaluate arguments, as well as correct written material to conform to standard written English.
The Data Insights section consists of 20 questions designed to evaluate your ability to analyze various types of data from multiple sources to make well-informed decisions. This section includes five types of questions: Data Sufficiency, Multi-Source Reasoning, Table Analysis, Graphics Interpretation, and Two-Part Analysis.
Scoring
The GMAT scores range from 205 to 805, combining all three sections. The scores for each section range from 60 to 90, with each one equally weighted towards the total score. And that total GMAT score is a crucial part of business school applications, often considered alongside academic records, work experience, and other factors.
“When setting your GMAT score goal, it’s wise to check the mean or median scores of admitted applicants for your target MBA programs,” says Stacey Koprince, director of content and curriculum at Manhattan Prep. “These figures, usually posted on school websites, provide a good benchmark.”
Top-10 MBA programs typically have mean or median scores between 645 and 695 on the new GMAT Focus Edition, Koprince estimates.
Preparing for the exam
Preparation for the GMAT requires a thorough understanding of the test format and types of questions. Familiarizing yourself with the test structure through official GMAT practice tests can provide a realistic idea of the exam.
Developing a study schedule that covers all sections of the exam and allocating more time to areas where you feel less confident can enhance your preparation as well, experts say.
“Ideally, you should plan for a preparation period of three to six months. In terms of weekly study hours, aim for 10-15 hours, spread across most days of the week,” says Koprince.
Consider joining prep courses or study groups if needed. “Remember, quality of study is more important than quantity, so make sure each study session is goal-oriented. At the beginning of a session, articulate two or three goals you’re trying to accomplish with this specific study session. At the end, note down your main takeaways,” notes Koprince.
The GMAT is a critical component of the business school application process. And with dedication and proper planning, you can master the GMAT and pave the way for a successful application to top business schools.
But ultimately, the GMAT is just one hurdle you’ll need to overcome on your way to MBA admission. “We utilize a holistic approach to its admissions. GMAT scores are just one factor we consider in addition to other factors such as work experience, academic record and interviews,” points out Maria Jimena Rivera, managing director of MBA programs at Rotman School of Management in Toronto, Canada.
