GMAT FAQ

 

1. What is the GMAT?

The GMAT is a 3-hour and 30-minute test used for admission to business school.

The GMAT includes 4 sections: Analytical Writing, Verbal, Integrated Reasoning, and Quantitative

  • The Analytical Writing portion of the GMAT consists of a 30-minute Argument Task essay.
  • The Verbal portion contains one 75-minute section of 41 questions.
  • The Integrated Reasoning portion contains one 30-minute section of 12 questions.
  • The Quantitative portion contains one 75-minute section of 37 questions.

2. How important are my GMAT scores?

The importance of the GMAT varies from school to school. Some schools place tremendous emphasis on the GMAT and will not consider applicants who don’t meet certain score minimums. While GPA, professional experience and recommendations are extremely important, the GMAT is the sole opportunity for business schools to fairly compare applicants across a uniform scale. Bottom line: An outstanding GMAT score will wow any admissions committee and bolster your chances for acceptance into a top tier business school.

Your Sentia tutor will help you target your test-prep to meet the specific requirements and priorities of your top-choice schools.

3. What is considered a “good score” on the GMAT?

The average composite score on the GMAT is a 570. While anything above this score is typically considered “good,” you will need to aim higher than this if you wish to be accepted into a prestigious program. For example, the lauded Harvard Business School reports an average score of 728. A non-Ivy League, but still top 50 business school, such as Tulane University, reports a 653 average.

4. Can I take the GMAT multiple times?

You can take the GMAT up to five times in one calendar year. In addition, you are only permitted to take the GMAT once during any 31 day period—even if you cancelled your scores from that month’s administration.

GMAT scores are valid for 5 years; thus, all scores from the past 5 years will be included in your official score report.

5. I heard the GMAT is a “computer adaptive test.” What does this mean?

For the revised GMAT, this means that your performance on one question will determine the difficulty of your next question. For example, if you do very well on your first Quantitative question, your next Quantitative question will be more difficult. If you do not do well on your first Quantitative question, your next Quantitative section will be easier.

6. How is the GMAT scored?

The GMAT includes 4 sections: Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning, Integrated Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning. The Quantitative and Verbal sections are each scored on a scale of 0 – 60, and Integrated Reasoning is scored from 1- 8. The Analytical Writing section—scored on a scale of 0 to 6- does not have any impact on composite scores. Composite scores range from 200 – 800 and are determined by an algorithm that takes into account the number of questions answered, the number of questions answered correctly and statistical characteristics (e.g difficulty level) of the questions answered.

7. Can I cancel my GMAT scores?

You are permitted to cancel your GMAT scores immediately after you finish the exam, but before you see your scores. There is no way to cancel your GMAT scores once they have been reported to you. In addition, the fact that you cancelled your GRE scores will be noted on the official score report sent to schools.

8. What types of questions are on the GMAT?

The GMAT tests verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, critical thinking, and analytical writing skills.

On the Verbal section, students will encounter:

  • Reading Comprehension Questions – These questions test your ability to understand words, relationships, quantitative concepts and draw inferences from graduate level texts.
  • Critical Reasoning Questions – These questions require you to apply reason to argument construction, evaluation and formulating and evaluating a plan of action.
  • Sentence Correction Questions – These questions require you to assess whether a sentence is grammatically and structurally accurate, as well as presented in the most clear and effective manner.

On the Quantitative section, students will encounter:

  • Data Sufficiency Questions – These questions ask you to analyze a quantitative problem, recognize the relevant information and determine whether there is adequate information to solve the problem.
  • Problem Solving Questions – These questions ask you to solve math problems on topics such as arithmetic, elementary algebra and commonly known concepts of geometry.

On the Integrated Reasoning section, students will encounter:

  • Multi-Source Reasoning Questions – These questions test your ability to understand and identify which piece of data will be necessary to answer a specific question.
  • Graphics Interpretation Questions – These questions require you to solve a problem based on your interpretation of a graph.
  • Two-Part Analysis – These questions require you to review a table and select the two correct components in order to find the answer.
  • Table Analysis – These questions require you to review a table and assess the accuracy of 4-5 statements.

9. How do I register for the GMAT?

10. What fees are associated with the GMAT?

It costs $250 to take the GMAT. If you need to reschedule your exam, there is a $60 surcharge.