Understanding and Preparing for Gmat

The Graduate Management Aptitude Test or GMAT is a standardized test to evaluate a candidate based on skills pertaining to logical reasoning; reading, comprehension, writing; analytical and mathematical; and integrated reasoning. Leading management institutes and universities consider GMAT scores an important eligibility criterion to evaluate their potential students during admissions.

A computerized test conducted in English and Hindi language, GMAT is administered by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) to test aptitude skills of candidates who are seeking admissions in the international business schools. So, whether you have decided to study in Canada, or Australia, UK or USA, GMAT scores are applicable everywhere. There might be several other requirements as well, but GMAT scores are mandatory in some of the most reputed colleges. Having an insight into the vital aspects of GMAT test will help you prepare well and thoroughly.

Four Sections of GMAT

Questions of the three and a half hour GMAT test are divided into four categories: Analytical Writing Assessment, Integrated Reasoning, Quantitative, and Verbal. You need to analyze and allocate time to each section in such a way that you are able to complete the entire test in the given time. Let us have a look at what exactly is covered individually in these four sections.

Analytical Writing Assessment or AWA - You will be getting 30 minutes to complete this section which focuses on analytical essay writing – analysis of an argument. The aim of this section is to test the communications skills and how effectively you can ideate it through writing and think critically as well.

Integrated Reasoning Section or IR - How effectively you can amalgamate and do an analysis of the data given in the 12 questions, is what this section aims at evaluating. Graphics interpretation, two-part analysis, table analysis, and multi-source reasoning are the categories based on which the IR section is divided. In the given 30 minutes you are required to complete these questions which come from multiple sources and in various formats.

Quantitative- In this set of 37 questions, you will be getting a chance to test your quantitative reasoning ability on the basis of interpreting the graphic data and solving quantitative problems. A strong hold on arithmetic, algebra, and geometry will help you score well in this section.

Verbal- This section focuses on testing your ability to do an analysis of tests, not only read and comprehend but also evaluate arguments with appropriate reasoning expressing and communicating effectively in the English language. It is a 75 minute test which consists of 41 questions.

Preparing for GMAT

There are several materials which can be easily downloaded online. The GMAT paper tests, mock tests, and many more such sources will help you practice allocating time effectively among the various sections during the test. It is also important that you set a six months’ timeline for the preparation of the test so that you learn all the skills well.

GMAT Scores

The total GMAT score could range from 200 to 800 and are given in increments of 10. So your scores attained could be for example 510, 520, 530, etc. It will be measuring the scores of quantitative and verbal sections as the scores of the Analytical Writing Assessment and Integrated Reasoning Section are measured separately and are not counted toward the overall scores. The GMAC recently released the average score of the test takers which is around 540. The higher you score the more qualified you get to get eligible for applying in the top colleges.

International Acceptance of GMAT Scores

Over 5000 management programs worldwide are accepting GMAT scores for admissions. Countries where they are accepted include India, UK, USA, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Singapore, Spain, South Africa and Thailand. Although it entirely depends on the quality of the institute and not the country, but for getting a global MBA degree, it will be very beneficial to pursue the course from countries like US, Canada, UK, Australia, and New Zealand.

Many students across the world aspire to do their masters in management from one of the most preferred countries for higher education by both national as well as international students.  In the economically diverse atmosphere, Canada is a hub of leading institutes offering affordable courses for MBA. GMAT is a mandatory requirement for these institutes other than the TOEFL/IELTS scores. Study in Canada and get the benefits of living and eventually working in one of the strongest nations of the world.

Author Bio - 

Kunal Chhibber has years of experience writing unique articles covering the insights of the education sector. His high quality content combined with the detailed knowledge of this diverse sector is eminent in his articles. Other than being an accomplished writer he has been devoting his time to his passion for music as a part time DJ.