GMAT Test Overview

The GMAT Test is a standardized exam that is used by many graduate management programs in their admissions process.  The GMAT Test serves a similar function to the GRE Tests in that both are used by colleges and universities as a factor in admissions.  Different institutions place varying degrees of importance on standardized tests, such as the GMAT, and use them along with other factors such as GPA, class rank, community service, recommendations and extracurricular activities.  The GMAT is currently accepted by over 4,000 graduate programs across 1,800 schools.
The GMAT Test is meant to assess a candidate’s academic skills and predict their success in a graduate business program.  The GMAT Test focuses on assessing quantitative, verbal, and analytical writing skills.  The GMAT exam is given in a  computer-adaptive format which selects questions based on previous responses.

GMAT Test Scores range from 200 to 800 for the total score.  GMAT Scores are also given for the individual verbal, quantitative, and analytical writing components.

GMAT Test Format

The GRE Exam consists of two written essays and a total of 78 questions.  You are given a total of approximately 4 hours (with breaks) to complete the test.  The table below lists the sections of the GMAT test in more detail.

GMAT Test Sections

Section	Time Limit	Number of Questions	Summary
GMAT Analytical Writing Assessment	30 minutes (analysis of an issue) 30 minutes (analysis of an argument)	1 Analysis of an Issue 1 Analysis of an Argument	Evaluates your ability to explore complex issues, articulate positions, and formulate critiques.  The essay will be scored based on the overall quality of your ideas, your ability to organize and develop your ideas, and your control of the elements of standard written English.
GMAT Verbal	75 minutes	41 questions	Evaluates your reading comprehension, critical reasoning, and sentence correction. You will be asked to analyze and evaluate written material, including: understanding and applying concepts; making and evaluating arguments; formulating a plan of action; and correcting sentences based on stylistic conventions and grammatical rules.
GMAT Quantitative	75 minutes	37 questions	Covers basic mathematical concepts such as problem solving and data sufficiency that are typical for a college graduate.  You will be tested on: elementary mathematical concepts, quantitative reasoning, and problem solving.  You will be asked to determine if there is sufficient datanecessary to solve a problem.

To improve your scores, please try our Free GMAT Practice Tests.