About the GMAT (more)

How does the Computer Adaptive Test work?

The GMAT is administered on computer at most permanent test centres, and in two of the sections, Verbal and Quantitative, the test is adaptive. This means is that when you begin each of these sections, the first question you will see on screen will be of moderate difficulty. In other words, since the computer does not know your abilities yet, it assumes you are an ‘average’ test taker.

If you answer that question correctly, the computer adjusts its assessment of you and gives you a question of a higher level of difficulty. The reverse is also true – if you answer a question incorrectly, the computer will follow with a question of a lower level of difficulty. This continues throughout the test.

The important thing to be aware of is that the jumps in level are much larger in the beginning when the computer is making major reassessments of your level. As the test progresses, the jumps get smaller as the computer narrows down the range of questions you are able to answer correctly. This means that earlier questions are more important for establishing your final score range than are later questions. For this reason, a good strategy is to spend more time on questions in the beginning of each section than later on.

What is each section all about?

1. AWA

The AWA, or Analytical Writing Assessment, consists of a 30-minute essay on each of two assigned topics – an Argument that you are asked to evaluate, and an issue on which you are asked to take a stand. Both essays should be clearly organized and persuasive in order to achieve the highest score. Sophisticated vocabulary and grammar contribute to the highest scoring essays but are not necessary to achieve a generally acceptable score.

Although your score on this section is not usually a significant factor in admissions decisions, a strong score might reassure the admissions committee that your English skills are adequate, even if you have a low TOEFL or GMAT verbal score. Conversely, a low score might be a warning sign to the committee that you are not yet prepared to take on the challenges of academic work in English..

You can download all of the possible topics from the test writers: http://www.mba.com/mba/TaketheGMAT/Tools/AWATopics.htm

2. Quantitative Section

The Quantitative section is 75 minutes long and contains 37 multiple-choice questions. There are two varieties of questions: Problem Solving and Data Sufficiency, which are interspersed throughout the 75 minutes.

Problem Solving maths questions look familiar to most test takers as they typically have a single correct answer that can be chosen from among five choices. The maths tested in these questions is algebra, geometry, arithmetic and a few miscellaneous topics at about the level of first year of high school.

There is a lot of maths vocabulary that you need to re-familiarize yourself with if it has been a while since you were in school.Data Sufficiency Questions are the test writers’ creation and are pretty unfamiliar to most test takers. Without preparing for these questions they can be confusing and very time consuming so you will need to polish your analytical and organizational skills to answer these questions efficiently.

3. Verbal Section

The Verbal section is 75 minutes long and contains 41 multiple-choice questions of three varieties, Sentence Correction, Reading Comprehension, and Critical Reasoning, interspersed throughout the section.

The main focus of the Sentence Correction questions is the correct use grammar and idioms according to Standard Written American English. Reading Comprehension questions test your ability to quickly grasp the structure and meaning of a written passage and draw inferences based on what you have read (without using outside knowledge). The Critical Reasoning section asks you to evaluate arguments and their component parts, drawing inferences from what is presented.

Hints on how to prepare:

GMAT is much more than grammar and maths skills. You need to prepare for all aspects of the test:

1. The first, a basic academic knowledge of grammar, maths, reasoning, and argument formation, can be developed through practice with sample questions and review. It is important not to over-prepare using a general maths or grammar book, however, as only those things actually tested on the GMAT are worth your time studying.
2. Problem-solving skills are more difficult to develop independently. Both the verbal and quantitative sections of the test require problem-solving, but in a completely new way for most test-takers. It is important to understand the types of problem solving questions that will appear on the test and develop effective reasoning techniques and approaches.
3. To improve your test-taking ability you will need to develop guessing and pacing strategies and practice them on short and full length practice tests taken under time pressure. You can improve your stamina by working for long periods of time, at first just on practice questions, but eventually on full-length practice tests, preferably in front of a computer screen.

Our test prep courses can help you develop all of these skills.

As a final part of your preparation for the GMAT, it is highly recommended that you use the free POWERPREP GMAT preparation software as it will familiarize you with the test, including the on-screen format. The CD-ROM will be sent to you on request once you register to use the mba.com website:

http://www.mba.com/mba/TaketheGMAT/ToolsToHelpYouPrepare/GMATPrepProducts/PowerprepSoftware.htm