The GMAT, or the Graduate Management Admission Test, is a computer adaptive test (known as a “CAT”) which is a requirement for most MBA program admissions. It tests analytical, writing, quantitative, verbal, and reading skills in English. The question-types and sections are as follows:
GMAT Verbal (3 question types) – Sentence Correction, Critical Reasoning, Reading Comprehension
GMAT Quantitative (2 question types) – Problem Solving, Data Sufficiency
GMAT Analytical Writing Assessment – 1 Argument Essay
GMAT Integrated Reasoning (4 question-types) – Multi-Source Reasoning, Two-Part Analysis, Graphics Interpretation, Table Analysis
Each section has unique pacing and format requirements. There are a total of 90 multiple choice questions: 41 in the verbal section, 37 in the quantitative section, and 12 in the integrated reasoning section. The GMAT computes a scaled score for each section using an algorithm that takes into account the total number of questions you answer, the number answered correctly, and the level of difficulty for each of the questions answered.
GMAT Scoring
Your official GMAT score report includes five components: Scaled Verbal Score (0 to 60), Scaled Quantitative Score (0 to 60), Scaled Total Score (200 to 800) Analytical Writing Assessment Score (0 to 6), and a Scaled Integrated Reasoning Score (0 to 12). Each of these scores also corresponds to a percentile rank. These ranks will show the percentage of test-takers with scores below yours. Test scores from the most recent three-year period are used to compute this percentile rank. The rankings will change each year, but your scaled score remains fixed.
Your Analytical Writing Assessment score is just an average of the two scores that your essay receives. The scores are from 0 to 6, in half-point intervals. One of these scores is given by the GMAT’s automated essay-scoring engine, which evaluates the linguistics and structure of your writing. The other essay score is given by a GMAT reader. If these two AWA scores vary by over one point, then your essay will be scored again by an expert reader to determine the final score. If you feel there is an error in your score for any reason, then you many request a re-score of your essay.
When you Register for the GMAT you can choose either an online score report or a copy sent by mail. Your unofficial multiple-choice scores are available immediately after you complete the exam and the official scores are available within 20 days of your test. The online option is typically quicker, and if you choose this option be sure to keep your authorization number that is noted on your unofficial scoring report. This number is used to access the online report.
Don’t forget that the GMAT changes based on each of your responses! In the multiple-choice sections the computer will begin each section with a question that is in the middle range of difficulty. If you answer this first question correctly, then the next question will be harder and the score will adjust upwards. If you answer this question incorrectly, then next question will be easier and the score will adjust downwards. The test is constantly being recalculated as the test-taker works through each section, in an effort to precisely determine your level of ability.
Approximately two-thirds of all GMAT test-takers will earn scores in the range of 400 to 600. Our website is designed for those who are determined to work hard to achieve a score above 600. That’s why we focus only on challenging questions that will push you to your peak level of performance.