GMAT 2012 Exam, Preparation & Important Dates

19893 Followers · 239 Articles · 758 Questions and Answers

About the GMAT Test

by Oren Lahav

Ask The Experts

Join Communities:


Study Abroad VISA

Online CAT 2010

Student Jobs

Online GRE 2010

Scholarship

» First things first – What is the GMAT and why should I take it?

The Graduate Management Admission Test was created by business schools to measure the skills necessary for a graduate student to succeed in MBA programs. Studies show that this test is the best indicator for success in such programs, and as a result about 4,000 programs in 1,800 graduate schools around the world use this test for admission decisions. If you want to get into a Graduate Managerial Program, you need to score well on the GMAT.



» The GMAT at a glance

GMAT is a standardized test that is offered on computer only (although a paper-based test is offered a few times a year in certain regions). The test measures your verbal, quantitative and analytical writing skills. As such, it contains 3 sections, one per topic. The GMAT does not measure anything about your business theory knowledge, job skills, etc.

The format of the GMAT is as follows:

» Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA): You have to face 2 writing tasks. First, analysis of an issue: you’re given an issue and are asked to express your views on the matter using examples from your own knowledge or experience. Second, analysis of an argument: given an argument, you have to analyze the reasoning behind it and comment on the argument, using logic rather than opinions. You have 30 minutes per writing task.

» Quantitative Section: This section contains 37 multiple choice questions of two types (which are intermingled with each other on the actual test). The first type is regular problem-solving questions testing basic mathematical skills, while the second has data-sufficiency problems, presenting you with 2 data statements and asking you to indicate whether or not they provide sufficient information to solve a problem. You have 75 minutes to complete this section.

» Verbal Section: 41 multiple choice questions of 3 different types: A. Reading Comprehension- you read a passage and answer questions based on it; B. Critical Reasoning- you need to think critically and answer a logic question; C. Sentence Correction- testing your grammar and effective writing skills by asking you to find the best way to phrase a sentence. You have 75 minutes to complete this section.



» What are the GMAT requirements?

Everyone, no matter of age or qualification is eligible to take the test. Ordinarily, taking the GMAT is one step in the process when applying to MBA schools which requires an BA or BAA undergraduate degree. Although, your score will remain valid for up to 5 years.



» What else should I know?

The GMAT has a total score of between 200 and 800, with 2 thirds of the test takers ranging between 400-600. The AWA Section is scored separately and is not included in the total score. You are able to retake the GMAT; however, the score report sent to graduate schools includes all GMAT results from tests you’ve taken in the past 5 years.



The GMAT involves strict administration rules – you must provide identification, fingerprints and a photograph, and sign certain non-disclosure and terms or service forms. Complete information on GMAT administration rules can be found in the GMAT Test Administration lesson.

The GMAT is also expensive. An appointment costs _USD 250 _, or _INR 10,000 _, which can be a lot of money. This means you want to do super-well the first time you take it, to you take them to make your money count. Therefore, you should study hard and make sure you can ace the GMAT before you take the exam!



» Don’t worry though, there’s some good news

The GMAT Prep community here on LearnHub.com will provide study and test strategies and other tips to help you score well on the GMAT.



» Additional GMAT information:

»» Registration Information

»» Registration Information for India

»» Test Admissions

»» Format and Scoring

»» Your Study Plan

»» Study Tips: Flash Cards



The GMAT Prep Staff wish you good luck!


All time most popular tags

 business school   critical reasoning   free gmat tests   free online gmat    gmat admission    gmat books   gmat exam    gmat guide    gmat material   gmat maths    gmat mba    gmat online    gmat practice    gmat prep    gmat preparation   gmat sample    gmat score   gmat sentence correction   gmat test    gmat university    gmat verbal    mba admissions   mba degree    

Ask The Experts



24 Comments
    malkovich
    Vote
    Current Rating
    1
    Rate Up
    Rate Down
    malkovichMon, 29 Aug 2011 02:18:42 -0000

    i have read several references on yahoo and also suffered the internet
    for loans and have come to realize that it all accumulated to nothing
    as i was been scammed or been turned down, but after all that i went
    through i tried one more reference on yahoo by Mr Thomasson levers
    about ENGLISH WORLD LOANS and they turned out to give me the loan i
    had wanted all along. The moral of my reference here is not only for
    you to contact them, but to also know that there is a God up in heaven
    that atches us even in the deepest of our problems, so the bottom line
    is contact the above named company and your story will turn too.
    the email is Englishworld931@hotmail.co.uk

    Post Comments

    Reply to This
    psharma5
    Vote
    Current Rating
    1
    Rate Up
    Rate Down
    psharma5Thu, 15 Jul 2010 11:54:33 -0000

    Hi,
    I want to know about gmat for what that test is prepared?

    Post Comments

    Reply to This
    Reach high
    Vote
    Current Rating
    0
    Rate Up
    Rate Down
    ArchanaMon, 24 Nov 2008 14:39:29 -0000

    I would like to know 'bot the cost for studying abroad …..

    Post Comments

    chandra_avinash
    Rating
    0
    Rate Up
    Avinash ChandraThu, 27 Nov 2008 09:27:03 -0000

    The cost of studying abroad depends on a lot of variables like -
    (a) the city you are living in

    (b) accommodation (whether it's in the university or elsewhere)

    © commuting

    (d) food and rent

    (e) travel (important in cases where your studies require you to travel

    (f) academic costs - such as costs for buying books, etc

    All these are covered in the following lesson pages (do go through them)

    1. Estimating budget for living

    2. Tuition fees in Canada

    3. Working and Studying in Canada

    4. Scholarships

    5. Internships and Co-op Programs

    Reply to This
    Reach high
    Vote
    Current Rating
    0
    Rate Up
    Rate Down
    ArchanaMon, 24 Nov 2008 14:39:01 -0000

    I would like to know 'bot the cost for studying abroad …..

    Post Comments

    Reply to This
    Reach high
    Vote
    Current Rating
    0
    Rate Up
    Rate Down
    ArchanaMon, 24 Nov 2008 14:38:05 -0000

    I would like to know 'bot the cost for studying abroad …..

    Post Comments

    Reply to This
    anne_frank
    Vote
    Current Rating
    1
    Rate Up
    Rate Down
    anne_frankTue, 09 Sep 2008 20:11:59 -0000

    Hi …
    I am appearing for GMAT soon .. but I am not able to zero on the 5 B-schools to send my GMAT scores directly.
    Please guide….

    Post Comments

    chandra_avinash
    Rating
    1
    Rate Up
    Avinash ChandraSat, 04 Oct 2008 10:47:10 -0000

    Hi,

    Choosing the 5 B schools is perhaps the toughest part of the process. You will need to take a lot of factors into account - namely the amount of time you can spend applying to schools, the chances you have of getting into a certain b school, etc.
    It's a good idea to start talking with alumni of business schools so that you understand your chances of making it to that school. Also, take into account application fees and make sure you can afford it.

    Some people apply to 10 schools - out of which 2 are dream schools (like Harvard, etc), around 3 are ambitious/experimental choices and the rest are "safe schools" - schools they are certain that they will get in to.

    I would suggest shortlisting 10 or 12 schools in this fashion and evaluating how many applications you can afford - both in terms of time, effort and money. Also, it's a great idea to search your network and speak to people who have studied in those b schools. If possible, ask them to evaluate your profile and application and give you their honest feedback.

    I hope this helps!

    Reply to This
    aarnica
    Vote
    Current Rating
    1
    Rate Up
    Rate Down
    aarnicaWed, 03 Sep 2008 13:23:46 -0000

    hi. i have done my engineering in computer science. now gonna join a mnc .i wud love to do mba. plz guide me. how long shud i work and wen shall i write the gmat exam? when shud i start preparing. plz help me out.

    thanks in advance.

    Post Comments

    Reply to This
    santosh prince
    Vote
    Current Rating
    1
    Rate Up
    Rate Down
    santosh princeTue, 26 Aug 2008 18:08:17 -0000

    i want to knw if work experince is must to do a mba programme in usa.

    Post Comments

    oLahav
    Rating
    1
    Rate Up
    Oren LahavTue, 26 Aug 2008 18:22:09 -0000

    This depends on the specific program. Most programs do require work experience, but some don't. It depends on whether you're looking for an entry-level MBA designed for little work experience, or a classic MBA program which can require between 2-10 years of experience.

    Don't forget to check out our MBA School Finder to find out some great MBA programs in North America.

    Reply to This
    oLahav
    Vote
    Current Rating
    1
    Rate Up
    Rate Down
    Oren LahavFri, 22 Aug 2008 18:03:42 -0000

    Hey janbhu.

    Check out the lesson titled The Advantages of getting an MBA abroad. It goes through all the great aspects of international MBAs and how they may help you.

    And make sure to join our MBA Community and discuss your thoughts and concerns with other members!

    Post Comments

    Reply to This
    janbhu
    Vote
    Current Rating
    0
    Rate Up
    Rate Down
    Janaki NagabhushanFri, 22 Aug 2008 17:34:09 -0000

    hi, i am interested to know how effective an mba degree from us or uk in india??

    Post Comments

    Reply to This
    hassya
    Vote
    Current Rating
    0
    Rate Up
    Rate Down
    Thu, 31 Jul 2008 09:30:13 -0000

    hii
    actually i am intrested in doing m.b.a program but i have complted my BE9computer sceience ) in 2007. now i am having only 1 yr of experience .by this experience can i get admission in one of the best business school along with GMAT score?

    Post Comments

    oLahav
    Rating
    0
    Rate Up
    Oren LahavThu, 07 Aug 2008 14:55:17 -0000

    Hey hassya.

    It is possible for you to get accepted to certain schools who don't ask for more than 1 year of experience, although there are schools who require at least 2 years, so you check with the specific school. In general, the most important part of the application is the admission essay or profile where you have to write about yourself and demonstrate leadership and community involvement, so if you've done a lot of things while at school your work experience may be less important.

    Reply to This
    oLahav
    Vote
    Current Rating
    1
    Rate Up
    Rate Down
    Oren LahavTue, 29 Jul 2008 13:46:47 -0000

    There are various ways to prepare for the GMAT. Discussions are a great way to find out what people think about the test and some general questions other people have asked.
    You should also read lessons that will help you figure out the exact format of the test as well as tips on how to get a good score.

    And of course, we have a huge Question Bank with tons of questions that can help you prepare for the GMAT.

    In order to be ready for the GMAT in November, you should invest as many daily hours as you can, since the test is coming up quickly. I would advise you to go topic by topic until you're comfortable with everything. Some useful books we like are the Official GMAT Preparation Guide from GMAC and the Princeton Review book, but you can always find online sources, like LearnHub.

    Post Comments

    Reply to This
    bhavin
    Vote
    Current Rating
    0
    Rate Up
    Rate Down
    bhavinTue, 29 Jul 2008 13:13:29 -0000

    Hi,

    This is the best site to get good score in GMAT. Thanks to crater of this site..

    My question is that How i shuld start GMAT Preparation? Which are the Books i should refer? Daily i many Hours i have to invest behind GMAT if i want to give exam in Nov08?
    Pls provide the standard books/materail source which help me to get good score

    Post Comments

    Reply to This
    pravallika
    Vote
    Current Rating
    0
    Rate Up
    Rate Down
    pravallikaMon, 21 Jul 2008 17:04:42 -0000

    i am unable to enter the same community again?
    it is coming error because i had already opened with this id, how to come across this problem?

    Post Comments

    lechuck
    Rating
    0
    Rate Up
    Adam KoshMon, 21 Jul 2008 17:40:29 -0000

    You should be able to enter any community you wish. As a member or guest. If you've left a community you can rejoin it.

    What error are you receiving?

    Reply to This
    pravallika
    Vote
    Current Rating
    0
    Rate Up
    Rate Down
    pravallikaMon, 21 Jul 2008 17:00:07 -0000

    how to join this community again,if already entered once?

    Post Comments

    Reply to This
    pravallika
    Vote
    Current Rating
    0
    Rate Up
    Rate Down
    pravallikaMon, 21 Jul 2008 16:59:57 -0000

    how to join this community again,if already entered once?

    Post Comments

    Reply to This
    pravallika
    Vote
    Current Rating
    0
    Rate Up
    Rate Down
    pravallikaMon, 21 Jul 2008 16:59:54 -0000

    how to join this community again,if already entered once?

    Post Comments

    Reply to This
    bhavin
    Vote
    Current Rating
    0
    Rate Up
    Rate Down
    bhavinMon, 21 Jul 2008 15:39:56 -0000

    hi,

    Want to know about the Training center for GMAT at Indore india

    Pls provide

    Post Comments

    acrosstheuniverse
    Rating
    0
    Rate Up
    KristaMon, 21 Jul 2008 16:02:37 -0000

    Hi bhavin,

    I've looked all over for training centres within Indore, India but I couldn't find much. However, when checking out the official GMAT website, I was able to find locations of test centres located near to Indore that you could possibly check out and see if they run training sessions.

    H.L Centre for Professional Education +91-79-26464657
    H.L. College Campus, Navrangpura,
    Ahmedabad-380009, India.
    Email : info@hlcpe.ac.in

    Pearson Professional Centers-New Delhi, India +9-11-41841472
    18,Ramnath House
    Yusuf Sarai Community Centre
    Above Hyundai Show room
    New Delhi, Delhi 110016

    Pearson Professional Centers-Hyderabad, India +91-40-66469825
    202,ABK Olbee Plaza
    Road No.1,Banjara Hills
    Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh 500034

    Pearson Professional Centers-Bangalore, India +91-80-41134165
    3rd Floor, Trade Center
    Dickenson Road
    Near Manipal Centre
    Bangalore, Karnataka 560042

    Hope this helps!

    Reply to This
    pavanasundi
    Vote
    Current Rating
    1
    Rate Up
    Rate Down
    pavanasundiMon, 21 Jul 2008 11:24:20 -0000

    What is the good score in GMAT to get into a top college in US or UK? Do the colleges offer the scholarships?

    Post Comments

    oLahav
    Rating
    2
    Rate Up
    Oren LahavMon, 21 Jul 2008 16:00:13 -0000

    This would depend largely on the university. Keep in mind that your percentile is more important than actual score- if you're somewhere in the 90th-95th you'll definitely get in, below it you may still get in depending on experience, admission essay and application quality, GPA average, and other factors.

    It's been said that while a low GMAT score can keep you out of being admitted, a high one won't get you in- other factors count as well. You should take a look at the school's average GMAT scores- if you're at or above the average score, you'll have no problems there.

    In terms of scholarships, yes, top schools do give out scholarships. However, these are very very competitive and very hard to get- you should look at scholarships outside of the institute as well to maximize your chances.

    Reply to This
    oLahav
    Vote
    Current Rating
    1
    Rate Up
    Rate Down
    Oren LahavMon, 14 Jul 2008 13:55:45 -0000

    While getting your degree from a local institute is obviously easier and safer, there are a lot of great reasons to study abroad! You can check out lessons with the top reasons for why you should study in the US or in Canada. And you can use the LearnHub SchoolFinder to find some great business schools. Good luck!

    Post Comments

    Reply to This
    chauamit
    Vote
    Current Rating
    0
    Rate Up
    Rate Down
    chauamitSun, 13 Jul 2008 10:10:03 -0000

    Hi. I am a B.Com grad. and working for last 6 years in export industry … Now I wanna go for MBA but not sure if frm indian institute or foreign one !!! Is it possible for nybody to advice me on dis or atleast can i have ur views on dis ? I m interested doin my MBA in International marketing as i have my work exp. in this field only…
    Also, if nybody can suggest some gud B schools for the same…

    Post Comments

    Reply to This
    unike
    Vote
    Current Rating
    1
    Rate Up
    Rate Down
    Wed, 18 Jun 2008 13:06:11 -0000

    thank you both.. yeah i'll take care of deciding the right time for taking the test as well as work hard for my gpa.. :-)

    Post Comments

    manyu4abhi
    Rating
    1
    Rate Up
    manyu4abhiWed, 27 Aug 2008 15:06:35 -0000

    hello sir i hav completed my engg. nd i hav 2years working experience too so i want to ask that can i go through GMAT…… coz i want to take admission in ISB please GUIDE ME

    Reply to This
    oLahav
    Vote
    Current Rating
    0
    Rate Up
    Rate Down
    Oren LahavTue, 17 Jun 2008 13:33:27 -0000

    From my knowledge, you can take the GMAT whenever you want.

    However, the GMAT is used fro admission into the MBA business graduate program, not engineering. To get accepted into an MBA program you need both a GMAT score, and a BBA degree (Bachelor of Business) with a good GPA average, or else work experience in management.

    To get into an graduate engineering program you'll have to face different requirements, which may include the GRE, a different standardized test, or else a good GPA average in your undergrad years and possibly some work experience. This all depends on which school you wish to apply for.

    Post Comments

    JohnPhilipGreen
    Rating
    0
    Rate Up
    John Philip GreenTue, 17 Jun 2008 14:56:21 -0000

    I have a friend who went straight from a Master's in Engineering at a Canadian school to into a top MBA program.

    I'm pretty sure you don't strictly need a BBA degree.

    kg_ca
    Rating
    0
    Rate Up
    kamal GuptaThu, 10 Jul 2008 15:58:51 -0000

    Please advice what is the first step for starting the preparation for GMAT. I have left my studies 13 years back and now I am out of touch of studies. But I want to pusue MBA.

    Reply to This
    unike
    Vote
    Current Rating
    1
    Rate Up
    Rate Down
    Tue, 17 Jun 2008 06:34:39 -0000

    really helpful… i am in second year of engineering…can i take gmat next year?..or only after i complete my engineering?

    Post Comments

    Reply to This

Your Comment

Vote
Current Rating
0
Rate Up
Rate Down
Have an account? Log In

Textile is Enabled (View Reference)

Apply to Top MBA Colleges accepting GMAT

Apply to Top MBA Colleges across the world accepting GMAT Scores

About the Author

oLahav
Name:
About: I don't know how to describe myself... besides, I'm way too biased in this particular topic. What's the point?

Last Updated At Apr 17, 2012
5297 Views

24 Comments

Similar Articles

More Lessons