The GMAT exam: how to pass perfectly

GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) is an adaptive test in English that assesses the analytical, mathematical and language abilities of applicants entering business schools and universities for MBA, MS, PhD, EMBA programs and a number of others.

Important to know about the GMAT

The maximum GMAT score is 800, for admission to the university, it is usually enough to score 650 points.Its results are valid for 5 years, and you can retake the exam no more than 5 times a year.You should start preparing for the exam when your language proficiency is Upper Intermediate or higher. The preparation itself takes 3-4 months on average. Universities have access to the results of all your GMAT exams, but they will only make decisions based on the exam specified in the application form.

The structure of the exam

GMAT consists of four parts: Analytical Writing Assessment, Integrated Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Verbal Reasoning. The total time for passing the exam is 3.5 hours, which also includes two breaks.

Analytical Writing Assessment.The first part of the exam tests your ability to think critically and correctly express your thoughts and ideas, the text must be written in a scientific style. The maximum number of points for the writing part is 6, you need to answer one question in half an hour. The written work is checked in two stages: first, by a computer program that finds spelling errors and also checks for plagiarism, and then it is checked by experts who assess the consistency and stylistics of the presentation. Essay grades are not included in the main mark, but universities still take this part into account, especially if you are applying to a program related to writing scientific articles.

Integrated Reasoning. At this stage, the ability to analyze data and evaluate information presented in different formats is tested.It is necessary to solve 12 tasks, including table analysis, two-part analysis, graph analysis and analysis of information frommultiple sources.For this part, half an hour is allocated, and the maximum number of points is 8. Points for this part do not affect the final result, but a low grade for it can have a negative impact on the university's decision to enroll.

Quantitative Reasoning. This part tests your ability to analyze data and draw conclusions using reasoning skills.This block includes tasks of two types: the solution of arithmetic and algebraic problems with argumentation and the part that tests the ability to analyze numbers, operating with classical logic and mathematical knowledge.Includes 31 questions with 62 minutes.The maximum number of points is 51.

Verbal Reasoning. This section tests your reading and writing skills, evaluating arguments, and proofreading materials in accordance with written English standards.At this stage of the exam, you need to answer 36 questions, which are allotted for 65 minutes.The maximum score for Verbal Reasoning is 51.

How do I register for the GMAT?

Registration for the exam is carried out on the official GMAT website -mba.com , and you can also apply by mail, fax or phone. When registering, you need to select a test center, the date of delivery and pay a registration fee - $ 250. You can register no earlier than 6 months before the date of the exam and no later than 24 hours before its start.If you want to postpone the exam for more than a week, then you will need to pay an additional $ 50, but if less than a week is left before the exam, you will have to pay the registration fee again.

Helpful hints for exam preparation

1. Before taking the exam, try to solve the trial option to understand in which sections you make mistakes and fill in the gaps in your knowledge.

2. You also need to figure out what is most difficult for you:the assignments themselves or the English language, and then work on it.

3. Put the most effort into the parts that affect the final grade (Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning), but don't forget about the others.

4. Try to practice every day, even five minutes of practice will bear fruit.There are a large number of GMAT preparation apps for smartphones and tablets, such as GMAT TestBank by Allen Prep and Math GMAT GRE ACT - PrepGame.

5. During the preparation, solve as many tests as possible in order to fill your hand and so that during the exam you will not be stupid by the tasks.

6. When preparing for the exam, you also need to develop a sense of timing so that you complete all tasks on time and you do not have to solve the last tasks in the sections somehow.

7. Before taking the exam, try not to study, your brain needs rest in order to subsequently be focused throughout the exam.

Useful resources

Sample tests: https://bit.ly/2Od5Bkp and https: // bit.ly / 2p2Yq3y.

Sample assignments for Analytical Writing Assessment: https://bit.ly/2N4sie9.

Useful information on Integrated Reasoning: https://bit.ly/2p1F8va.

Example of Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning tasks: https://bit.ly/2Qjhhnj.

A book for preparing for the exam, which includes all types of problems: https://amzn.to/2NDo2l9 ..

Forum with useful information on passing the GMAT: https://bit.ly/2MnL8YD.