GMAT - Test for MBA Admission
The
GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) is a 3-1/2 hour standardized exam designed to predict
how test-takers will perform academically in MBA (Masters in Business Administration) programs.
GMAT scores are used by graduate business schools to make admission decisions.
You might also see the GMAT referred to as the " GMAT CAT "; the acronym CAT stands for
"Computer Adaptive Test." The GMAT is administered only by computer now, except in certain
locations outside North America, where the test is referred to as the "paper-based" GMAT.
According to GMAT Survey Sixty-six percent of the test-takers had U.S. addresses at the
time of registration in year 2000, which increased to 68% of test takers in year 2004. The next
largest concentrations in both testing years came from Asia and Western Europe, with approximately
12% and 7% of the test-taker population, respectively.
Who administers GMAT?
The GMAT is the brainchild of the
GMAC (Graduate Management Admission Council), which determines
what kinds of skills the GMAT should measure — and how it should measure them.
About GMACThe Graduate Management Admission Council (R) GMAC, based in McLean, Va.,
is a non-profit education organization of leading graduate business schools worldwide, dedicated
to creating access to and disseminating information about graduate management education.
The GMAT exam was created in 1954 and remains the first and only standardized test specifically
designed for graduate business and management programs.
Pearson VUE, the company now administering the GMAT through its global network of test
centers, is providing an increased level of service to test takers and schools. People receive
their official scores faster through Pearson VUE's online score-reporting system. This system
also allows admissions offices to more efficiently obtain scores for their applicants and gain
a deeper understanding of how they stack up with their competition.
ACT now manages the development of the GMAT. ACT is responsible for the development of
GMAT questions, construction of item pools, implementation of test specifications, scoring of
the Analytical Writing Assessment essays, and working with GMAC to strengthen the exam's
capacity to remain in step with the evolving needs of business schools.
When is the GMAT Test held?
All-round-the-year. Unlike other exams, you can choose your own date and time for taking the
GMAT! The test is administered five-days-a-week (Monday through Friday), twice-a-day.
September to December is the high season for GMAT, so in case you intend to take the test
during this period, you need to register very early (say 90 days in advance) to get a date of
your choice. Otherwise, registering at least 15 days in advance is mandatory. The test lasts
roughly four hours, and most centres offer two slots : 9 A.M. and 2 P.M.
What is the Scoring pattern in GMAT?
The GMAT results comprise four different scores : a total score (which is the combined verbal
and quantitative scores), a separate Verbal score, a separate Quantitative score, and an Analytical
Writing score. The total score is reported on a scale from 200 to 800.
The Verbal and Quantitative Scores are reported on a scale of 0 to 60. For the AWA score, the scale
is from 0 to 6. Note that your AWA performance is not reflected in your total GMAT score (on 800).
You get to know your total, verbal, and quantitative score immediately after taking the test.
Official GMAT score reports, which include the AWA scores, are mailed approximately two weeks after
you take the test and take another ten days or so to reach your address.
How does AWA evaluated?
The essays are scored in a range from 0 to 6. The ratings of the essay will be 6.0, 5.5, 5.0, 4.5,
4.0, 3.5, 3.0,2.5, 2.0, 1.5 and 1.0. The desired level is 5 and above.
The schools requiring AWA score usually want a minimum of 4.0. Your 3.5 is low that and BUT
you may try to cover that up by writing a strong SOP, laying down your case like your higher AWA
score, higher latest GMAT score and the "English" you use in your SOP... But as I said it would be
taking a risky application.
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