GMAT TEST DATES

So you spent all that time studying for the GMAT, but make sure you not only know the material, but also what to expect when you arrive. Lets begin with the most important, which is identification. You will not only be denied the ability to take the GMAT on your scheduled test date if you leave your ID at home. You will also forfeit your entire test fee.    You must present atleast one of the following:

• Passport
• Government Issued Drivers License
• Government Issued Identity Card
• Military ID

All information on ID must match the GMAT registration information.  The ID must be legible, must be current and not expired, and it must include a recognizable photograph with a signature.  If you cannot provide this you must present a second form of ID.  For further information on the ID requirements visit MBA.com.

This is the only thing that you need to bring, as you are not allowed to have anything else.  NO calculators, cell phones, electronic devices, they even provide the pencils.  Just remember a valid ID.

So you want to get your MBA® and move your career forward? Well the first step is taking the GMAT®.

• What is the GMAT®?
  • It Stands for the Graduate Management Admissions Test®
  • It is to Business School what the SAT is to College
  • It is a standardized test that gives Universities a feel for what you know, how you reason and perform under pressure
• What Type of Questions are on the GMAT®?
  • It is made of three main sections: Verbal, Quantitative, and the supplemental Analytical Writing
  • GMAT®Quantitative has a total of 37 questions with a 75 minute time limit
    • It is comprised of two types of questions: Problem Solving and Data Sufficiency
    • It is more or less basic math; Arithmetic, Algebra, Algebra II, Geometry.  There is no higher level math.  But you CANNOT USE A CALCULATOR
    • It requires you to quickly and accurately do some longer basic math functions
    • My Advice: Get familiar with your Times Tables, Long Division, Factoring and Math Shortcuts (ie buy a 6th graders Math book)
  • GMAT® Verbal has a total of 41 questions with 75 minute time limit
    • It is comprised of 3 types of questions: Sentence Correction, Reading Comprehension and Critical Reasoning
    • This has many similarities to the SAT, but ads sentence correction which can prove tricky
    • Buying a study guide for this is section is a must! With all the broken grammar we use everyday its nearly impossible to figure out what tricks they are throwing at you unless you study their techniques and questions.
  • GMAT® Analytical Writing is made up of two essays with 30 minutes for each
    • The two essay types: Analysis of an Argument and Analysis of an Issue
    • This section is not factored into your total score, but a separate score in itself on a scale of 1-5
    • You will be given multiple essays to choose from.  I still remember one of mine: “With the current changes in business climate and how location plays a role?” (something roughly like that) Of course I went into a different tangent about doing business online and how domains can be viewed as a “location,” etc etc.  I got a 5!  All that to say; this section does not really matter unless you have reason for it to matter (ie Bad Grades)

• How is it GMAT Scored?
  • GMAT® is on a scale of 200 – 800 in increments of 10
  • Each Section of theVerbal and Quantitative is scored between 0-60
  • Analytical Writing is graded by a computer and human on a scale of 1-5 in half point increments
  • The best Business Schools choose applicants with 700+ scores.  Don’t get discouraged, just prepare well.

The Good News is that GMAT® Test Dates are flexible.  They are offered on weekdays, year round at 500 different Testing Centers in North
America.  The GMAT® is primarily offered as a computer-based test, which can be taken at most Prometric Testing Centers, Sylvan Learning
Centers and Educational Testing Service offices.  There are certain colleges and universities that also administer the GMAT®.  Some Testing Centers offer limited Test Dates on Saturdays.  As these are more desirable you should be sure to plan far in advance and register as early as possible.

There are 3 easy ways to Register for the GMAT®

• Register online at GMAC® website; http://www.mba.com/mba/TaketheGMAT
• Register by Phone through GMAC ® : 1-800-717-GMAT
• Call a Local Testing Center Directly; list can be found at http://www.mba.com

Other Things to keep in mind

• The Cost of the exam is $250.  No refunds will be given for canceled scores.
• You May Take the GMAT ® as many times as you like.  However,
  you can only take it one calendar day per month (even if scores are
  canceled).
• You must register to take the GMAT ® in advance by phone or email; walk-in GMAT ® registration at test centers is not accepted.