f you’re a graduate business degree hopeful, you’ve likely heard about the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT).
The GMAT exam is the premier business school admission test used to help thousands of graduate business programs make critical admissions decisions. The GMAT helps you prove your commitment to and eligibility for the MBA or business master’s degree you’re applying to by demonstrating your problem-solving abilities and critical reasoning skills.
Submitting a strong GMAT score means a higher chance of acceptance and may also result in a scholarship offer to your chosen school.
Why does the GMAT matter?
Business schools value the GMAT because it’s an indicator of a candidate’s work ethic and readiness for a program.
As a standardized test, the GMAT exam helps business schools compare candidates from different backgrounds and regions, which is why most schools favor the GMAT over other tests.
As a globally recognized test, your GMAT score puts you on a level playing field with candidates from around the world for programs in any of 110 countries. It also allows you to compete fairly against other candidates with widely varying academic and professional backgrounds.
In a Kaplan/Manhattan Prep survey, 88% of business schools said that submitting a competitive admissions exam score will help your application. Business school admissions officers also explained why they still favor the GMAT:
- ‘A good GMAT score shows us that prospective students are willing to invest time to prepare for the MBA and that they have the baseline knowledge to begin.’
- ‘Our scholarships are based on GPA, GMAT score, and interview experience, so strong GMAT scores have a very important impact on admissions and scholarship offers.’
Here’s how each section is scored:
- Verbal Reasoning: 60–90
- Quantitative Reasoning: 60–90
- Data Insights: 60–90
- Total GMAT Score: 205–805
Right after you complete the test, you’ll receive an unofficial score. Your official scores should be ready within three to five days of the test date. GMAT scores are valid for five years and are available for reporting for up to 10 years.
Where to take the Graduate Management Admission Test
With the GMAT, you have the option of scheduling your test at an onsite facility or taking the exam online from home, as long as you have the appropriate software. Deciding where to take your GMAT depends on your preferences. If you like the imposed quiet and structure of a testing facility, then that might be the best option for you. However, if you prefer taking the test from the comfort of your home, then that might be the best option.
In-person testing is available seven days a week and can be booked up to six months in advance, while at-home testing is available whenever you are. With either method, you are allowed to take the exam up to five times within a 12-month period.
