WHAT IS THE GMAT?

The GMAT is a multiple choice, standardized computer adaptive test. It is used as an admission requirement for educational management and business programs around the world. The GMAT is designed to predict how well each candidate will perform academically in a specific program. 

The questions on the GMAT are unique and designed specifically for the test. However, having these skills is no guarantee for success, as there are other aspects that make the GMAT rather challenging.

What makes the GMAT challenging?

• Strict time limit

First of all, the exam has a strict time limit, which translates to approximately two minutes per question. Leaving questions unanswered at the end of the test significantly lowers your score.

• Computer adaptive

Secondly, the GMAT is a computer adaptive test, which means it adapts itself to your performance. Answering questions correctly leads to more difficult questions, while incorrect answers lead to easier questions.

• Strategy and time management

As a consequence, strategy and time management play an important role. Therefore, the GMAT is considered more challenging than traditional exams.

The GMAT consists of four sections

1. The Quantitative section

Firstly, the Quantitative section. This section tests your mathematical knowledge and analytical skills. No calculator is allowed, so you need to be able to do mathematical calculations by hand.

2. The Verbal section

Secondly, the Verbal section. The Verbal section tests your proficiency in written English, your reading comprehension skills, and your ability to evaluate arguments.

3. Integrated reasoning

Next up is the Integrated Reasoning section. This section requires you to analyze and evaluate information from a number of sources and make decisions based on this analysis.

All questions in the Verbal, Quant and Integrated reasoning sections are multiple choice. They each have five possible answers, only one of which is correct.

4. Analytical Writing Assessment

The fourth section is the Analytical Writing Assessment. In this final section, you will be asked to write an essay critiquing a given argument.

Choose order by personal preference

On the day of the GMAT, you can choose the order in which you want to complete the four sections of the test. There are two short breaks between the sections. In total, the GMAT takes around three hours to complete. 

Are you in doubt if you are preparing for the GMAT in the right way, or if you should take the GMAT at all? Feel free to contact GMAT Amsterdam. We are glad to inform you about which preparation suits your situation best.