The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is the most important standardized test given by MBA aspirants across the world. It will very likely be an essential part of your application to Business School; getting a high score on this test is a big step towards fulfilling your MBA dreams.
What is the GMAT used for?
For admissions to the top Business Schools worldwide, candidates need to submit a standardized test score. Business leaders need analytical and logical skills, the ability to quickly understand English in a professional context, and comfort with numbers. The GMAT is the world’s most popular, and most preferred, test for this purpose.
Why should you give the GMAT?
Every day, giving the GMAT becomes more of a no-brainer. Here are the top reasons why:
- More than 85% of those qualifying for the top MBA programs in the world give the GMAT . It might not be necessary (alternatives like the GRE exist) but if most of the successful people do it, it might make sense for you to do it, too. The GMAT helps open the door to HBS, INSEAD, GSB, Wharton, etc.
- GMAT is the ONLY standardized component in a B school application.Admissions criteria include GMAT scores, academics, extra curricular activities, work experience, essays and LORs. Of these, the only standardized component is the GMAT score; so, very often, B schools use the GMAT score as their first elimination step. Getting a high GMAT score ensures that you can surge ahead of your competition.
- It is one of the best predictors of success in Business School . Well before you get into HBS, GSB or Wharton, you will want to know if you are, indeed, meant for a top flight MBA. Well, the GMAC’s data (collected over many decades) proves that the performers at Business School and those who get the best jobs post B-School are those with the higher scores on the GMAT.
- Careful preparation guarantees success . Over our decades of experience at Jamboree, we have come to understand that, given the right guidance and the right time input over a few months of preparation, it is virtually guaranteed that any given candidate will be able to score well above 700 a score that is considered “safe” for any top school.
Which sections make up the GMAT?
Two sections Quant and Verbal impact your score out of 800. Each of them is scored on a 60 point scale, and requires you to solve one question in approximately two minutes.
The Integrated Reasoning section has Data Interpretation problems, primarily and is, again, scored separately | The Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) section which tests your ability to write essays scores you separately out of 6; as long as you write simply and coherently, you will do well on this section. |
Is the GMAT valid in India?
Just a decade ago, the answer to this question would have been a resounding “No”. However, of late, the acceptance of the GMAT as a viable option for MBA aspirants in India has grown tremendously.
What happens after you give the GMAT?
Immediately after you finish your GMAT, you will be given your score (for everything except the AWA) on your screen. The GMAC will automatically send your score to a set of schools chosen by you, so the process is heavily automated.
Provided that you complete the other important steps of your application with the same care that you give to your GMAT, you should be able to sail through your process. All the best!