GMAT Orientation

f you’re wondering what the GMAT is and whether it’s something you should learn more about, the FAQ on this page is the place to start.

What is the GMAT?

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. (Since you’re reading this on the Web, no doubt the GMAT CAT is available where you are.)

Who is responsible for the design and administration of the 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. But it is ETS (Educational Testing Service) in Princeton, New Jersey that actually develops the test questions, administers the test, and reports test scores to the schools — all at the behest of GMAC.

Do I need to take the GMAT for admission to an MBA program?

To gain admission to an MBA program, chances are you’ll need to take the GMAT. About two-thirds of the 1,300+ graduate business schools around the world require GMAT scores for admission. Schools that do not require GMAT scores nevertheless welcome GMAT scores to help access an applicant’s qualifications.

NOTE: Schools that do not require GMAT scores generally have relatively lenient admission standards and/or are located outside of the United States.

What abilities does the GMAT measure?

The GMAT seeks to measure three broad areas of ability by way of its different test sections:

Analytical Writing Assessment (two 30-minute essay sections)

Quantitative Ability (one 75-minute multiple choice section)

Verbal Ability (one 75-minute multiple choice section)

A separate score is awarded for each of the three abilities listed above. A combined Quantitative/Verbal score is also awarded. The GMAT is not a pass/fail test.

How important are GMAT scores in the B-school admissions process?

Each graduate business school develops and implements its own policy concerning the use of GMAT scores in making admissions decisions. Many schools screen applicants by combining GMAT scores and undergraduate GPA (each school determining for itself their relative weight), then ranking all applicants in their initial pool accordingly.

In addition — especially after the initial screening of applicants — admissions officials consider subjective factors such as work and other relevant experience, recommendation letters, application essays (personal statements), and reports of personal interviewers. In making difficult decisions between two or more similarly qualified candidates, admissions officials rely less on GMAT scores and GPA and far more on these other, more subjective factors.

Has the structure or nature of GMAT changed in recent history?

In 1987 ETS implemented dramatic changes in the format and structure of the GMAT. The GMAT remained unchanged until the fall of 1997, when the paper-based GMAT was supplanted by the GMAT CAT (Computer Adaptive Test). The GMAT CAT is briefer than the paper-based GMAT in total number of both Quantitative and Verbal questions. Also, the GMAT CAT includes two AWA (essay) sections, which were not formerly included in the paper-based GMAT. GMAT CAT scores are based on the same scale as paper-based GMAT scores. Thus GMAT CAT scores can be compared directly to older, paper-based GMAT scores.

Is the GMAT likely to change in the future?

GMAC and ETS are currently considering a variety of refinements in the GMAT CAT, including the following (the first is most likely to occur in the near future):

refining the computer-adaptive testing system to allow test-takers to review previous questions and/or change responses to questions

incorporating questions that measure additional cognitive abilities

incorporating innovations for assessing leadership and listening skills

accounting for the growing diversity of cultures and languages represented among the GMAT test-taking population (perhaps by culture-specific versions for different countries or regions)

Of course, GMAC and ETS will pre-disclose any changes well in advance of incorporating them into the GMAT CAT.