CHAPTER 1

Introduction to the GMAT

Let’s start with the basics. The GMAT is, among other things, an endurance test. It is a computerized test, consisting of 150 minutes of multiple-choice math and verbal questions, a 30-minute analytical essay, and a 30-minute reasoning section. Add in the administrative details, plus two 8-minute breaks, and you can count on being in the testing center for about 4 hours.

It’s a grueling experience, to say the least. And if you don’t approach it with confidence and rigor, you’ll quickly lose your composure. That’s why it’s so important that you take control of the test, just as you take control of the rest of your business school application process.

Here are the basics.

GMAT FORMAT

The GMAT consists of four sections, and you can choose your section order on Test Day. Just after a computer tutorial and before your begin your test, you’ll be presented with three orders and asked to select one:

* Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA), Integrated Reasoning (IR), Quantitative, Verbal

* Verbal, Quantitative, Integrated Reasoning, Analytical Writing Assessment

* Quantitative, Verbal, Integrated Reasoning, Analytical Writing Assessment

If you do not choose an order, then after 2 minutes the first order—beginning with Analytical Writing—will be chosen for you.

The order you take the sections in will not appear on your score report, and the test maker's research has not shown section order gives one test taker a statistical advantage over another. If you are especially concerned about a particular section and want to take it when you are mentally freshest, then choose the order that puts that section first. If you want to build confidence by completing other sections first, then choose an order that puts that section later. And if you don't care what order you take the sections in, that's perfectly okay—just choose whichever order you have practiced most.

The Analytical Writing Assessment (the AWA) requires you to complete an essay, typing it into the computer using a simple word processing program. You are given 30 minutes for this essay, during which you have to analyze the flawed reasoning behind a given argument and recommend how to improve the argument.

The Integrated Reasoning section is 30 minutes long. This section has 12 questions, each of which may require more than one response. The questions in this section ask you to draw conclusions based on information in tables, interpret graphs, understand information presented across different layouts, and sometimes find two answers leading to a single solution.

There are two 75-minute multiple-choice sections—one Quantitative (Math) and one Verbal. The Quantitative section contains 37 questions in 2 formats, Problem Solving and Data Sufficiency, which are mixed together throughout the section. The Verbal section contains 41 questions in 3 formats, Reading Comprehension, Sentence Correction, and Critical Reasoning, which are also mixed throughout the section.

GMAT Exam Section

Questions

Time

Analytical Writing Assessment

1

30 min

Integrated Reasoning

12

30 min

Quantitative

37

75 min

Verbal

41

75 min

Total Testing Time 3 hours, 30 minutes    

Length of Sections on the GMAT

You will also get two optional 8-minute breaks between sections. Also, note that a few "experimental" questions are scattered throughout; they look just like the other questions but won't contribute to your score.

Order #1

Order #2

Order #3

Analytical Writing Assessment

Verbal

Quantitative

Integrated Reasoning

Optional 8–minute Break

Quantitative

Quantitative

Verbal

Optional 8–minute Break

Verbal

Integrated Reasoning

Integrated Reasoning

Analytical Writing Assessment

Analytical Writing Assessment

Breaks on the GMAT by Section Order

We’ll talk more about each of the question types in later chapters. For now, note the following: you’ll be answering 90 multiple-choice questions in 3 hours. Clearly, you’ll have to move fast. But you can’t let yourself get careless. Taking control of the GMAT means increasing the speed of your work without sacrificing accuracy.

GMAT SCORING

The most important score on the GMAT is the total score, which ranges from 200 to 800. This score is the GMAT result that schools look at primarily. More than half of all GMAT test takers score within 100 points of 550, the approximate mean. Pulling yourself out of that cluster is an important part of distinguishing your application.

Percentile

Score

99%

760–800

94%

720

89%

700

77%

650

67%

620

48%

560

Some GMAT Percentiles vs. Total Scores

The total score is calculated from “scaled scores” from the Quantitative section (75 minutes, 37 questions) and Verbal section (75 minutes, 41 questions). These scores are meant to provide a timeless, absolute measure of skill. For example, a Quant score of 40 in 2006 represents the exact same level of ability as a Quant score of 40 does in 2016.

While the scaled scores haven’t changed over time, the population of test takers has. Quant performance has gone up, and Verbal performance has gone down. While Verbal section scores still follow a fairly even distribution, Quantitative scaled scores now skew high. Thus, percentiles have shifted.

Schools view your percentile performance (which is the same thing as a “percent ranking”) overall and on each section of the GMAT. The relationship between the section percentiles and the overall percentile is not simple. We’re frequently asked, “One of my scaled scores is 83rd percentile and the other is 84th percentile. How can my overall score be 87th percentile?” An example shows how this works. Imagine that of 100 students taking the test, 50 people got a 51 Quant and 11 Verbal, while the other 50 people got an 11 Quant and 51 Verbal. You take the same test and get 40 Quant and 40 Verbal. You’d be 50th percentile on each section, because 50 percent of test takers in this sample group scored worse than you. However, your total score would put you higher than anyone else on the test—99th percentile.

Quantitative

Percentile

Score

97%

51–60

88%

50

79%

49

74%

48

68%

47

66%

46

63%

45

58%

44

56%

43

Verbal

Percentile

Score

99%

45–51

98%

44

96%

42

93%

41

90%

40

89%

39

85%

38

83%

37

81%

36

Some Percentiles vs. Scaled Scores for the Quantitative and Verbal Sections

Let’s note two key takeaways about percentiles. The first is that your overall score is about balanced performance on the two sections. Generally, you will not win on the GMAT by nailing one section and hoping your performance will overcome a deficit on the other. The second key point is that, admissions officers often look at Quant and Verbal percentiles separately and may reject a candidate who does not meet a certain threshold for either subscore. This is especially true for Quantitative percentiles, particularly at programs with a strong analytical focus.

The Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) is scored separately from the rest of the GMAT. Unlike the total and scaled scores, AWA scores aren’t available on Test Day. When you do get your score, it will take the form of a number from 1 to 6 in increments of 0.5 (you get a zero if you write off-topic or in a foreign language). The magic number here is 4. Although you should strive for the best score possible, an essay graded 4 is considered “satisfactory” according to the grading rubric, and an essay graded 3 is not.

AWA

Percentile

Score

92%

6

81%

5.5

60%

5

44%

4.5

21%

4

13%

3.5

6%

3

5%

2.5

3%

0.5–2

0%

0

Percentiles vs. Scaled Scores for the AWA

Percentiles give a slightly different perspective on the AWA. An AWA score of 4 ranks at a shockingly low 21st percentile. To break the median, you have to score a 5 or higher. The good news is that few programs, in our experience, use the AWA score to differentiate candidate competitiveness. It’s more of a reality check against the writing skills that you demonstrate in your application essays. In this vein, a little-noticed fact: business schools receive the actual text of your AWA essay in the official score report.

Lastly, you’ll receive your score for the Integrated Reasoning section. As with the Quant and Verbal sections, Integrated Reasoning scores are available on Test Day. Like the AWA, the Integrated Reasoning section has its own scoring scale, independent from the 200 to 800 scale. You’ll receive a score from 1 through 8, in whole-point increments. The magic number this time is 5, as this is the score at which you beat the median.

Integrated Reasoning

Percentile

Score

92%

8

81%

7

67%

6

52%

5

37%

4

25%

3

12%

2

0%

1

Percentiles vs. Scaled Scores for the Integrated Reasoning Section

Integrated Reasoning was introduced to the GMAT in summer of 2012. You will definitely want to show schools that you’re in the better half of the Integrated Reasoning field, but at the same time, an exceptional 200 to 800 score will do more for your application than will an exceptional Integrated Reasoning score, and you should prioritize your study time accordingly.

The 1 to 8 score is derived from just 12 questions, nearly all of which have multiple parts , and there is no partial credit. Integrated Reasoning questions come in four types, described in more detail in the Integrated Reasoning chapter of this book: Graphics Interpretation, Multi-Source Reasoning, Table Analysis, and Two-Part Analysis.

Unlike the Quantitative and Verbal sections of the GMAT, the Integrated Reasoning section isn’t adaptive: you’ll see a predetermined sequence of 12 questions no matter how many you get right and wrong as you go along. However, despite not being adaptive, the Integrated Reasoning section does not let test takers skip questions or return to previously answered questions. As a result, it’s often advantageous to guess and abandon a hard question early in the section to ensure that no easy questions are left unanswered at the end of the section.

Score Reports

Within 20 days after your test date, your official score report will be available online. You’ll receive an email when yours is ready. Reports will only be mailed to candidates who request that service. The official score report includes your scores for the Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA), Integrated Reasoning, Verbal, and Quantitative sections, as well as your total score and percentile ranking.

Your report also includes the results of all the GMAT exams you’ve taken in the previous five years, not including cancellations. (As of July 2015, canceled scores no longer show up on score reports.) Any additional reports are US$28 each. All score-report requests are final and cannot be canceled.

GMAT ATTITUDE

In the chapters that follow, we’ll cover techniques for answering the GMAT questions. But you’ll also need to go into the test with a certain attitude and approach. Here are some strategies.

Use the Noteboards

Test takers are given noteboards, which are spiral-bound booklets of laminated paper, and a black wet-erase pen. Here are the specs so you know what to expect on Test Day.

Noteboard

Pen

You will not be given an eraser, and you are not allowed to reuse the noteboard. Each time you fill up your noteboard during the test, the administrator will replace your used noteboard with a clean one. You can also request a new pen, if necessary. The noteboard cannot be removed from the test room during or after the exam, and you must return it to the administrator when your exam is complete.

We know how important it is for test takers to be as prepared as possible for the actual testing experience. That’s why we have always recommended that students use separate scratch material with our GMAT preparation program, including with the practice questions and tests in this book. We suggest that you use an eraser board (or anything with a similar surface) and a non-permanent marker while doing the practice tests. Even if you practice with the noteboard and marker until you are comfortable, there are still some snags you may encounter on Test Day. Here are some tips on how to handle them:

  1. Erasable ink you’re not supposed to erase: Say you make a mistake during a calculation or you smudge your work with your hand. The noteboard’s surface won’t lend itself to quick-and-easy erasing. You can’t write on top of the smudge or error because you’ll just be left with a blob of ink that you can’t read. So what should you do? Just start over. Seriously. Think of it this way—you won’t waste precious time in a futile attempt to save a sinking ship. Left-handed test takers (and some right-handed ones, too) might find that their writing styles make them particularly susceptible to smudging. If this sounds like you, practicing with the eraser board will help you work out any such problems before Test Day.

  2. A problematic pen: Difficulties with pens are not common. Keep in mind that you should recap your pen when you are not using it so that it doesn’t dry out. However, you could get a pen that’s simply dry from the get-go or dries out quickly no matter how careful you are. Don’t sweat it. The best thing to do is just to get a new pen. Should you be saddled with a pen that leaves wayward blobs of ink, don’t waste time with yours either. Ask the administrator for a new pen as soon as it starts to act up.

More Noteboard Strategies

Using one booklet for an entire section and requesting a replacement during breaks is the most efficient method for using the noteboards. Since you are given nine pages to write on, this technique can be used without difficulty, especially with planning and practice. However, should you need a new noteboard (or pen) during a section, hold the used one in the air to clarify immediately the nature of the request (rather than just raising your hand).

Be Systematic

Use your noteboard to organize your thinking. If you eliminate choices, draw an answer choice grid, cross off choices as you rule them out, and guess intelligently. Make sure to leave enough time to answer every question in the section. You’ll be penalized for questions you don’t get to.

Pace Yourself

Of course, the last thing you want to happen is to run out of time before you’ve done all the questions. Pace yourself so that this doesn’t happen. We’re not saying you have to spend exactly 120 seconds, for instance, on every Critical Reasoning question. But you should have a sense of how much time to spend on each question. (We’ll talk about general timing guidelines later.)

Turn Off the Clock

The timer in the corner of the GMAT screen can work to your advantage, but if you find yourself looking at it so often that it becomes a distraction, turn it off for 10 or 15 minutes and try to refocus. Even if you lose track a bit without the clock, there is no replacement for focus and accuracy. Some people work best with the clock off from the beginning. If that’s you, be sure to check in with the clock every five questions. You don’t want to fall too far behind. No matter what your preference is for the clock, when there are five minutes left, the clock turns on permanently, counts down the seconds, turns red, and flashes.

Don’t Waste Time on Questions You Can’t Do

Skipping a tough question is easier said than done. It’s natural to want to plow through a test and answer every question as it appears. But that doesn’t pay off here. We’ll discuss in Chapter 2 why it’s sometimes best to move on and avoid running out of time on a section. A strategic guess may be necessary to get a top score on the GMAT.

Remain Calm

It’s imperative that you remain calm and composed during the test. You can’t let yourself get rattled by one hard question to the degree that it throws off your performance on the rest of the section.

When you face a tough question, remember that you’re surely not the only one finding it difficult. The test is designed to challenge everyone who takes it. Having trouble with a difficult question isn’t going to ruin your score, but getting upset and letting it throw you off track will. When you understand that part of the testmaker’s goal is to reward those who keep their composure, you’ll recognize the importance of keeping your cool when you run into challenging material.

GMAT CHECKLIST

The GMAT is offered by appointment, at your convenience, almost every day of the year. You will be required to register online before making an appointment.

Choose a Testing Center

Before you register, find a testing center that’s convenient for you and determine whether that site has available seats. Each testing center operates on its own schedule and can accommodate varying numbers of test takers. To locate a testing center near you, go to mba.com.

Register and Schedule Your Appointment

Available time slots change continuously as people register for the test. You will find out what times are available at your chosen testing center when you register. You may be able to schedule an appointment within a few days of your desired test date, but popular dates (especially weekends) fill up quickly.

Admissions deadlines for business schools vary. Check with the schools and make your test appointment early enough to allow your scores to be reported before the schools’ application deadlines.

You may register and schedule your appointment online, by phone, by mail, or by fax:

The fee to take the GMAT is US$250 worldwide (at the time of printing). It is payable by credit card online or by mailing in a check. If you have questions about GMAT registration, visit mba.com or call 800-717-GMAT (4628).

Identify Yourself Correctly

When scheduling your test appointment, be sure that the spelling of your name and your stated date of birth match the ID you will present at the testing center. If those do not match, you will not be permitted to take the test, and your test fee will be forfeited.

Rescheduling or Canceling an Appointment

If you need to reschedule the date, time, or location of your appointment, there is a US$50 fee (as this book goes to press) as long as you reschedule at least seven days before your original appointment. If you need to reschedule fewer than seven days before your original date, you have to pay the full registration amount again. Rescheduling can be done online at mba.com or by calling one of the numbers listed previously. If you reschedule over the phone, you may be subject to an additional fee. You cannot reschedule an appointment by mail or fax.

If you need to cancel your appointment, you will receive a US$80 refund (as this book goes to press) as long as you cancel at least seven days before your original appointment. If you cancel fewer than seven days before your original date, you forfeit the entire registration fee. For registration fees paid by credit card, the refund amount will be credited to the card. If the fee was paid by check or money order, you will receive a check in the mail. Cancellations can be made online at mba.com or by calling one of numbers listed previously, based on your location. If you cancel over the phone, you may be subject to an additional fee. You cannot cancel an appointment by mail or fax.

The Day of the Test

You should arrive at your testing center 30 minutes before the time of your scheduled appointment. You must complete a number of security measures before you will be allowed to take the exam. A late arrival (15 minutes or more) may result in you being turned away from the testing center and forfeiting of your test fee.

Presentation of Proper Identification

You will be asked to present ID—no exceptions. The following are the only acceptable forms:

If you aren’t a citizen of the country in which you take your test, you’ll probably need your passport. In some countries, a passport will always be required. Visit mba.com for the current requirements.

The ID must be current (not expired) and legible, and it should contain all four of the elements listed below. If you do not have one ID with all four of these elements, you will need to bring a second ID (also from the list above) that shows the missing elements.

  1. Your name in the Roman alphabet. It must be exactly the same as what you provided when you made your appointment, including the order and placement of the names.

  2. Your date of birth. The date of birth must also exactly match the date provided when you made your appointment.

  3. A recent, recognizable photograph

  4. Your signature

If these elements do not match what the test administrator has on file for you, you will not be allowed to take the GMAT, and your test fee will be forfeited.

Before you schedule your test appointment, make sure you understand all the requirements that are particular to your situation and have acquired or renewed the ID you will use. Also, note that if your ID is found to be fraudulent or invalid after you take the exam, your scores will be canceled and your test fee forfeited.

Palm Scan, Signature, and Photograph

Once your government-issued ID is approved, the administrator will take your palm scan, signature, and photograph using digital equipment. The testing rooms are also equipped with audio and video recorders, which are active during the exam. If you do not complete the entire check-in process or refuse to be recorded, you will not be allowed to take the GMAT, and your test fee will be forfeited.

Agreements

When you arrive at the center, you will be asked to agree to the GMAT Examination Testing Rules & Agreement. Once you are seated at a workstation, you will electronically confirm that you agree to the GMAT Non-Disclosure Agreement and General Terms of Use statement. If you do not agree, you will not be allowed to take the GMAT, and your test fee will be forfeited. If you are caught violating the agreement, the business schools that you’re applying to will be informed of this fact.

Prohibited Items

The following items cannot be brought into the testing room:

Essentially, you can’t bring anything that may cause distractions, provide aid during testing, or be used to remove exam content from the testing room. (Note that you are not permitted to use a calculator for the Quantitative section, though there is an on-screen calculator available for the Integrated Reasoning section.) It is possible that your testing center has storage space available, such as lockers, where you can leave possessions that are prohibited from the testing room. However, this may not be the case at all centers. Call your testing center to inquire about storage and plan accordingly.

Disruptive Behavior

You will not be allowed to smoke, eat, drink, or use a cell phone in the testing room. In fact, you won’t be allowed to use a phone or send a text message at all once the test has begun, even at breaks.

You also cannot leave the testing room without the administrator’s permission. Some testing centers provide earplugs to keep noise to a minimum; if this interests you, call your testing center for details. Should you have any questions or problems during the exam, raise your hand and wait for the administrator to approach you.

Breaks

The length of your appointment is approximately four hours. Two breaks are scheduled into the exam. Each time you leave and return to the testing room, your palm will be scanned. If you exceed the allotted break time, the excess time will be deducted from the next section of your exam. For more information on administrative regulations and testing procedures, visit mba.com.

Bring the Names of Five Business Schools You Wish to Receive Your Scores

You may select up to five schools to receive your scores before you take the test. Your registration fee will cover that cost. Before Test Day, decide which schools you want to get your GMAT scores and bring that list with you. You will not be able to change the list once you have made your selection.