Introduction to GMAT

GMAT® Test Format

The GMAT test consists of four separately timed sections. You start the test with two 30-minute Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) questions that require you to type your responses using the computer keyboard. The writing section is followed by two 75-minute, multiple-choice sections: the Quantitative and Verbal sections of the test.

The GMAT is a computer-adaptive test (CAT), which means that in the multiple-choice sections of the test, the computer constantly gauges how well you are doing on the test and presents you with questions that are appropriate to your ability level. These questions are drawn from a huge pool of possible test questions. So, although we talk about the GMAT as one test, the GMAT test you take may be completely different from the test of the person sitting next to you.

Here’s how it works. At the start of each GMAT multiple-choice section (Verbal and Quantitative), you will be presented with a question of moderate difficulty. Th e computer uses your response to that first question to determine which question to present next. If you respond correctly, the test usually will give you questions of increasing difficulty. If you respond incorrectly, the next question you see usually will be easier than the one you answered incorrectly. As you continue to respond to the questions presented, the computer will narrow your score to the number that best characterizes your ability. When you complete
each section, the computer will have an accurate assessment of your ability.

Because each question is presented on the basis of your answers to all previous questions, you must answer each question as it appears. You may not skip, return to, or change your responses to previous questions. Random guessing can significantly lower your scores. If you do not know the answer to a question, you should try to eliminate as many choices as possible, then select the answer you think is best. If you answer a question incorrectly by mistake—or correctly by lucky guess— your answers to subsequent questions will lead you back to questions that are at the appropriate level of difficulty for you.

Each multiple-choice question used in the GMAT test has been thoroughly reviewed by professional test developers. New multiple-choice questions are tested each time the test is administered. Answers to trial questions are not counted in the scoring of your test, but the trial questions are not identified and could appear anywhere in the test. Th erefore, you should try to do your best on every question.

Test section

Number of questions

Time

Analytical Writing Assessment

                    Analysis of an Issue

1 topic

30 min

                    Analysis of an Argument

1 topic

30 min

Quantitative Section

37 questions

75 min

                     Problem solving

                     Data sufficiency

Verbal Section

41 questions

75 min

                     Reading Comprehension

                     Critical reasoning

                     Sentence Correction

The test includes the types of questions found in this guide, but the format and presentation of the questions are different on the computer. When you take the test:

  • Only one question at a time is presented on the computer screen.

  • The answer choices for the multiple-choice questions will be preceded by circles, rather than by letters.

  • Different question types appear in random order in the multiple-choice sections of the test.

  • You must select your answer using the computer.

  • You must choose an answer and confirm your choice before moving on to the next question.

  • You may not go back to change answers to previous questions.

Other related topic:

What is the GMAT?
The Graduate Management Admission Test® (GMAT®) is a standardized, three-part test delivered in English.

Why Take the GMAT® Test?
Your scores will give you a good indication of how well prepared you are to succeed academically in a graduate management program

How Are Scores Calculated?
Your GMAT scores are determined by the number of questions you answer; whether you answer correctly or incorrectly; the level of difficulty and other statistical characteristics of each question

 

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