GMAT: A Popular Standardized Test for Graduate Studies

In the present day, studying abroad or moving to live in foreign countries is no longer a distant dream. Many families or readers are now looking for institutions offering postgraduate degrees both domestically and internationally. Not only that, but each institution has different admission requirements, including tuition fees, living expenses, and standardized test scores that are necessary for the application process.

Today, we will discuss a widely recognized standardized test for studying abroad, which is GMAT.

What is GMAT?

GMAT (pronounced as G-MAT) stands for Graduate Management Admission Test. It is a standardized test designed to assess the abilities of individuals seeking admission to graduate business programs (MBA) in the United States. This test score can also be used for applications to MBA programs in many countries.

The reason GMAT is an essential test for admission is that more than 7,000 educational institutions worldwide trust the GMAT assessment criteria. The test evaluates applicants' readiness and potential to excel in business management, as well as their ability to solve complex problems logically, quantitatively, analytically, and interpretively. These are crucial skills for business and pursuing an MBA. It's worth acknowledging that the test is quite challenging due to the high number of applicants each year. GMAT is divided into several sections, and applicants have a total of about 3 hours to complete the test. Time management for each section requires practice and strategic planning, making preparation a key factor.

How Many Sections are in GMAT? What Does It Test?

The GMAT consists of 64 questions, to be completed in 2 hours and 15 minutes, divided into 3 parts:

Part 1: Quantitative Reasoning

Tests mathematical and quantitative reasoning skills: 21 questions, 45 minutes

Part 2: Verbal Reasoning

Tests reading comprehension, understanding, and language analysis skills: 23 questions, 45 minutes

Part 3: Data Insights

Tests the ability to analyze and interpret data from various sources, such as graphs, tables, and multiple data points: 20 questions, 45 minutes

GMAT Exam Fee

Latest Exam Fee: Online: 300 USD

You can take the exam up to 5 times per year, and the results will be available within 2 weeks after the exam.

Sample GMAT Questions

(Quantitative Part)

1. If r and s are positive integers such that (2^r)(4^s) = 16, then 2r + s =?

(A) 2

(B) 3

(C) 4

(D) 5

(E) 6

Answer: (D) 5 because the only solution that satisfies (2^r)(4^s) = 16 is r = 2 and s = 1, where 0 is not a positive integer.

(Verbal Part)

1. Since the deregulation of airlines, delays at the nation's increasingly busy airports have increased by 25 percent. To combat this problem, more of the takeoff and landing slots at the busiest airports must be allocated to commercial airlines.
2. Which of the following, if true, casts the most doubt on the effectiveness of the solution proposed above?

(A) The major causes of delays at the nation's busiest airports are bad weather and overtaxed air traffic control equipment.

(B) Since airline deregulation began, the number of airplanes in operation has increased by 25 percent.

(C) Over 60 percent of the takeoff and landing slots at the nation's busiest airports are reserved for commercial airlines.

(D) After a small midwestern airport doubled its allocation of takeoff and landing slots, the number of delays reported decreased by 50 percent.

(E) Since deregulation, the average length of delay at the nation's busiest airports has doubled.

Answer: (A)

Average GMAT Scores for Admission and Recommended Universities

Typically, leading MBA programs require GMAT scores between 550 and 730. Top universities using GMAT scores include Harvard, Stanford, and Wharton, where the average GMAT score for admission is around 730-735.

Differences Between GMAT and GRE

Purpose:

GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) is specifically designed for business management programs (MBA) or related management fields.

GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is used for a wide variety of graduate programs, including MBA, master's, and doctoral degrees. GRE scores are more flexible than GMAT scores.

Price (As of 2025):

GMAT: 275 USD

GRE: 220 USD

Exam Structure (2025 Update):

GMAT (Total score range: 205-805 points) consists of 3 sections and takes 2 hours and 15 minutes:

• Quantitative Reasoning: Tests mathematical and quantitative reasoning
• Verbal Reasoning: Tests reading comprehension and language analysis skills
• Data Insights: Tests the ability to analyze and interpret data from various sources

GRE (Total score range: 260-340 points) consists of 4 sections and takes 3 hours and 45 minutes:

• Analytical Writing: Tests analytical writing
• Verbal Reasoning: Tests English language skills
• Quantitative: Tests mathematical reasoning
• Experimental/Research Section: A research-based writing section

Difficulty: GMAT is more challenging than GRE due to its business-specific focus on MBA and management topics.

For more information on universities offering MBA or other postgraduate programs, you can visit the Education Portal.