GMAT
The following has been adapted, with permission from the author, from the upcoming book: Breaking Business School: A Military Veteran's Ten Step Guide to MBA Success
The GMAT is administered by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) and you can register for it on the website www.mba.com for a fee of $250 that can be reimbursed one-time for active-duty military personnel. The test may not be taken more than once within 16 days, no more than five times in a rolling 12-month period, and no more than eight times total, even if the scores are canceled.
The test consists of four sections: an Analytic Writing Assessment, Integrated Reasoning, Quantitative, and Verbal. Although your scores on every section are reported to MBA admissions committees, only your scores on the Quantitative and Verbal sections impact your overall score. These sections are “computer adaptive” meaning that each starts with an average question; if you get it right you will get a harder one, if you get it wrong, you will get an easier one. The test’s algorithm uses these questions to home in on your ability and then translates this to one score in 10 point increments on a 200-800 point scale. Scores are distributed in a bell curve with a deviation of approximately 120 points with two-thirds of test-takers scoring between 430 and 670. The score is displayed shortly after test completion. Unlike the GRE, after previewing the score, a GMAT test taker has two minutes to decide whether to keep or cancel it at the test center. The score can also be canceled online within 72 hours after the test starts.
Test takers have the option of choosing several configurations (this option was not available back when I took the test in 2016):
Analytical Writing Assessment, Integrated Reasoning, Quantitative, Verbal (original order)
Verbal, Quantitative, Integrated Reasoning, Analytical Writing Assessment
Quantitative, Verbal, Integrated Reasoning, Analytical Writing Assessment
Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA)
The AWA is a single essay with a 30-minute time limit that analyzes a particular argument. It is evaluated on a scale of 0 to 6 by two evaluators, one automated, the other human. The two scores are then averaged. If there is more than a point difference in the two evaluations, a third expert reviews the essay and decides on the final score. As with the GRE, the AWA is graded on a six-point scale using the following criteria.
Integrated Reasoning (IR)
The integrated reasoning section consists of 12 questions with a 30-minute time limit. These questions come in several forms: graphics interpretation, two-part analysis, table analysis, and multi-source reasoning. Each type of question involves interpreting multiple sources of data such as graphs and spreadsheets to reach a conclusion which comes in the form of a fill-in-the-blank statement, yes or no statement, or a table. IR scores range from 1 to 8.
Quantitative
The Quantitative section consists of 31 questions with a 62-minute time limit. This section has two types of questions: data sufficiency and problem-solving. Data sufficiency problems are unique to the GMAT in that they pose a question along with a couple of pieces of data that a test-taker must determine is either required to solve the problem or is irrelevant. Problem-solving questions are designed to test an individual’s ability to work through a variety of mathematical problems. These questions require knowledge of algebra, geometry, and arithmetic, and calculators are not allowed. The only tools that are permitted are a wet erase pen and laminated graph paper which are given to them at the testing center.
Verbal
The Verbal section consists of 36 questions with a 65-minute time limit. There are three question types: reading comprehension, critical reasoning, and sentence correction in a five-option, multiple-choice format. Reading comprehension consists of analyzing a short piece of writing. Critical reasoning requires a test-taker to synthesize the main points of a particular passage. Sentence correction involves choosing if or how to rewrite a sentence to be both succinct and grammatically correct. Since the vast majority of veterans are native English speakers, we are at a decided advantage in this section over international students whose first language is not English.
GMAT or GRE?
One of the most common questions people ask is whether they should take the GMAT or GRE. The first thing you need to do is determine if your target MBA programs accept the GRE. Although most do, you should always double-check. There is a perception that the GMAT is the preferred test both with MBA admissions committees and corporate recruiters. I have not seen firsthand evidence that this is the case. I know numerous veterans who have gotten into Wharton and HBS using GRE scores. These same people have gone on to get jobs at top banks and consulting firms. So, I did not see using a GRE score as a disqualifier for any school or job. However, the GMAT is more widely recognized and respected.
My recommendation is fairly simple: if you are applying for a dual degree program that accepts a GRE but not the GMAT, take the GRE for the simple reason that it is a single test. If you are only applying for an MBA, I recommend that you start with the GMAT because its score is more recognized, and many perceive the test to be harder, especially the Quantitative section. If you have issues getting a strong score on your GMAT after a couple of tries and hours of work, then I recommend you give the GRE a shot. The material covered on both tests is largely the same, so you can shift your focus with little difficulty.
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