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 GRE is administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) and you can register for it on the website www.ets.org for a fee of $205 that can be reimbursed one-time for active-duty military personnel. The test can be taken once every 21 days, up to five times within any continuous rolling 12-month period even if scores were canceled.
The test consists of six sections. The first section is always the Analytical Writing section consisting of two separate essays. The next five sections consist of two Verbal sections, two Quantitative sections, and an experimental section. The experimental section does not count towards the final score but is not distinguished from the scored sections. The five sections may occur in any order. Unlike the GMAT, individual questions are not computer adaptive, but, rather, your performance on the first verbal or quantitative section will determine the difficulty of the subsequent one. Also, unlike the GMAT, you are able to flag questions in a particular section and return to them. The sections are scored separately in single-point increments with Verbal and Quantitative scores between 130 and 170, and Analytical Writing on a six-point scale. Based on the performance of two-million people who took the test between 2015 and 2018, the mean and standard deviation of the verbal section were 150.24 and 8.44. Whereas, the mean and standard deviation for the quantitative section were 153.07 and 9.24. Analytical writing had a mean of 3.55 with a standard deviation of 0.86. At the end of the test, you will be given the option to report (view) or cancel your scores. Once you view your scores, you cannot cancel them. You cannot cancel your score for one section of the test and have the scores for the remaining sections reported.
The analytical writing section consists of two different essays, an "issue task" and an "argument task". The writing section is graded on a scale of 0–6, in half-point increments. The essays are written on a computer using a word processing program specifically designed by ETS. Each essay is scored by at least two readers on a six-point holistic scale. If the two scores are within one point, the average of the scores is taken. If the two scores differ by more than a point, a third reader examines the response. The issue task is an essay on a particular topic, while the argument task analyzes the logic of a particular argument. A test-taker has 30 minutes for each essay.
Each quantitative section consists of approximately 8 quantitative comparisons, 9 problem-solving items, and 3 data interpretation questions covering basic high school level mathematical knowledge and reasoning skills. A test-taker has 30 minutes for each quantitative section.
Each verbal section consists of about 6 text completion, 4 sentence equivalence, and 10 critical reading questions that cover reading comprehension, critical reasoning, and vocabulary usage. A test-taker has 30 minutes to complete each verbal section.
Service to School has agreements with the following services for discounted services. Contact the S2S operations team at s2s.mba@service2school.org for the discount codes for these programs.
Test prep companies such as Veritas Prep, Manhattan Prep, and Kaplan offer structured environments that are ideal for military applicants out of school for several years. Test prep companies are thorough because they cover every aspect of the test. Some companies such as Princeton Review are known for covering the basics, while other test companies like Manhattan Prep are known for their detailed instruction on even the most arcane and rarely tested material. More than just test coverage and analysis, the test prep companies aid military applicants because they provide a structured setting. Hence, we usually recommend that veterans take a prep course. While the majority of the classes offered are in a structured classroom setting, some test prep companies offer self-paced online instruction. Also of note: many test prep companies offer a military discount.
The downside to preparing with a test prep company is that some prep companies provide material that is too basic or moves too slowly over topics that an applicant already understands. Moreover, some transitioning veterans who are still serving simply do not have the time to take these classes. For those who are busy with work, two good options are online classes or self-study.
With self-study, studiers can move at their own pace, focus on weaknesses in a certain area, and forego paying for a test prep class. However, we are generally skeptical of self-study because it is difficult to keep disciplined for several months without getting distracted. Also, score improvement guaranties offered by many test prep companies are another compelling reason for vets to use a test prep company. Should you decide to take the individual study path, you still should rely on the test prep material provided by prep companies provide.
Whether you decide to self-study or enroll in a test prep company, it is very important that one balance studying with test taking. Taking numerous tests without focusing on weaknesses is poor management of time. However, practicing on sample problems to hone overall ability can lead to a false security as doing so eliminates the “time stress/crunch” of test-taking under simulated test conditions. The military stresses rehearsals and battle drills. Battle drills are analogous to simulated test taking and sample problems. A transitioning veteran needs to do both in order to succeed. Because it is so important to simulate actual test conditions, it is also imperative to find and study questions that have been used in previous exams. While test prep companies often provide their own questions, the best questions are those previously administered by the standardized test prep companies.
Save yourself money by not taking the test if you have not yet simulated test conditions or worked through multiple problem sets. A test score will not improve just because you have taken the actual test multiple times . However, your score will improve if you are diligently studying and preparing. A good target is to take 4-6 full length practice tests under timed conditions before ever sitting for the actual exam.
Beware of not allocating enough time to study for the test. Ideally, you will begin to study at least a year prior to your application. . The best possible scenario is that one has prepared for six months and takes the real test. Hopefully, the test taker is satisfied with the score but realizes that one can do even better. The applicant continues to study and six months after taking the first test, one gets the score of one’s dreams. Although one and done would be ideal, it is often not practical. Hence, one should not wait to take the test just days prior to an application is due. Oftentimes this is not feasible because many tests do not report official scores until weeks after the test has been administered.
With everything in life, setting goals helps one focus on the mission. Create a list of the schools you want to gain admittance into, and see what they report as their median test score for their latest incoming class. That is the score you should aim to getbeat . Applying to schools is a numbers game. Schools want applicants who have a proven track record and who can handle the rigorous curriculum which students will encounter while they are attending the school. Aim to score either above or at the median test score that schools report. Ideally, one’s test score is not handicapping one’s ability to gain admittance into a certain school.
One can only take time to rest if one has planned accordingly. That’s why it is really important that one allots plenty of time for test preparation. If one has several months to prepare, one can take breaks in order to avoid test fatigue. Plus, the brain needs to recover after a hard workout (test preparation). When taking a test, bring along a healthy snack that will help sustain your body through several hours of test taking. Taking a four- hour test can be a mentally and physically draining exercise. Bring whatever snacks you prefer, however, make sure you also use these snacks during your mock tests. You don’t want to bring a snack you’ve never had before and then have an unexpected physical reaction. Taking a break can also help avoid straining relationship. Test preparation can be stressful to one’s immediate family, as often it can feel like one test will determine one’s fate. Taking breaks and adding fun activities between intense study sessions will help one break away from the gravitas of test preparation.
There are many great websites that provide strategy and helpful hints on how to “defeat” a test. These sites also are great places to share “war stories” about how one did or how one is feeling. However, don’t waste too much time on these websites. Some advice given at these websites should be taken with a grain of salt. While websites geared towards a test or graduate school can be fun and entertaining, they can also include misleading statements.
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
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.
Essay score
Description
1
An essay that is deficient.
2
An essay that is flawed.
3
An essay that is limited.
4
An essay that is adequate.
5
An essay that is strong.
6
An essay that is outstanding.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Executive Assessment (EA) is designed for working professionals, primarily targeting Executive MBA programs but are accepted at many full and part time MBA programs, https://www.gmac.com/executive-assessment/about/accepting-schools. Unlike the GMAT, the EA was created to function as a readiness assessment, which is an assessment of whether you are ready to perform the level of work needed during grad school. The EA is a test of your business ability and decision-making skills. As this is a relatively new test, there isn’t a standard goal score for the EA but if you look online, 150+ appears to be what most schools are saying they would prefer.
The EA is administered by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) and you can register for it on the website https://www.gmac.com/executive-assessment for a fee of $350. The test may not be taken more than two times and has more flexibility to reschedule than the GMAT. The time to take the EA is only 90 minutes, with no official breaks, compared to 3.5 hours for the GMAT. You are allowed to take a break, but your time will keep running. Your score will be valid for five years from the test date.
As a working professional, this test is less time consuming to prepare for than the GMAT. GMAC has official study material you may purchase to prepare and take practice tests prior to scheduling for the actual test https://www.gmac.com/executive-assessment/prepare/official-prep.
The test preparation materials are from $25 for the Official Practice IR Questions to $150 for the Official Practice Premium Collection. I purchased the Official Practice Premium Collection and took a week off during the holiday season and completed the practice tests prior to taking the test. From the first practice test, I improved my score 4 points and received my highest score on the actual test. I found the practice tests to be slightly more difficult than the actual test. I recommend that you complete the practice tests in a similar environment in which you would take the official test. Until 31 December 2020, the EA Online is an online and remote proctored version of the EA to support candidates during COVID-19, and appointments are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The online version of the EA is set up in the same structure as the center-based version.
It consists of three sections: Integrated Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning. The scoring translates to one score, per section, in 20 point increments on a 100-200 point scale. The highest practical score for each section, though, appears to be an 18 (If you get every single question correct on one of the official EA practice tests, you’ll score 18 in each section. Why? I’m not sure, but maybe they’re giving themselves room to expand the scoring range in future, if needed).
Each section is given in two panels. The first panel will consist of mixed difficulty, mostly at a medium level. Once you submit the first panel, you will go to the second panel. The difficulty level will depend upon your performance in the first panel. If you get all the questions in the first panel correct, your second panel will be quite a bit more difficult. If you miss every questions in the first panel, your second panel will be less difficult. Within each panel, you may jump around and answer the questions in any order you’d like. There is no penalty for incorrect answers so you should answer them all.
The score is displayed shortly after test completion. Because you can only take the EA a limited number of times, GMAC does not allow you to cancel your scores. If you do not want your scores sent right after your completed appointment, it is recommended not to select any schools/programs prior to your appointment. The assessment allows you 30 minutes per section, for a complete length of 90 minutes.
The IR section consists of 12 questions, six questions per panel, with a 30-minute time limit. This section tests quant and verbal skills together. These questions come in four problem types: multi-source reasoning, graphics interpretation, two-part analysis and table analysis. 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 0 to 18.
The VR section consists of 14 questions, seven questions per panel, with a 30-minute time limit. This section tests grammar and meanings as well as logical reasoning and comprehension. There are three problem types: reading comprehension, critical reasoning and sentence correction in a five-option, multiple-choice format. A calculator will be available during this section only. 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. The level of difficulty in your first panel will be determined by your performance in the IR section, and your second panel difficulty level will be determined by your performance in the first VR panel. VR scores range from 0 to 18.
The QR section consists of 14 questions, seven questions per panel, with a 30-minute time limit. This section tests math as well as your ability to reason or think logically about quant topics. There are two problem types: data sufficiency and problem solving. Problem solving questions are designed to test an individual’s ability to work through a variety of mathematical problems. Calculators are not allowed during the QR section. The only tools that are permitted are a note board and markers they will be provide for you to work out the calculations.
The QR section does not test most geometry topics (unlike the GMAT and GRE), though it does test coordinate plane topics that are technically considered algebra. The difficulty of your first QR panel is determined by your performance in your first IR panel and the second panel is determined by your performance in the first QR panel. QR scores range from 0 to 18.
