GMAT

GMAT

(Graduate Management Admission Test)

The GMAT is the Graduate Management Admission Test, a standardized test required by the vast majority of business schools to measure the skills required by graduate business students.

GMAT is taken by candidates who have an undergraduate degree and some work experience.

Individuals applying for admission in MBA, other Graduate Management Programs and Masters/ Graduate level degrees in selected fields of Marketing, Business, Finance and Economics are required to take the GMAT.

Almost all major business schools around the world require applicants to submit their GMAT scores along with essays, interviews and academic and employment records as part of admission application

IBA gives admission test exemption to a candidate if his GMAT score is 600 +

LUMS now considers GMAT scores in place of LUMS own test LM At for admission in its Business School

GMAT preparation prepare a candidate for Admission Test for all local Business Schools in their MBA program.

If you score well on GMAT you are expected to clear the admission test of all local Business Schools for their MBA programs with high score.

GMAT – COMPUTER ADAPTIVE TEST

The GMAT test is computer adaptive, meaning that instead of determining your score using a fixed set of questions, the exam provides you with questions of variable difficulty based on your answers to previous questions.

GMAT test questions are not pre-set in advance. The GMAT begins with a question of average difficulty  and if you answer it correctly, you will receive a slightly harder second question. If you answer it wrong, you will receive a slightly  easier second question. Your third question, in turn, is based on your response to the second question, and so on.

In this way, the GMAT test your  ability level and assigns you a corresponding score.

Because your real – time performance on the exam  is essential to a final computation of your score, the way you take the GMAT test will differ greatly from your experience with other exams. Specifically:

You will see only one question on the screen at a time. You cannot move onto another question until you answer the current one. Once you answer a question, you cannot return to it or review any question that you have already answered.

Correct responses to difficult questions are worth more than correct responses to easy questions. The raw number of correct questions answered is not indicative of your final score.

Despite these variables, the GMAT test will always present you with a fair mix of questions with regards to content areas for given section. For instance, any test-taker will receive the same rough mix of arithmetic, algebra, and geometry questions on the quantitative portion of the test.

SECTIONS OF GMAT

SECTION 1 – Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA): The GMAT begins with the Analytical Writing  Assessment

For the  Analytical Writing Assessment, you will be asked to compose two 30 minutes essays.

The first essay will ask you to analyze a given argument; the second will ask you to analyze a given issue.

SECTION 2 – Quantitative (Quant): You have 75 minutes to answer 37 multiple-choice quantitative questions that come in two formats.

Problem Solving questions (approximately 22 out of the 37 questions) are multiple-choice math questions that ask you to solve for a specific value.

Data Sufficiency questions (approximately 15 of the 37 questions) ask you to decide whether or not you are given sufficient information to answer a mathematical question.

SECTION 3 – Verbal (English): You have 75 minutes to answer 41 multiple-choice verbal questions in three formats.

Sentence Correction questions ask you to choose the most grammatically accurate sentence.

Critical Reasoning questions demand that you assess the logic of short arguments.

Reading Comprehension involves reading short passages and answering questions based on that particular passage.

Each verbal question type comprises approximately one-third of the verbal section.

SECTION 4 – Integrated Reasoning (Integ. Rea): Integrated Reasoning consists of four question types, which require you to analyze and synthesize data in different formats and from multiple sources.

The questions comprise of Graphics Interpretation, Two-Part Analysis, Table Analysis and Multi-Source Reasoning. Candidates attempt 12 questions in a period of 30 minutes.

GMAT FORMAT

TEST FORMAT                               No. OF QUESTIONS                                              TIME

Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA)

Analysis of an argument                                                        1                                                           30 min

Analysis of an Issue                                                  1                                                           30 min

Integrated Reasoning (I.R)

Multi Source, Table Analysis Graphics, Two-Part Analysis  12                                                            30 min

“Optional” Break                                                                                                         8 min

Quantitative                                                           37                                                        75 min

Problem Solving                                                        22

Data Sufficiency                                                         15

“Optional” Break                                                                                                         8 min

Verbal                                                                       41                                                        75 min

Sentence Correction                                                 14 – 15

Critical Reasoning                                                     13 – 14

Reading Comprehension                                          12 – 14

Total Score        200 to 800                                               3 hrs 30 min ( + breaks)

The Graduate Management Admission Test ® (GMAT®) consists of four main parts, the  Analytical Writing Assessment, Integrated Reasoning, Quantitative section, and Verbal section.

Total duration of test is 3 .5 hours, but with the          Breaks, time extends to approximately 4hours.

GMAT SCORE

AN OFFICIAL GMAT SCORE REPORT CONSISTS OF FIVE PARTS

Verbal Scaled Score (on a scale from 0 to 60)

Quantitative Scaled Score (on a scale from 0 to 60)

Total Scaled Score (on a scale from 200 to 800)

Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) Score (on a scale from 0 to 6)

Integrated Reasoning Score (on a scale from 1 to 8)

The total score is a scaled combination of the verbal and quantitative scaled scores, and thus reflects a student’s overall performance on the multiple-choice sections of the test.

The AWA and the Integrated Reasoning Sections are scored independently; scores for these sections do not affect the 200-800 scaled score.

The Verbal and Quantitative Sections

To compute the scaled score for the verbal and Quantitative sections, GMAT uses an algorithm that takes the following factors into account:

The number of questions answered within the time permitted

The number of questions answered correctly

The statistical characteristics (including level of difficulty) of the questions answered

At the beginning of each section, the GMAT presents a question in the middle range of difficulty. If the question is answered correctly, the next question will be harder and the test taker’s score, will adjust upwards.

If the question is answered incorrectly, the next question will be easier, and the test-taker’s score will adjust downwards. (The test taker does not see this adjustment because the score is not revealed until the entire test has been completed.)

Thus, the algorithm is constantly recalculating the scaled score as the student progresses through the section.

As a test-taker answers more questions the algorithm receives more information about his or her skills and is able to calculate an accurate score with greater and greater precision.

Consequently, the questions at the beginning of the section are weighted much more heavily than questions near the end of the section.

Upon completing the GMAT, test-takers must decide whether or not to keep their scores. Those who choose to keep their scores are able to view the total scaled score along with the separate Verbal and Quantitative scaled scores.

Those who choose to Cancel  cannot view any scores. While total scaled scores range from 200 to 800 approximately half of all test takers score between 400 and 600.

The Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA)

The AWA essay receives two scores on a scale of 0 to 6, at least one of which comes from a Human   Reader.

The other score, however, may come from a computerized evaluation program.

If the scores from the two readers are identical or differ by exactly one point, they are averaged to obtain the final score for that essay. If the scores differ by more than one point, an expert human reader determines the final score.

Over 9% of test – takers receive a scaled score of 3 or higher on the AWA. Since human Reader are involved in the AWA grading process, students cannot view AWA scores on the same day that they take the test. Students who choose to keep their scores receive an official GMAT score report via regular mail approximately two weeks later that includes their AWA score.

Integrated Reasoning

The Integrated Reasoning section is scored on a scales of 1 to 8, in one-point increments. This section is not computer adaptive.

Test-takers will not be able to view their Integrated  Reasoning scores on the same day that they take the test. Those who choose to keep their scores will receive an official GMAT score report via regular mail approximately   two weeks later that includes the Integrated Reasoning score.

The mean overall GMAT score is a 537 To be considered for top business schools, you generally need a score of at least 600.

The top 20 business school report their average GMAT score to be around a 670 – 715, with 700 + being the average for top 10 programs.

GMAT – TIME DURATION

The GMAT exam begins with  the Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA).

The AWA consists of two separate writing tasks – Analysis of an Issue and Analysis of an Argument.

Analysis of an Argument (30 minutes) Analysis of an Issue (30 minites)  8 minute Break

Quantitative Section (75 minutes)    8 minute break   Verbal section (75 minutes)

Total: 226 minutes (3 hours 46 minutes) including breaks.

VALIDITY OF GMAT SCORE    GMAT scores are valid for 5 years

GMAT-DATES AND TEST CENTRES

The GMAT exam can usually be taken throughout the year but one should check

www. MBA.com to see available test dates in their city.

In Pakistan, GMAT is conducted in Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad. Test registration is done online.

TEST CENTRES IN PAKISTAN

There are three local offices that conduct the GMAT in Pakistan:

Karachi (8781)

Global Education Foundation,  Prometric Testing Center, Suite No. 217, 2nd floor, Plot No. G7, Block9. The Plaza, Scheme No. 5, Clifton, Karachi, Pakistan

Islamabad (8782)

United States Educational Foundation in Pakistan (USEFP), Prometric Testing Center, House 16, Street 84, G – 6/4, Ataturk Avenue, Islamabad, Pakistan

Lahore (8783)

Lahore University of Management Science, Prometric Testing Center, Opposite Sector, U.L.C.C.H.S., Lahore Cant., Lahore, Pakistan

GMAT REGISTRATION FEE

The Registration Fee for GMAT is us $250 and may be paid through credit card (Visa, Master Card, or American Express) while registering online.

AFTER THE TEST CHECKING THE SCORE,

CANCELLING THE SCORE and REPORTING

Due to the computer adaptive nature of the test, you will have immediate access to your performance on the quantitative and verbal portions of the exam.

However, the test will ask you if you would like to view or cancel your scores.

If you think you did not perform well, you may cancel your scores without seeing them and they will not be reported to any business schools, although the schools will be notified of your decision to cancel your scores.

Keep in mind, however, that once you cancel your scores, you will not be refunded your test registration fee.

We  consistently recommend to our students that they check their scores.

In most cases, the feeling of under performance is simply a side effect of computer adaptive test-taking: the GMAT provides you with difficult questions because you are at a higher level. Hence, you should always check your scores.

The only exception would be when you run out of time on a given section, thereby earning a score significantly below your ability level.

Your AWA score, on a range from 0 to 6, is determined separately and e-mailed to you roughly two weeks after the test.

Priors to taking the GMAT you can select 5 schools to receive your scores. Each additional school you select will cause you to be subject to a $28 processing fee.

Rescheduling

Rescheduling the date, time or location of the test requires an additional fee of $40 and can be done with a credit card either online or by phone. If you choose to reschedule by phone, the appropriate number to call is the same number that you used to register for the test originally (the specific test center, the regional registration center, or 800-GMAT-NOW). The new, rescheduled test date can be no later than one year from the original test date

Canceling the Test

If you cancel your test appointment at least seven days before the test date, you will receive a partial refund of $80. After the seven-day deadline, however, the entire $200 testing fee is forfeit.

Cancellation can be done either online or by phone. If you choose to cancel by phone, the appropriate number to cell is the same number that you used to register for the test originally (the test center, the regional registration center, or 80-GMAT NOW FREE)

RETAKING THE GMAT

The GMAC limits the number of times a student may take the test.

The first restriction is that a person may take the test only once in any calendar month.

The second restriction is that a person may take the test only five times in any twelve-month period

The GMAC, however, may waive the second restriction in certain instances. Students seeking permission to take the test more than five times in a twelve-month period must submit a written request either by e-mail or regular mail.

GMAT Registration

The GMAT is administered by the Graduate Management Admissions Council (GMAC)

In order to register for the GMAT, you must first choose a test center.

The GMAC maintains one test center list for the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. territories, and a second list for all other international locations. lists can be downloaded from the GMAC website, www.mba.com.

LUMS Average GMAT Score for MBA admissions

GMAT was made mandatory for admissions to the LUMS MBA program in 2014 for admissions in fall 2015. LMAT was scrapped in favor of GMAT and as a result the number of applicants to LUMS declined from 1000 to around 600.

Since this was the first time LUMS was solely relying on GMAT, most of the applicants were in a quandary as to what is a good GMAT score for LUMS.

The average GMAT scores MBA classes at LUMS help applicants by telling them the benchmark that LUMS uses in rating its admitted students. Moreover by switching from LMAT to GMAT, it shows that LUMS is re-inventing its MBA program

For students who were admitted to LUMS in fall 2015, the range of scores was from 470 to 700. Over 70% of the admitted student had a score between 570 and 630 with an average GMAT of around 590.

It’s not unusual for LUMS to have admitted a very small number of students in the low 500s or late 400s; LUMS does this to students who are exceptional.

The few success stories I have seen have come from students who have good solid work experience of 4-5 years and have outstanding practical achievements.

So if you were to ask that could one get into LUMS with a 500 on GMAT or a 470 on GMAT, the answer is yes. So this is good news for many of you, who have done very well practically but haven’t been able to do so well on the GMAT.

But do note that LUMS admits students in the 500-550 ranges but the number of student is few. Most of them hover around 600.

The target zone: 640+ You are definitely in range for a chance at admissions to LUMS with any score above 640, given that you have at least some experience and a decent application.

The safe zone: 570-620. If your scores are in this range than as long as your work experience, GPA, resume and recommendations are on track with the average LUME hopeful, you have a good shot.

Keep in mind, though, that even a 700 doesn’t guarantee admissions to LUMS as many students that I know have been rejected by LUMS at those scores.

The No zone: below 550. Your application is likely going to face some serious extra scrutiny. You must have something to offer to LUMS that other high scores don’t else chances would be negligible. Generally students with less than 550 have much more work experience than others-generally 3+ years.

In case you are wondering, the lowest score admitted to LUMS last year was 470. Again, those admitted in the range are the outliers; the individuals whom LUMS is willing to let impact its GMAT score ranges because they are that special. But there aren’t going to be too many people LUMS considers special enough to be in this category.

If your score are in the “No Zone” range, I highly recommend you do some serious GMAT prep. Your extra achievements may be able to get you to the interview but may give the LUMS admissions committee a reason to reject you.

Is there negative marking in GMAT exam?

There is NO NEGATIVE MARKING in GMAT. However, GMAT is an adaptive exam. This means that if you keep getting questions right, the upcoming questions would be tougher. On the other hand, if you get any question wrong, the next questions would be tougher. On the other hand, if you get any question wrong, the next question would be easier.

The harder questions normally have more marks, even though the marks for any question are not mentioned. So if you get a question wrong, it is very expensive because the next questions would be easier and would thus carry lesser marks.

Also since the next question depends on the answer to the current question, you cannot leave any question. You have to answer all the questions and you cannot go back to change your previous answer. In addition, the penalty for not being able to finish all the questions is extremely high in terms of the number of marks lost.