Crack the GMAT Nut

GMAT (Graduate Management Aptitude Test) is a common admission test conducted by GMAC (Graduate Management Admission Council) across the year in all countries. The standard application fees is $250 which needs to be paid by every candidate before scheduling an appointment for taking the GMAT exam at an authorized GMAT test center. There are multiple slots in a day from which candidate can choose from. GMAT exam is available on all days of a week and 365 days a year. There is no restriction on the number of times a candidate can appear for GMAT but there needs to be a gap of minimum 1 month in any 2 successive attempts. GMAT is broken into 2 sections of Quantitative analysis (Mathematics) and Verbal analysis (English). Though the QA is comparatively easy but VA is surely tough and competitive. GMAT is a computer adaptive test where computer assumes a standard score of 500 before you start the exam and then as you answer a question correctly or wrongly, your score increases or decreases respectively.

The English section of GMAT has typically 3 types of questions

• Sentence Correction - Finding errors in given sentences

• Critical Reasoning - Supporting or justifying given argument

• Reading Comprehension - Answering a set of questions on basis of given passage

Out of these 3, Reading Comprehension is generally considered to be the easiest one and most scoring one too. Scores in English are generally low and a candidate needs to compensate for the same in Mathematics where following 2 types of question appear

• Data Sufficiency - analyze whether the asked question can be answered on basis of 2 given statements

• Problem Solving - General mathematical questions based on algebra

There is another section in the GMAT exam known as Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) where 2 essays are to be written by the candidate on given topics. This is usually to test writing skills of the candidate.A lot of hard work is required to prepare for the exam as thousands of students across the globe write the exam and compete for the top business schools. So one really needs to display an upper edge over others and get through successfully. A minimum of 2 months of study is required with an average of 3-4 hours per day. As a key a candidate must be aware of the type of questions generally asked in the GMAT exam and practice those specific types only. There is a reference book called OG (Original Guide) from the GMAT organizers only which has a huge collection of previous year actual GMAT questions. Then there are books from Manhattan and others which have additional questions and techniques. Preparation Test software is also available from the MBA.com website which has 2 full lengths actual GMAT tests with all the required information for even the first time takers. The final key thing is to keep in mind is that in GMAT you cannot skip any question and every question needs to be answered before going to the next one.