Taking the GMAT
The simple acronym of ‘GMAT’ strikes fear in the hearts of many! Admission into CMU’s AASCB accredited MBA program requires applicants to take the GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test). This can often be a daunting admission requirement as many people are not familiar with what the GMAT contains or how to prepare for it. Learning what the test entails will decrease the test-jitters and we are here to help with that!
The GMAT is a standardized assessment that helps schools assess the qualifications of applicants for advanced study in business and management. Schools use the test as one predictor of academic performance in an MBA program or in other graduate management programs.
Admission into CMU’s MBA programs requires applicants to submit a GMAT score of at least 450 (higher if your undergraduate GPA deems it necessary). GMAT scores range from 200 to 800. Two-thirds of test takers score between 400 and 600.
The exam measures basic verbal, mathematical, and analytical writing skills that have been developed from education and work. The GMAT exam consists of three main parts: an Analytical Writing Assessment, a Quantitative section, and a Verbal section.
What to Expect:
- Analytical Writing Assessment: Analysis of an Issue and Analysis of an Argument (allowed 30 minutes to complete each one).
- Optional ten-minute break
- Quantitative Section: 37 multiple-choice questions of two question types—Data Sufficiency and Problem Solving (allowed a maximum of 75 minutes to complete the entire section).
- Optional ten-minute break
- Verbal Section: 41 multiple choice questions of three question types—Reading Comprehension, Critical Reasoning, and Sentence Correction (allowed a maximum of 75 minutes to complete the entire section).
Total test time (including two 10-minute breaks) is a little over 3 hours.
To prepare for the GMAT:
- Download and use the *free* GMATPrep® test-preparation software so you can become familiar with the format used in computer-based testing.
- Review the types of questions on the GMAT test by looking at sample questions for each section of the test.
- To study for the Analytical Writing Assessment section of the GMAT test, practice writing an essay using the complete list of AWA topics.
Additional test-prep suggestions:
- Purchase a set of three GMAT® Paper Tests for extra practice.
- Depending on how long it has been since you studied math, you may want to do a review of basic math skills.
- If you want more sample questions to study, you can buy Official Guide for GMAT® Review, 11th Edition, the Official Guide for GMAT® Verbal Review, or the Official Guide for GMAT® Quantitative Review. Each Guide has hundreds of real GMAT questions, answers, and explanations.
- Review and study one section of the test at a time.
Allow for at least four weeks of studying before you take the test.
Additionally, it is best to familiarize yourself with the conditions and timing of the test as much as possible. A great way to do this is by taking the *free* GMAT test available through the GMATPrep® test-preparation software. It is suggested that when taking practice tests, that you do so from start to finish, not by breaking the exam up and doing it in sections.
Once prepared for the exam, schedule your exam and ensure you select to have your scores sent to CMU. To find an authorized testing center and to schedule your GMAT test, please go to www.mba.com. Please respond to this email and let us know when your testing date is scheduled. Best of luck to you!
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