If you’re thinking about taking the GMAT or have already registered for a testing date, you undoubtedly have a ton of questions swirling around in your mind. In this blog post, we’ll answer some of the GMAT FAQs in 2023.
1. What does GMAT stand for?
The GMAT stands for General Management Admission Test. The GMAT is a standardized test that measures your analytical, writing, quantitative, and verbal skills. The GMAT is used by business schools to help decide which applicants to admit into their programs.
2. Who conducts the GMAT exam?
The administrator of the GMAT is the General Management Admission Council (GMAC).
3. Why is the GMAT exam required for MBA?
The exam is considered to be a predictor of academic success for MBA programs and business careers. The GMAT tests reasoning and problem-solving skills, and critical thinking. It is also a measure of verbal, mathematical, and analytical writing skills.
4. When can I register for the GMAT 2023?
You can register for the GMAT between 6 months to 24 hours before the exam. However, we recommend you register 3 months in advance.
5. How do I register for the GMAT 2023?
To register online you will need to:
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- Create an account on the mba.com website.
- Verify your email.
- Book a date.
- Pay the application fee of $250.
You can also register through fax, phone, or mail. The registration process can take 15 to 30 minutes.
6. How much does the GMAT cost?
The GMAT costs $250, approximately 230 euros and 190 pounds. The price may differ by country.
7. Where to take the GMAT?
You can find the nearest testing center on the mba.com website or take the exam online.
8. Can the GMAT exam be taken online?
Yes, the GMAT exam can be taken online. The GMAC has decided to make the online GMAT a permanent option, after it was introduced at the beginning of the pandemic, along with in-person exams.
9. When is the GMAT exam held in 2023?
GMAT is available almost all year round. Testing dates are available 6 months in advance. You can book an available slot in the nearest testing center, appointments are usually available 6 days a week in most countries. If you are taking the GMAT online, you can take the exam 7 days a week.
We recommend registering 3 months in advance or no more than 3 weeks ahead.
10. How to reschedule my GMAT exam?
You can reschedule your GMAT online or by phone up to 24 hours prior to the exam. Note that if you cancel by phone, you will be charged an additional fee of $10. A rescheduling fee applies if you decide to reschedule your exam:
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- 14 days to 24 hours prior to the exam: $150
- 15 to 60 days prior to the exam: $100
- 60 days prior to the exam: $50
11. How often can I take the GMAT?
You can take the GMAT 5 times in a 12-months period. However, you can’t take it more than once in a 16-day period. However, we recommend not to retake the exam in less than 3 months. It’s unlikely that your score would improve drastically in a short period of time.
12. Are GMAT and GRE similar?
The main difference between GMAT and GRE is that the GMAT is designed specifically for business schools, while the GRE is accepted by a series of master’s programs. The GRE keeps your options open in case you haven’t made up your mind about your master’s degree. However, keep in mind that not all business schools accept GRE. Also, make sure you contact your admissions office and check which exam they prefer.
13. How long should I study for the GMAT?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. The GMAT journey is unique to everyone, and you’re the only one to know what’s right for you. However, on average candidates spend 3-6 months preparing for the GMAT. We recommend a 3-month GMAT study plan, which can be shrunk or stretched according to your schedule.
14. Can GMAT be cracked without a private tutor?
When you start preparing for the GMAT, you need to establish some goals and a study plan. Achieving the score you’re aiming for is not an easy mission. The GMAT prep requires perfect preparation and continuous motivation and dedication. If you find yourself falling behind and you aren’t anywhere near where you planned to be, you might consider hiring a GMAT tutor. Having someone by your side step-by-step can make the prep journey easier on academic and social aspects.
Before hiring a GMAT tutor do your research to find the best tutor for you. At Apex we offer personalized tutoring according to each candidate’s needs. We provide a free complimentary consultation call for your questions about GMAT private tutoring.
15. Can I use a calculator on the GMAT?
You are not allowed to bring in your own calculator. However, you will be provided with a calculator only during the Integrated Reasoning section. During the Quantitative section, you won’t be able to use a calculator, but you will be given a note board and markers to do calculations.
16. Can I skip questions on the GMAT exam?
No, you need to provide an answer before moving to the next questions. The GMAT is a computer-adaptive test (CAT) which means that the questions’ difficulty adapts to your skill level. As you progress, the difficulty of the next question is based on your performance on the previous one. Therefore, you can’t skip a question.
17. Are GMAT questions repeated?
Yes, and no. GMAT questions don’t repeat but the concepts and the patterns do. Often elements of some questions will be reused to formulate a new one, but not the same question.
18. How does the GMAT scoring work?
The way GMAT scoring works can be complicated since it’s a CAT. The GMAT is scored on a scale from 200 to 800, with 800 being a perfect score. Each section of the GMAT is scored individually.
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- The Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) is scored out of six points in half-point increments.
- The Integrated Reasoning section is scored out of eight points in single-point increments.
- The Verbal and Quant combined make up the score out of 800.
The overall 800-score is done by a confidential algorithm by the GMAC.
19. Are the GMAT results instant?
Right after the exam, you will have an unofficial report with the scores of your Quant, Verbal and Integrated Reasoning section. You have up to two minutes to accept or cancel them. If you don’t make a decision your score will be automatically canceled.
In case you accept the results, you and the schools you have chosen to send the reports to will receive an official report up to 20 days after the exam. The official report will also include the Analytical Assessment score and your GMAT percentile ranking.
In case you cancel your results, they won’t show up on your score report.
20. What GMAT score do I need?
There is no “passing” score on the GMAT. To know what score you’re aiming for, you need to check the class profile and the admission requirements of the programs you’re looking at. Your score goal may differ depending on your school(s) needs.
21. Can I cancel my GMAT score?
You can cancel your GMAT score immediately after the exam at no cost. The score can be canceled up to 72 hours after the exam for a fee. If you cancel your score, it will not be shown on your score reports. If you cancel your score and want to reinstate it, you can do so online or by phone for a fee of $50. An additional $10 fee applies if you cancel by phone.
22. For how many years is the GMAT valid?
Your GMAT score is valid for 5 years after you take the exam.
23. Can the GMAT be waived?
Few schools in the US have policies for waving the GMAT, those are usually significant professional work experience, degrees, or high achievements. The applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Other schools accept the GRE instead of the GMAT.
If you have questions that we haven’t answered, book a 30-minute complimentary consultation call with one of our top GMAT instructors or check our article on GMAT Test Days FAQs.
Contributor: Cynthia Addoumieh