Month: May 2010

Go to Knewton.com for hundreds more GMAT math and verbal concept videos, thousands of practice problems and much more.

GMAT stands for Graduate Management Aptitude Test and is a test designed to judge the verbal, mathematical and analytical writing skills of the examinee. The GMAT test is a computer adaptive test with a GMAT registration fee of $250 globally.

GMAT scores become the deciding factor in the admission of a management school aspirant. All the leading business schools factor the GMAT scores into their scheme of things before deciding on an applicants candidature. Therefore the GMAT test is a certain ‘must clear’ landmark for every B-School aspirant. To keep the dream alive the GMAT test scores must be in the upper 650s and as close as possible to the maximum of 800. Such is the competition amongst the GMAT takers that the more the better becomes quite true in their case.

Attempting GMAT practice questions and GMAT sample test makes up for a great strategy when it comes to successfully tackling this exam. GMAT books also provide an excellent foundation and are an essential to ace the GMAT test.

Studying from quality GMAT books are a great way to approach the GMAT test and get high GMAT scores. Some of the popular GMAT books include: How to Read Better and Faster by Norman Lewis

The Official Guide for GMAT review by Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC)

The Official Guide for GMAT verbal review by Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC)

The Official Guide for GMAT quantitative review by Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) Math Workout for the GMAT by Princeton Review

GMAT – CAT by Arco

GMAT Critical Reasoning Bible by David M. Killoran

Ace the GMAT by Brandon Royal

GMAT for Dummies by Scott Hatch J.D. and Lisa Hatch

Kaplan GMAT 800 by Eric Goodman

Despite the fact that GMAT is a computer adaptive test GMAT prep through the books is an excellent way to target top GMAT scores. Most of the GMAT books mentioned are an in-depth knowledge resource on various aspects of GMAT, it is also advised to introduce GMAT mock tests in your arsenal so as to get fully acquainted with the process. We hope you excel in the exam and get to your dreams.

Go to Knewton.com for hundreds more GMAT math and verbal concept videos, thousands of practice problems and much more.

When it comes to GMAT test prep, the key is to be consistent and start early. The same applies to any challenging and daunting test, such as the SAT or the GRE. Many people choose to take a GMAT preparation course, although some busy working adults don’t have the time in their busy schedule to take such a course. This is why online courses are so beneficial. If you get started with your GMAT or SAT online course as soon as possible and study consistently in the months and weeks leading up to the test, you have a good chance of scoring high. There are many tools that you can use once you sign up for a good GMAT preparation course. One of the most helpful tools is the practice test, which is typically timed to simulate the actual experience of test day as closely as possible. Once you get started with your GMAT or SAT online course, you will want to go through as much of the material as you can before you begin taking these practice tests, especially if you have been out of school for a while. After reviewing the basics of what to expect on the exam, then you can begin taking practice tests and see what areas you need to focus on, which you will have plenty of time to do if you started early. Consistency will help you make the most of your GMAT test preparation, and the best way to ensure this is to create a study plan with attainable goals for each week. If you can consistently study for a set amount of time each day, or as close to every day as possible, then you can reach each goal and move on to the next. By the end of this preparation cycle you should be able to finish the practice tests with great improvements in all the areas you were weaker in. But it will only work if you start early and study consistently.

Go to Knewton.com for hundreds more GMAT math and verbal concept videos, thousands of practice problems and much more.

GMAT or Graduate Management Admission Test is more of a battle of nerve. One needs to be skilled enough not just with the various parts of the actual GMAT test but also towards their time management skills. The idea behind having a GMAT test is to ascertain the verbal, mathematical and analytical writing abilities of the person taking the test and at the same time have good GMAT scores to ensure entry into reputed business schools where GMAT scores are factored in the most before grant of admission to graduate management programs.

So how is it that one can crack the GMAT and get great GMAT scores? The answer: besides being blessed with a bent of mind towards education and seriousness in life (pun intended), one needs to have a very methodical approach towards GMAT. Talking of great GMAT scores, this is one exam in which competition is immense and one needs to have good GMAT scores as close as possible to the perfect 800.

An effective GMAT test schedule should ideally include GMAT sample test, GMAT practice questions, practice through online mock tests to ensure one is in tune with the online computer adaptive style of GMAT.

If you are planning to go for your GMAT registration or have already taken the plunge, you should now have your GMAT prep tailored to include all the above mentioned things. One more important addition should be GMAT books. Have quality reference GMAT books which can provide you with an effective platform from where you can take on your GMAT prep to an all time high.

Some of the popular GMAT books include:

The Official Guide for GMAT review by Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC)

The Official Guide for GMAT verbal review by Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC)

The Official Guide for GMAT quantitative review by Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) Math Workout for the GMAT by Princeton Review

GMAT for Dummies by Scott Hatch J.D. and Lisa Hatch

Kaplan GMAT 800 by Eric Goodman

I am sure the information provided in this article will be of great use for students gearing up for the GMAT.

What is GMAT?

The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is an annually conducted examination. It is an analysis of the general skills and abilities that one has aggregated over time.

The GMAT test is a consistent form of evaluation that aids business schools or ‘B-Schools’ in estimating the skills and qualifications of the candidate; which are essential for advanced study in business and management. It helps to calibrate the basic verbal, mathematical and analytical writing skills of the applicant.

Examination format

The examination is composed of three main sections. There is an essay section called as Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA). There are also two multiple-choice sections, namely, Quantitative and Verbal.

• Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) Section

The GMAT test commences with the Analytical Writing Assessment Section. The AWA division offers and tests two unique writing skills,

1. Analysis of an issue

2. Analysis of an argument

There are 30 minutes allotted for each type of analysis. The applicants are provided with a computer on which they can type and save their essays using a common and manageable word-processing program. After the completion of the AWA section, the Verbal and Quantitative sections follow. However, these multiple-choice questions can appear in random order.

• Quantitative Section

On the completion of the AWA section there is an optional ten-minute break; after which the Quantitative section starts. This division of the GMAT examination consists of 37 multiple-choice questions. The questions are broadly divided into two categories,

1. Data Sufficiency

2. Problem Solving

There are approximately 24 questions on Problem Solving and 13 questions on Data Sufficiency. The candidate is allotted 75 minutes to complete the entire section.

• Verbal Section

After the completion of the Quantitative Section, there is another optional ten-minute break; and it is time for the final Verbal Section of the GMAT test. This section consists of 41 multiple-choice questions. These questions are categorized into three types,

1. Reading Comprehension

2. Critical Reasoning

3. Sentence Correction

There are approximately 41 questions on Reading Comprehension, 14 questions on Critical Reading and 13 questions on Sentence Correction. There are maximum 75 minutes available to complete the entire Verbal Section.

B Schools and GMAT scores

Since 1954, applicants have undertaken the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) to exhibit their skills and potential to Business Schools or ‘B-Schools’ admission committees. The GMAT examination chiefly tests the following skills,

• Endurance and concentration power

• Command over English grammar, mathematics skills, logic and reasoning

• Guesswork and decision making

• Ability to solve problems

An applicant of the GMAT test receives four scores as the result of the examination; every score denoting the result of the corresponding type of section of GMAT. The significance of the different scores is mentioned below,

• Quantitative scaled sub score

This score ranges from 0 to 60. Effectively the maximum score is 51.

• Verbal scaled sub score

This score ranges from 0 to 60. Effectively the maximum score is 48.

• Overall scaled score

This score ranges from 200 to 800. It is the amalgamation of Math and Verbal scores. Hence, it is an overall score. B-schools stress importance chiefly for the overall score.

• Analytical Writing Assessment score

This score ranges from 0 to 6. It has a lower priority compared to the 200 to 800 cumulative score.

The GMAT examination is graded curve that is set beforehand. As a result, the scaled score will correspond to a certain percentile. For example, an overall score of 720 corresponds approximately to 99th percentile. This indicates that 99 percent of the applicants scored at or below this grade.

The demand for MBA is increasing at a breath-taking pace. Hence, now it has become pivotal to acquire high score in GMAT as B-Schools are brimming with applicants. MBA graduates are pulling fat salaries in today’s cut-throat competitive market. This fact has boosted the importance of high GMAT scores.

What are the best ways to prepare for the GMAT?

Anyone looking to take the GMAT examination wonders what they should do to prepare. MBA programs are extremely competitive and an excellent score is necessary to get into a high quality MBA program. With all that is riding on a test score, it is important to know how to prepare for the GMAT.

GMAT Study Guides and Sample Tests

There are several options for practice exams and study guides. There are online options and offline options. Many are available for free. A trip to your local library or an online search for “GMAT compound interest questions” will yield resources you can use to learn for free. With many applicants reporting that they studied for 70 to 100 hours prior to the test, it’s a great idea to find as much study material as you can.

There are three sections to the GMAT examination. There is a verbal section, a math section, and a written section. The verbal section’s questions come in several varieties, mainly sentence correction, critical reasoning, and reading comprehension. The math section focuses on problem solving and data sufficiency. The written section consists of two essays which are graded separately from the rest of the exam. The written essays are graded on a scale from 0 to 6.

GMAT Score Calculators

Once you’ve been studying for a while it’s a good idea to check up on how you’re doing. You can use a GMAT score calculator to take the score you get from practice tests and convert it into what your GMAT score would be. With most top flight businesses schools reporting that their accepted applicants fall in the low 700s range, using a score calculator will give you an idea of how far you have to go.

Questionable GMAT Prep Techniques

With the pressure to perform well on the test there have been a number of unethical study guides popping up. People also attempt to find GMAT torrent to assist their studies. There was a famous case recently of GMAC (the company running the GMAT) seizing the records of a test prep company advertising that they had actual GMAT questions available to their members. When searching for GMAT test prep it’s always a good idea not to pay for anything that looks like it might be underhanded.

GMAT Success is Possible, Start Studying Today

Studying for the GMAT can be a big undertaking, but there is not need to feel completely overwhelmed. Start studying today and stick with it and you’ll be amazed what you can accomplish.

Are you one of those wanting to crack your way into leading B-schools? Well, there are many milestones in the way before you reach your destination. Cracking GMAT is without a doubt the most important of them all. Your GMAT score would eventually be the decisive factor which determines whether you land that opportunity to be part of your targeted business school.

Let us try and decode the GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) for you. To begin GMAT is nothing but a computer adaptive test which has the mandate from the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), the apex body which governs the GMAT exam across the globe. GMAT prep is one tricky area which has bamboozled many management school applicants. The strategy to be adopted towards GMAT exam is often the part which is the trickiest.

Analytical Writing Assessment, Quantitative and Verbal section are the three sections around which the GMAT test is structured.

AWA or Analytical Writing Assessment section constitutes two essays with one focusing on analysis of an argument and the other on an issue. Each of these essays is rated on a scale of 0 to 6. Next in line is the Quant section which has 37 multiple choices questions and gets a scoring between 0 to 60 points. Final section is the verbal section consisting of 41 multiple choices questions scored again between 0 to 60 points.

To champion these 3 crucial sections there are many companies offering excellent GMAT prep strategies to help the GMAT takers practice and make perfect their skills before they take the test. Therefore it makes sense to explore all possible options in order to excel in your GMAT exam even if that involves trying out the GMAT prep tips and techniques offered by experts who have hands on experience of the GMAT.

When you are going to prepare for GMAT Exam you have many questions in your mind as what is this test all about? Why is it necessary to take this test? What are the contents of this test? How to prepare this test? And what are the strategies that can be proved useful during exam? This article is aimed at answering all your questions and it will be quite useful for you while preparing for the GMAT exam. Prepare GMAT using GMATPass.com (http://www.gmatpass.com)

As far as the question of what is this test for and why it is important? is concerned, the answer to these questions is very simple. The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a standardized test that’s used to predict a college graduate’s likelihood of succeeding in graduate schools of business. While not all business schools require candidates to take the GMAT test, the vast majority do. Scores range between 200 and 800 on the GMAT test, and everything else being equal, a higher score naturally improves your chances of gaining admission to the business school of your choice. It’s a timed test, which you can take just about any month of the year. Prepare GMAT using GMATPass.com (http://www.gmatpass.com)

To begin your preparation for GMAT, you should become as familiar as possible with the various types of questions that appear on the exam. There are basically three types of questions that are asked in GMAT exam and these are:

• Analytical Writing Test

• Quantative Test

• Verbal Test

The first part is Analytical Writing GMAT test section. You will have one hour to complete two writing assignments-in the first one; you will analyze an issue that’s presented. In the second, you’ll analyze a selected argument. The second part is Quantitative, which lasts 75 minutes and consists of 37 multiple questions concerning problem solving and data sufficiency. Finally there’s the Verbal section, which also is timed at 75 minutes, and tests your skills at critical reasoning and reading comprehension of complex passages. Although you won’t receive your official scores for about three weeks, which you can receive online or in the mail, you can view your unofficial scores for the Verbal and Quantitative portions before you leave the testing facility.

A major dilemma that most of the people face is the belief that because they had done well in algebra and geometry in junior high school, they will be convenient with the math section of the GMAT. It is entirely a wrong idea as I can tell you from experience; when you throw in a time constraint, it’s a level of pressure that requires you to be well trained. 37 math questions in 75 minutes mean you have to have every single question answered in no more than 2 minutes. With only 2 minutes each, you will not have time to do most of the calculations needed without using a calculator.

My advice is to go through a GMAT guide, learn all of the tricks to quickly answering math questions. You’ll learn things, like – plugging in each of the answers to an equation to find which one is correct vs. solving the problem.

Next step is to be familiar with the Computer Adaptive Test system (CAT). Make sure you know how everything works (e.g. scrolling) before you start the exam. Pace is very important. Losing time because of unfamiliarity with the CAT system is avoidable with the practice of sample questions. The Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) offers free practice questions on its Web site so that you can become familiar with the test. Prepare GMAT using GMATPass.com (http://www.gmatpass.com)

When you feel you understand the material completely, take the Diagnostic test that follows and evaluate your results. A low score in some particular area indicates that you should spend more time reviewing that particular material. Study the review section for that area until you are completely satisfied with your performance. For best results, try to simulate conditions of exam as closely as possible when taking sample tests. There should be no unscheduled breaks or interruptions, and there should be a strict adherence to time limits. Prepare GMAT using GMATPass.com (http://www.gmatpass.com)

Test-Taking Strategies:

Develop a strategy as you practice. It’s important to know where you are in the test at all times. Remember some basic strategies for taking your GMAT exam; it will be an added advantage for you during your test. There is list of Test-Taking strategies as below,

1. The first five or so questions count more than later questions. Budget a little more time for these questions. You have 13/4 minutes for each verbal question and 2 minutes for each quantative question. So be prepared to spend more time with the initial questions.

2. Another important strategy for taking the exam is “Answer as many questions as possible”, while there is no minimum number to answer in order to get a score; your score will be lower if fewer questions are answered.

3. If you are not sure about answer, guess because unlike the older version of GMAT now there is penalty for wrong answer.

4. Pace yourself and be aware of remaining time and confirm your answer only when you are confidant about the answer a you can not return to the previous question. In the end, be careful about section exit and test quit commands as you cannot go back