GMAT Test

The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is geared toward those university and college graduates who will eventually become the executives of American corporations. The GMAT has a distinct format, in that it is a computer-adaptive test. In keeping with business goals of efficiency and time management, the GMAT elevates or lowers the test performance level to match the test taker's level of functioning and comprehension. If the test taker starts off at a high level, the test questions become harder and the demands are greater.

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In terms of content, the verbal section of the GMAT tests the ability to interpret written technical and abstract materials, to recognize errors in construction and logic, and to draw conclusions from inferences rather than declarative statements. The verbal portion of the GMAT is formatted in a multiple-choice type answer format.

The reading passages require significant vocabulary development beyond the undergraduate college level, and require the application of multi-directional logic through deductive or inductive reasoning. Many of the textual passages include technical data, which is often quantitative. The test taker may have to use math constructs to develop conclusions about the passages. Other passages are constructed to measure language proficiency and require the test taker to perceive and register weaknesses in various language structures.

The quantitative or arithmetic section of the GMAT requires the test taker to solve common arithmetic and algebraic problems and use common geometric forms, measurements, and formulas. It is also in a multiple-choice format, and includes a section in which the test taker is required to glean information from a reading passage and then evaluate the data embedded in the passage. The questions are directed toward ascertaining whether there is sufficient data supplied for the problem solution.

The GMAT also contains an Analytical Writing Assessment comprised of two exercises, each of which is allotted 30 minutes. The test taker must respond to a prompt either by weighing in on a controversial issue or by analyzing an abstract argument. The successful AWA respondent will be able to analyze issues in written form, offering criticism or support of the stated positions. The AWA attempts to measure the graduate student's ability to examine all aspects and facets of a specific topic and to summarize the salient and most critical points with clarity and precision.