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For more than 70 years, the Graduate Management Assessment Test (GMAT) has been a key part of the applications of students pursuing graduate education in business. Today, the GMAT can be taken in more than 110 countries. It has become the most widely used assessment and most reliable predictor of academic success in the world for MBA programs. Thus, students who want to apply to top business schools need to score well in order to be competitive. To serve this purpose, this article will introduce you to the GMAT and will give useful advice on how to learn GMAT knowledge and skills, using efficient, effective preparation techniques.
Here are the topics we’ll cover:
- Understanding the GMAT Exam Structure
- What Is Computer Adaptivity on the GMAT?
- You May Select the Order of the 3 GMAT Sections
- Use Your Optional Break Strategically
- The Review and Edit Feature of the GMAT
- Skipping Questions Is Not Allowed
- What Topics Does the GMAT Test?
- How to Start Preparing for the GMAT
- Key Takeaways
- What’s Next?
Let’s begin by discussing the structure of the GMAT.
Understanding the GMAT Exam Structure
The GMAT is required for admission into most MBA programs. As an indicator of an applicant’s critical thinking, data analysis, logical reasoning, and basic math and English skills, the GMAT gives admissions committees valuable information. In addition, they can look closely at GMAT scores as a way to make “level playing field” comparisons among applicants with highly varied backgrounds.
How Long Is the GMAT?
The GMAT is about 2.5 hours, including 1 optional 10-minute break. Additionally, there is a 15-minute check-in process whether you take the GMAT at a test center or online.
KEY FACT:
The GMAT takes about 2.5 hours, with one optional 10-minute break, with no break.
The GMAT Format
There are 3 sections on the exam: Data Insights (DI) with 20 questions, Verbal Reasoning with 23 questions, and Quantitative Reasoning with 21 questions. Initially, to get a solid understanding of the GMAT and its structure, you must first know that the GMAT is what is referred to as a question-adaptive exam. With this in mind, let’s learn details about this aspect of the exam.
What Is Computer Adaptivity on the GMAT?
A critical feature of the GMAT is that the 3 sections are computer-adaptive at the question level. Specifically, this means that each question’s difficulty level is determined by whether you got the previous question right or wrong.
Let’s use Quantitative Reasoning as an example. First, when you start the section, you will most likely encounter a medium-difficulty level math question. Then, if you get it right, the next question will be a bit more difficult. On the other hand, if you miss it, the next question will be a little easier. Then, as you continue through the Quant section, each question’s difficulty level will increase or decrease, depending on whether you’ve answered previous questions correctly or incorrectly.
You must understand that the harder questions earn you more points, so your goal must be to answer as many questions correctly as possible! Consequently, if you miss a few hard questions, that’s not a disaster. Here’s why: you were already scoring well enough to be presented with hard questions. Thus, getting a few hard questions wrong will not penalize you as much as missing the same number of easy questions.
Here’s the bottom line: It’s not how many questions you get right or wrong. Rather, it’s how many easy, medium, or hard questions you get right or wrong. Notably, we don’t know the GMAT’s exact scoring algorithm, but that fact is crystal clear.
KEY FACT:
The GMAT is question-adaptive: the current question’s difficulty level is determined by whether you answered previous questions correctly or incorrectly..
In addition to knowing about the question-adaptive aspect of the GMAT, there are a few additional features of the exam about which you should be knowledgeable. First, let’s look at your ability to choose the order in which you take the 3 sections.
You May Select the Order of the 3 GMAT Sections
An attractive feature of the GMAT is that you may choose the order in which you take the sections on test day. So, just before the start of your exam, you will encounter the “Select Section Order” screen. Notably, you will have just 1 minute to select from the following 6 possible section orders:
- Data Insights → Quant → Verbal
- Data Insights → Verbal → Quant
- Quant → Verbal → Data Insights
- Quant → Data Insights → Verbal
- Verbal → Data Insights → Quant
- Verbal → Quant → Data Insights
With just one minute to make your election, you’ll want to make this determination prior to test day. If time runs out, the section order will be assigned to you by the computer.
KEY FACT:
You may select from 6 different section order options for your GMAT.
Which Section Order Is Best for Me?
There is no single “best” section order. The best section order for you might not be good for someone else. Therefore, let’s look at two issues that might play a role in helping you to determine your optimal section order.
One issue impacting your section order selection is anxiety. Thus, if the Quant section makes your blood pressure skyrocket, you might consider choosing it first, to get it out of the way. Conversely, you might choose Quant as your final section. This would allow you to use your energy and confidence for the sections in which you do your best.
A second issue to consider is test fatigue. While anxiety refers to your emotional state, test fatigue addresses your mental (and sometimes physical) state. You may be familiar with the test fatigue feeling: your brain processes information more slowly, you don’t feel as “connected” as you normally do, and you might experience muscle aches or headaches. In particular, you just want the test to be done with!
For test fatigue, consider scheduling the section you find easiest as the final one. Here’s why: Just as test fatigue is setting in, seeing questions with which you feel comfortable might just give you the energy you need to finish on a high note. On the other hand, you could choose your worst section as the final one. In this case, you could use your early positive energy to finish the sections that are your strongest ones.
TTP PRO TIP:
Take advantage of your ability to choose your section order. Before test day, take some time to decide your best order.
Use Your Optional Break Strategically
You have a “hidden weapon” at your disposal on the GMAT: the 10-minute optional break. You may take it after the first or the second section of the test. Thus, if you feel anxiety or test fatigue, take your optional break as soon as you finish the section you’re working on. Then, during your break, employ some relaxation techniques to calm those feelings. As a result, you’ll likely find yourself energized and ready to tackle the next section!
TTP PRO TIP:
Use the optional 10-minute break to re-energize.
The Review and Edit Feature of the GMAT
Until recently, GMAT test takers were never allowed to change answers to previous questions. But now, you may change up to 3 answers in each of the 3 GMAT sections.
The “Review and Edit” feature allows you to mark questions for review. Then, at the end of the section, if you have time remaining in the section, the Review and Edit screen will appear. It will show you all the questions in the section and which ones you marked earlier. At that point, you may click on any question to review it, and you may change up to three answers.
Two cautions apply. First, remember that you may change a maximum of only 3 answers. Second, you can use the Mark and Review feature only if you have enough time remaining in the section to rework the questions about which you are unsure.
You might wonder how question adaptivity can work if you are allowed to change answers after the fact. The answer is that since you are allowed to change only a maximum of 3 answers, the adaptive nature of the GMAT is still valid. The scoring algorithm takes this factor into account.
KEY FACT:
The Review and Edit feature allows you to rework previous questions in a section and change up to three answers.
Skipping Questions Is Not Allowed
You are not allowed to skip a GMAT question. Therefore, you must choose an answer in order to move to the next question. So, if you are completely stuck on a question, make an educated guess, mark it for review, and continue to the next question. Then, if you have time at the end of the section, the Review and Edit screen will give you access to the marked question and you can work on it until time runs out.
KEY FACT:
You may not skip a GMAT question.
Now that you know the structure and features of the GMAT, let’s look at the 3 GMAT sections in more detail.
What Topics Does the GMAT Test?
Let’s examine the skills and concepts tested and the question types you’ll encounter in each of the 3 components of the GMAT: Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights.
The Quantitative Reasoning Section
Business schools generally look closely at your Quant performance when they evaluate your GMAT scores. However, if math was never your best subject, don’t resign yourself to a poor score. GMAT math is masterable! Yes, it takes time and effort, but it can be done. Clearly, the GMAT Quant questions test your ability to use logic to apply math knowledge efficiently. Look at the list of math topics covered. In particular, you’ll see that you studied nearly all of them in high school.
You’ll be presented with 21 Quant questions, for which you’ll be given 45 minutes to answer.
GMAT Quant questions test your ability to use logic to apply math knowledge efficiently.
There are about 19 major GMAT topics in the Quant section, as listed here:
- Basic Arithmetic
- Ratios and Proportions
- Percents
- Number Properties
- Unit Conversions
- Linear Equations
- Quadratic Equations
- Exponents and Roots
- Inequalities
- Absolute Value
- Coordinate Geometry
- Functions and Sequences
- General Word Problems
- Rates
- Work
- Overlapping Sets
- Statistics
- Combinations and Permutations
- Probability
KEY FACT:
Nearly all of the topics tested in GMAT Quant were learned in high school.
Problem-Solving (PS) Questions
If you’ve taken standardized tests, you’re familiar with multiple-choice PS questions. Thus, there are no surprises in the format of Quant questions. Specifically, each question provides a question stem and 5 answer choices, one of which is correct.
KEY FACT:
The Quant section consists of 21 multiple-choice questions, each with 5 answer choices.
The Verbal Reasoning Section
The Verbal section of the GMAT tests your skills in reading comprehension and critical thinking. Specifically, you’ll encounter 3 or 4 Reading Comprehension (RC) passages asking a total of 13-14 questions. In addition, the remaining 9 or 10 Verbal questions are short Critical Reasoning passages (100 words or less), with one question per passage.
Let’s look more specifically at these two types of questions.
Reading Comprehension (RC)
An RC passage is about 350 words long. Each of the questions about the passage is multiple-choice with five answer choices. Specifically, RC questions may ask you about the following:
- main idea of the passage
- organization of the passage
- tone of the passage
- inferences made in the passage
- analysis of particular details
KEY FACT:
Reading Comprehension questions ask you about a passage’s structure and organization, in addition to inferences and analysis.
Critical Reasoning (CR)
CR questions are all about logical reasoning. A CR passage is 100 words long (or less), and it presents an “argument.” The single multiple-choice question about the passage is based on logic, focusing on one of the following:
- make an inference
- identify or resolve a paradox
- identify the flaw in the logic used
- specify the assumption on which the argument depends
- identify what information strengthens or weakens the argument
KEY FACT:
Each Critical Reasoning passage asks a question based on the logical interpretation of the material in the passage.
Data Insights (DI) Section
Data Insights (DI) questions test your ability to interpret and analyze information presented in a variety of formats. You’ll use the skills tested in the Quant and Verbal sections. Specifically, there are 5 different DI question formats: Table Analysis, Graphic Interpretation, Two-Part Analysis, Multi-Source Reasoning, and Data Sufficiency
Table Analysis (TA)
Table Analysis questions present data in a spreadsheet-like format that is sortable by column, much like sorting data in an Excel spreadsheet. Then, you are asked to analyze the data to evaluate 3 statements, which are often yes-no or true-false statements.
KEY FACT:
Table Analysis questions ask you to sort and analyze data presented in a spreadsheet-like format.
Multi-Source Reasoning (MSR)
Multi-Source Reasoning questions require that you evaluate data presented in multiple formats, such as charts, tables, or written text. These multiple sources of information will be displayed on separate tabs. Then, based on that information, you will have to answer multiple-choice questions or evaluate the validity of several statements.
KEY FACT:
Multi-Source Reasoning questions ask you to evaluate data presented in separate tabs as charts, graphs, or text passages.
Two-Part Analysis (TPA)
Two-Part Analysis (TPA) questions present you with a problem. Then, you will see 2 columns of answer choices. At the top of each column is a statement of what you are to answer. For example, column 1 could ask for the speed of an object, and column 2 might ask for the distance the object traveled. Notably, TPA questions might require you to use math or verbal skills to determine the correct answers. Here is an example of a Two-Part Analysis question.
KEY FACT:
Two-Part Analysis questions present you with a math or verbal problem. Then, you must select the 2 correct answers from the options presented in each of the 2 columns of answer choices.
Graphics Interpretation (GI)
Graphics Interpretation questions require you to analyze a graph or chart. Particularly, 2 statements are made, each containing a blank which you must fill in with the correct answer, chosen from a drop-down menu.
KEY FACT:
A Graphics Interpretation question presents you with a chart or graph. Then, you must choose the correct answer to 2 questions from drop-down menus that present the answer choices.
Data Sufficiency
A Data Sufficiency question first presents you with a question. Then you are given 2 statements. You must determine if the information given in one, either, both, or neither of the two statements is sufficient to definitively answer the question. With that in mind, you can learn more about Data Sufficiency (DS) questions by reading this article.
KEY FACT:
Data Sufficiency (DS) questions require you to determine if the information presented is sufficient to answer a question.
Let’s now determine the best way to prepare for the GMAT by looking at proven strategies for mastering GMAT subjects.
How to Start Preparing for the GMAT
There are 4 key steps for getting your GMAT prep off to a strong start. In particular, we’ll look at practice questions, GMAT study tips, optimizing GMAT study time, and how to develop an effective GMAT study schedule
Step 1: Get Familiar With the GMAT
You are already familiar with the format, structure, and basic facts about the GMAT. At this point, you need to look at some sample questions. Incidentally, don’t just jump into a GMAT study book and start answering random questions! Instead, take a look at Target Test Prep’s free 64-question GMAT Focus diagnostic. Then, carefully read the solutions to each question.
Don’t take more than a few days to familiarize yourself with the exam and look at sample questions. Certainly, reviewing some math formulas or concepts is okay, but save the heavy review for later.
TTP PRO TIP:
Jumping headlong into dozens of GMAT practice questions is not recommended.
Step 2: Get Your Baseline Score by Taking a Full-Length Practice Test
Take a practice exam to determine your baseline GMAT score. By doing so, you’ll get a sense of your current knowledge level, and this will be an indicator of how long you’ll need to study. As a result, this will help you determine your GMAT preparation time and which topics might need the most attention.
You can obtain 6 official practice exams from GMAC, 2 of which are free. By taking one of them, you’ll get a good sense of the GMAT test-taking experience, and you’ll get your baseline score.
Make sure you follow all the testing rules when you take your practice GMAT. Specifically, take the practice test in a library or other quiet place. Use the on-screen calculator only for questions in the DI section. Additionally, take only one break, and keep your phone turned off.
After you get your practice test score, compare it to your target score. You can determine this target score by visiting the websites of the schools to which you plan to apply. Then, find the mean or median GMAT score of accepted students, and calculate the difference between your baseline score and your target score. The difference will give you an answer to the often-asked question: “How long do you need to study for the GMAT?”
TTP PRO TIP:
Take a practice GMAT and compare your score to your target score. Your baseline score will be an indication of how much time you may need to prepare for the real thing.
Step 3: Select the Best GMAT Test Prep Materials
From the outset, you want to avoid wasting time and energy in your GMAT preparation. Too often, students make some false starts when they start studying. You can prevent this by reading and learning about the best features of GMAT study materials.
TTP PRO TIP:
Avoid haphazard studying by choosing the best test prep materials.
Feature #1: Topical Studying
Topical study is an orderly way of ensuring that you learn every topic tested on the GMAT. Specifically, you study one topic at a time, progressing from the basics to total mastery. As a result, your knowledge level increases, regardless of your starting level. During your topical study, you’ll learn a sub-topic, answer questions about it, and then move to the next subtopic. Then, after you have learned all the sub-topics, you’ll practice with 100+ overall questions to determine your mastery and to identify any areas that have knowledge gaps. Finally, only after you have completed and reviewed all the questions will you move to the next Quant, Verbal, or DI topic.
Topical learning is an effective study method for students at all levels. This is why the Target Test Prep GMAT course uses topical learning and practice.
TTP PRO TIP:
The GMAT tests a wide range of topics. The best way to learn all the material is to select a study resource that uses topical learning.
Feature #2: A Study Plan
A good study resource will save you time and grief by providing a personalized study plan, which is your detailed road map of what you need to do, from the start to the finish of your GMAT prep. As a result, you’ll know exactly what to do during each study session. Following your study plan will keep you moving forward and reaching your study goals efficiently.
TTP PRO TIP:
A great GMAT prep course provides a detailed study plan to guide you through each study session. and track your progress.
Feature #3: Performance Analytics
There are many statistical measures that can be used to track your progress and performance in detail during your GMAT prep. These measures are called analytics, and they provide a detailed view of your strengths and weaknesses.
TTP students, for example, can pull up their online dashboard that displays performance analytics. These include measures such as accuracy percentage by topic, accuracy percentage by question type, average time to answer each question, and course completion percentage.
TTP PRO TIP:
A great GMAT prep course provides students with performance analytics that track progress and identify weaknesses.
Feature #4: An Error Tracker
An error tracker identifies the types of questions you got wrong, the reason for missing them, and how many times you missed each question type. Some self-study students create Excel spreadsheets to act as error trackers, but they quickly become unwieldy after even a short time.
Alternatively, you can choose an online prep course that has a built-in error tracker. For example, the TTP error tracker provides error data to you with just the press of a button! Thus, you gain valuable feedback about common errors you make, such as falling for a trap answer or solving for the wrong variable. Consequently, knowing this information raises your awareness level of the types of errors you tend to make and allows you to proactively address those issues to become a better test-taker.
TTP PRO TIP:
A great GMAT course will provide you with an error tracker, which assists you in identifying and preventing your most common errors.
So, now that we have discussed four desirable features of an outstanding self-study course, find a few courses that interest you. Specifically, good courses will allow you to sign up for a free or low-cost trial subscription to allow you to decide which one best fits your needs. Feel free to try our free full-access TTP trial.
We’re almost done! Let’s discuss the creation of your study schedule.
Create Your Study Schedule
Don’t be surprised to read that you should study for your GMAT for 18+ hours each week. Yes, that is a lot of time to carve out of an already-packed schedule of work, family, and social obligations. But there is so much material to cover! And you don’t want to be studying forever. In particular, studying for your GMAT is an investment, and you must think of it as a short-term commitment with a long-term (lifelong) return on investment.
Create a daily GMAT study schedule, either on paper or with an app. A specific daily study schedule keeps you accountable. As a result, individuals who use a daily study schedule stay on track better than their counterparts who don’t use them. Notably, even if you can study for just an hour on a particular day, go ahead and schedule it! Rearrange or reschedule other activities in your life, but hold your study schedule as sacrosanct. Notably, GMAT preparation must remain a top priority in your life. Consider a scheduled study session as important as a meeting at work or a doctor’s appointment.
One suggested timetable for meeting that 18-hour obligation is to study for at least 2 hours each weekday and at least 4 hours each weekend day. Or, perhaps you prefer studying more on the weekdays and less on the weekends, or vice versa. Thus, if you work extended hours during the week, you might choose to study for 1.5 hours each morning before work and put in extra time on weekends.
TTP PRO TIP:
Plan to study at least 18 hours per week.
Key Takeaways
In this article, we have done a whirlwind tour of the GMAT. Let’s look at the important points that we made.
- The GMAT is 135 minutes long and contains 64 questions in 3 sections.
- The GMAT is question-adaptive, which means the difficulty of questions depends on your responses to previous questions.
- On test day, you may choose the order in which the three sections are presented to you.
- You have one optional 10-minute break, which you can use strategically.
- You may change up to 3 answers on each section of the GMAT.
- You may not skip questions on the GMAT.
- The three sections of the GMAT are Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights.
- Before you begin studying, determine your target score and take a practice test to get your baseline score.
- To choose the best study resources, look for topical studying, a personalized study plan, performance analytics, and an error log.
What’s Next?
Here are some suggestions for how to study for GMAT Quant and Verbal.
Make your Quantitative Reasoning study more effective. Check out our top 10 tips for preparing for GMAT Quant.
Here are some tips for the Verbal Reasoning section. Learn some strategies for achieving a high GMAT Verbal score.
