What is the GMAT?
If you are interested in becoming a graduate school student in the United States, you are going to have to take an exam referred to as the “Graduate Management Admissions Test.” (GMAT) It provides business schools with a standardized way in which to evaluate candidates for acceptance onto their programs. By taking the GMAT, you are demonstrating your dedication to a career in business.
Anyone who is not an American citizen, is considered an international student, this will not exempt you from studying in the United States. You can take the GMAT anywhere in the world, meaning that you can also take the GMAT test in Kuwait.
Why take the GMAT
The GMAT is acknowledged in over 6,000 management and business programs globally. There is no other test that allows you to promote your academic talents and abilities. For more than 60 years, the GMAT has been the test of choice for the top graduate schools, and business leaders worldwide.
There is no examination that can compare when it comes to your success. Here are just a few of the many advantages associated with taking the GMAT.
The skills that you have are measured against the skills required for graduate school admission.
The success of the GMAT exam has been studied for decades, and it has been determined that it accurately predicts academic success or failure in today’s management programs.
Graduate schools worldwide rely on GMAT test results to decide whether or not you are suitable for their programs.
No other exam allows you to show case real life business skills that are in demand and valued by employers in the business world.
The structure of the GMAT
Testing centres provide candidates with 3 ½ hours to complete the test. It is divided into four sections:
Analytical writing assessment (AWA): 1 topic
Integrated reasoning (IR): 12 questions
Quantitative: 37 questions
Verbal: 41 questions
Analytical writing assessment
The AWA section was included in 1994 in order to assess the writing skills of the applicants. It measures your ability to communicate your thoughts, and think critically. You are provided with one topic, in which you have 30 minutes to complete it. You are expected to analyse the reasoning behind the proposed argument.
Integrated reasoning
One of the most recent adoptions to the GMAT took place in 2012 with the addition of Integrated Reasoning (IR). The IR section contains 12 questions; candidates have 30 minutes to complete the section.
The purpose of the IR section is to test skills learned in the real world that are also applicable within business schools and the workplace. This section evaluates the candidate’s ability to synthesize, and critically interpret information presented in different steps, and in various forms.
Studying for the quantitative and verbal sections of the GMAT, will prepare you for the IR section.
Quantitative
The quantitative section of the GMAT tests your basic maths skills. There are no advanced level questions presented here. If you graduated from high school, you will not have a problem with this part of the test, but you will need to improve your critical thinking skills.
There are two main question types in the quantitative section.
Problem Solving
Data Sufficiency
You will be tested on basic geometry, algebra, arithmetic, and a few miscellaneous topics.
You are not provided with a calculator, the test center will provide you with a pencil and some notepaper to work out your questions.
Verbal
The verbal section of the GMAT does not focus on vocabulary. The main objective is to assess the test takers ability to evaluate written arguments, comprehend written material, and to correct sentences to comply with standard written English. There are three types of question in this section.
How important are my GMAT scores in the admissions process?
The admissions policy for graduate schools varies. Several schools combine your undergraduate GPA with your GMAT score and make a decision based on that. Others solely depend on a high score. Some require a minimum score; however there are a number of different factors that are assessed when deciding which candidates to select onto graduate programs. These include, related work experience, your application essay, as well as letters of recommendation.
To be on the safe side, it is advised that you aim to get the highest GMAT scores to increase your chances of getting into the graduate school of your choice.
What employers are saying about the GMAT
Every year, the Graduate Management Admissions Council surveys companies who hire business school graduates. They are asked about the kind of candidates they are looking for, and the driving force behind their decision making process.
Research has concluded that graduate school candidates with an MBA, are in high demand amongst leading companies. There has been a steep incline over recent years of companies hiring MBA graduates.
Final thought
Taking the GMAT and attending graduate school is one of the best decisions you are going to make in your life. A graduate degree gives you a competitive edge, and in today’s unstable economic climate, you really do need to be a cut above the rest.
If you want to take the GMAT test in Kuwait, conduct a Google search, to find the closest location to you.
