The
GMAT (Graduate Management Admissions Test) consists of two multiple-choice
sections (Quantitative and Verbal) and an essay section called
the Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA).
Quantitative
Section
37 questions
75 minutes
Problem Solving Questions ~ 24 Questions
Data Sufficiency Questions ~ 13 Questions
Verbal
Section
41 questions
75 minutes
Reading Comprehension ~14 Questions
Sentence Correction ~13 Questions
Critical Reasoning ~14 Questions
Essay Questions
(Analytical Writing Assessment):
The GMAT CAT begins with the two
AWA questions. For each of these sections, you have thirty minutes
to type an essay into the computer using a simple word-processing
program. The essay sections are administered first, but the Quantitative
and Verbal multiple-choice sections can appear in any order.
We have a full-length prep-guide for
the Analytical Writing Assessment.
What
Skills Does the GMAT Test?
The GMAT primarily tests four
skills:
- Endurance and ability to focus
- Basic knowledge of grammar/math/reasoning/argument
formation
- Test-taking skills: ability
to guess, work at an appropriate pace, and make decisions under
pressure.
- Problem-solving abilities
The
800score.com method is to focus on these skills that
are necessary for the GMAT and for success in business school.
As for endurance,
the first skill, you'll have to stare at a screen intensely and
focus for nearly four hours. Keep this in mind when taking
practice tests. Get used to working for many hours on end. Learn
how to relax. The physical and mental exhaustion is part of the
test's challenge. That's why we offer 5 GMAT
CAT practice tests. You should take as many practice CATs
as possible to learn the test and to get used to the grueling
experience.
The second skill, a
basic knowledge of grammar, math, reasoning, and argument formation,
is covered in the later chapters of this online prep guide. No calculators are allowed
on test day, so you need
to practice doing basic math calculations.
The third skill, test-taking
skills, is covered in this chapter and throughout the online
guide. Timing is a major part of test taking skill, particularly
for the GMAT CAT. Our GMAT
Pacer system will teach you the pacing interactively.
To improve your problem-solving
abilities, the fourth skill, we have extensive information on
reasoning techniques and math concepts throughout this online
guide. When you get a question wrong, make sure to review our
explanations so that you understand the conceptual error that
you made in the question. You do not want to repeat the error
again.
>> Continue to GMAT
Scores and Business Schools (page 2 of 5 in chapter 1)
>> How to
get the Online
Prep Guide >>