The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT)
It is a computer-adaptive test that is available year-round at test centers throughout the world. The GMAT measures basic verbal, mathematical, and analytical writing skills that are developed over a long period of time. It is specifically designed to help graduate schools assess the qualifications of applicants for advanced study in business and management. GMAT scores are used by nearly 1,700 graduate management programs throughout the world, and more than 1,000 of these programs require GMAT scores from each applicant. Your GMAT scores are only one predictor of academic performance in the first year of graduate management school. To find out how your GMAT scores will be factored into the application review process, you should contact the admissions office at the school(s) to which you are applying. The GMAT does not presuppose any specific knowledge of business or other specific content areas, nor does it measure achievement in any particular subject areas. The test does not measure subjective factors important to academic and career success such as motivation, creativity, interpersonal skills, study skills, or overall success on the job. Test takers should note that the GMAT is entirely in English and that all instructions are provided in English.
What Is a Computer Adaptive Test ?
In a computer-adaptive test (CAT), questions are selected while each individual takes the test. At the start of each multiple-choice section of the GMAT, you are presented a question of middle difficulty. As you answer each question, the computer scores that question and uses that information as well as your responses to any preceding questions and information about the test designed to determine which question to present next.
As long as you respond correctly to each question, questions of increased difficulty typically will be presented. When you enter incorrect responses, the computer typically will present you with questions of lesser difficulty. Your next question will be the one that best reflects both your previous performance and the requirements of the test design. This means that different test takers will be given different questions. The selection of ques-tions you will see is based on your responses to all previous questions, and because the CAT adjusts to your individual ability level, you will get few questions that are either too easy or too difficult for you.
Because the computer scores each question before selecting the next one, you must answer each question when it is presented. For this reason, once you answer a question and move on to another, you cannot go back and change your answer. The computer has already incorporated both your answer and the requirements of the test design into its selection of your next question.
Each computer-based test section meets preestablished speci-fications, including the types of questions asked and the subject matter presented. The statistical characteristics of the questions answered correctly and incorrectly, including their difficulty levels, are taken into account in the calculation of scores. Therefore, scores of all test takers can be compared even though they received different questions.
When is GMAT Held ?
The GMAT is conducted throughout the year except for Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays. The test lasts roughly four hours, and most centers offer two slots: 9 A.M. and 2 P.M. In the Test Scheduling form you will be asked for 5 choices of dates and you can list them down in order of preference and test center locations You may not take the GMAT more than once in any calendar month, even if you have taken the test and cancelled your scores. If you test more than once in a calendar month, your new scores will not be reported and your test fee will be forfeited. September to January is the high season for GMAT, so in case you intend to take the test during this period, you need to register very early (say 60 days in advance) to get a date of your choice. Otherwise, registering at least 3 weeks in advance is mandatory if registering by mail, and 7 days if registering by phone or fax.
Who conducts GMAT in India ?
In India, the "Sylvan Testing Services Pvt Ltd" administers the GMAT at 9 centers in the country. These are located at Ahmedabad, Allahabad, Bangalore, Calcutta, Chennai, Hyderabad, Mumbai, New Delhi, and Trivendrum. United States Educational Foundation in India ( USEFI) also conducts the GMAT in Mumbai
