59 GMAT FAQs All You Need to Know About the GMAT® Exam

The Graduate Management Admission Test, better known as the GMAT, is one of the most widely recognized exams for admission into business schools across the globe.

If you have ever asked yourself What is the GMAT? or What is the GMAT used for? you are not alone.

Every year, thousands of candidates wrestle with the same questions. This guide answers 59 of the most common GMAT frequently asked questions (FAQs), making sure you have everything you need to approach the test with confidence.

General Information

1. What is the GMAT?
The GMAT exam, or Graduate Management Admission Test, is a standardized assessment used by business schools to evaluate applicants. The GMAT full form is Graduate Management Admission Test. It measures skills in quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning, and data interpretation.

2. Why is the GMAT important for business school admissions?
The GMAT for MBA programs is widely used to assess readiness for graduate-level study. While admissions committees also look at GPA, work experience, and recommendations, the GMAT offers a uniform benchmark to compare applicants.

3. What is the GMAT Focus Edition?
The GMAT Focus Edition is the newest version of the GMAT exam. It shortens the test, streamlines GMAT sections, and introduces a new structure. Many candidates compare GMAT Focus vs GMAT to understand the changes, including fewer questions and a different balance of content.

4. How does the GMAT differ from other standardized tests like the GRE?
GMAT vs GRE is a common debate. Both tests are accepted by many MBA programs. However, the GMAT is more focused on business-related skills, while the GRE has a broader academic application.

5. When should I take the GMAT?
When to take the GMAT for MBA depends on your application timeline. It is best to sit the exam at least six months before deadlines. This gives you time to retake the test if needed.

6. Is there a way to apply to business school without a GMAT score?
Some schools allow GMAT waivers, while others accept alternatives such as the GRE or the Executive Assessment. However, a strong GMAT score often strengthens your profile.

7. Does the GMAT have more or less influence than GPA, work experience and recommendations?
No single factor dominates. A balanced application is key. Still, the GMAT exam is often the only standardized measure across all applicants.

Test Structure and Content

8. What are the sections of the GMAT exam?
The traditional exam has four GMAT sections: Quantitative, Verbal, Integrated Reasoning (IR), and the Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA). The GMAT Focus Edition reduces this to three streamlined sections.

9. What skills does the GMAT measure?
The exam tests reasoning, critical thinking, problem-solving and communication through data.

10. What level of math is tested on the GMAT?
GMAT math is focused on high-school level algebra, arithmetic, geometry and word problems.

11. What kind of content is in the reading passages?
The Verbal section features reading comprehension with passages from business, social sciences, and humanities.

12. Is the GMAT a computer-adaptive test (CAT)?
Yes. GMAT test format is adaptive, meaning the difficulty adjusts to your performance.

13. How does the computer-adaptive format work?
Your first questions start at medium difficulty. Correct answers lead to harder questions with higher point values.

14. Are there any specific strategies for the CAT format?
Pacing is critical. Avoid spending too long on a single question because unanswered questions are heavily penalized.

15. What is the digital whiteboard, and how is it used in the online GMAT?
The GMAT virtual whiteboard replaces scratch paper in the GMAT online exam. It allows typing, drawing and erasing digitally.

16. Can I take the GMAT online, and how is it different from the in-person exam?
Yes, you can. GMAT online vs in-person differences include no physical scratch pad, strict GMAT online proctoring, and system requirements.

Registration and Scheduling

17. How do I register for the GMAT exam?
GMAT registration is done on mba.com. GMAT online registration is also available for the remote version.

18. What are the fees for the GMAT?
GMAT exam cost is currently around $275 for test centers and $300 for GMAT online. Always check regional variations.

19. Can I reschedule or cancel my GMAT appointment?
Yes. Fees apply depending on how close to the GMAT test dates you reschedule.

20. How often can I take the GMAT?
The GMAT retake policy allows one test every 16 days, up to five times in a 12-month period, and eight times in a lifetime.

21. Are there any eligibility requirements for the GMAT online exam?
Candidates must be at least 18 years old. A valid ID is required.

22. What technology requirements must be met to take the GMAT online?
You need a reliable internet connection, webcam, and quiet environment that meets GMAT online technical requirements.

Preparation and Resources

23. What resources should I use to prepare for the GMAT?
A mix of GMAT prep materials, GMAT sample questions and GMAT prep courses works best.

24. How should I structure my study plan?
A GMAT study plan should cover content review, timed practice, and analysis of mistakes.

25. How long should I study for the GMAT?
Most candidates need two to three months of GMAT preparation time, studying 10 to 15 hours per week.

26. Should I join a classroom prep program or self-study with books?
It depends on your learning style. Best books for GMAT prep include the GMAT Official Guide.

27. Are there any official GMAT prep sessions available?
Yes, mba.com provides official GMAT practice tests and resources.

28. What are the best books for GMAT prep?
The Official Guide, Manhattan Prep GMAT books, and Princeton Review GMAT support materials are popular.

29. Are online courses effective for GMAT preparation?
Yes. GMAT prep courses online often provide flexibility and adaptive GMAT prep strategies.

30. How useful are GMAT practice tests?
GMAT practice tests simulate real conditions. They are essential for measuring progress.

Test Day and Logistics

31. What should I bring on test day?
Bring your valid ID, confirmation email and comply with GMAT test center rules.

32. What should I expect on test day?
Expect security checks, palm vein scans at test centers, and GMAT test day requirements.

33. Are there breaks during the GMAT exam?
Yes, two optional eight-minute breaks are provided.

34. What identification is required at test centers?
A passport is the most widely accepted.

35. How do I manage test anxiety?
Practice under exam conditions and use relaxation techniques.

36. What should my test environment look like for the online GMAT?
A private, quiet room with no prohibited items. GMAT exam day tips include testing your equipment ahead of time.

Scoring and Performance

37. How is the GMAT scored?
GMAT scoring ranges from 200 to 800.

38. How does the scoring vary by section?
Quant and Verbal combine for the main score. IR and AWA are reported separately.

39. What is a good GMAT score?
A good score depends on your target school. The maximum GMAT score is 800.

40. How long are GMAT scores valid?
GMAT score validity is five years. After that, GMAT score expiration occurs.

41. How do I send my GMAT scores to schools?
You can select schools on test day or send later for a fee.

42. Can I cancel or reinstate my score?
Yes, you can cancel on test day or reinstate later for a fee.

43. Should I cancel my GMAT score?
Cancel only if you are certain the score is below your target.

44. Can I send my GMAT scores to multiple schools?
Yes. You can send to as many schools as you wish, though extra reports cost more.

45. How do schools view multiple GMAT scores?
Most schools look at your highest score, though some consider all attempts.

46. Why might my practice test scores differ from my actual GMAT score?
Test-day nerves, pacing issues or overfamiliarity with practice GMAT sample questions.

Retakes and Policies

47. What is the waiting period between GMAT retakes?
Sixteen days.

48. How many times can I retake the GMAT?
Five times per year, eight times in total.

49. Should I retake the GMAT if I’m not satisfied with my score?
If your score is below the median for your target schools, a retake makes sense.

50. Are there any unique strategies for retakes?
Yes. Review your GMAT ESR (Enhanced Score Report) to identify weaknesses.

Accommodations and Special Requirements

51. Are there accommodations for disabled test takers?
Yes, GMAT customer service helps arrange extended time and other support.

52. What should I do if I don’t meet the tech requirements for the online GMAT?
You may need to take the exam at a GMAT testing center.

Business School and GMAT Relevance

53. How important is the GMAT in admissions decisions?
Still very important, but balanced with work experience and GPA.

54. Do business schools prefer the GMAT over the GRE?
Many prefer GMAT for MBA admissions, but GRE acceptance is rising.

55. What relevance do the skills tested on the GMAT have for business school?
They measure problem-solving, logic, and communication, which are key in MBA coursework.

56. How do I choose which schools to send my GMAT scores to?
Look at class profiles and match your GMAT percentile chart against averages.

Special Offers and Discounts

57. Are there any discounts available for undergraduates?
Yes. Undergraduate discounts may reduce the GMAT exam cost.

58. Can I get a GMAT fee waiver?
Yes, schools can nominate candidates for a waiver.

59. How do I apply the undergraduate discount to my exam fee?
During GMAT registration, eligible candidates can enter a GMAT voucher code.

Conclusion

This GMAT FAQ has walked you through everything from How long is the GMAT? to How many times can you take the GMAT? Preparing well with the right GMAT prep strategies is what separates average results from outstanding scores. Whether you are looking into GMAT online exam logistics, GMAT test dates, or how to use GMAT prep materials effectively, the information here should leave you feeling ready to move forward.

For more detailed preparation advice, visit the AnalystPrep blog.