The Best Graduate Management Test Prep Resources

Studying for the GMAT will help you develop familiarity with the test, master strategies and skills, and ultimately earn a higher score.

The graduate management admission test (GMAT) exam assesses analytical and critical thinking skills divided across four different sections. The top MBA programs use GMAT scores to predict success in business school.

Like the GRE, the GMAT emphasizes verbal and quantitative reasoning. However, the GMAT also includes an integrated reasoning section that requires complex problem-solving skills. Test-takers also critically analyze arguments in the analytical writing section.

The GMAT is administered by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), and scores remain valid for five years. Students can take the test up to five times in a 12 month period, with a lifetime cap of eight tests. After taking the exam, test-takers can submit their scores to MBA programs. The GMAT exam costs $250.

Preparing for the GMAT takes time, but it doesn’t have to be stressful. This article introduces the GMAT test and explores resources to help students boost their scores.

The GMAT contains four sections: analytical writing, integrated reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and verbal reasoning. The test measures critical thinking, analytical skills, communication, and reasoning skills. The analytical writing and integrated reasoning portions allow 30 minutes each, plus 62 minutes for quantitative reasoning and 65 minutes for the verbal reasoning section.

In total, the GMAT takes around 3.5 hours to complete, with the option to take two breaks. This computer-based test adjusts questions to become easier or more difficult based on your answers. Test-takers can choose from three different orders in which to complete the four sections.

After taking the GMAT, students receive one score for each section, plus a total score. The quantitative and verbal sections award scores from 6-51. The analytical writing assessment provides a 0-6 score, including half points. The integrated reasoning section awards a score from 1-8.

The total GMAT score ranges from 200-800, with an average score of around 550. Two-thirds of GMAT test-takers earn a score between 400-600. The score report sent to business schools includes both the total score and the section scores.

Your GMAT score can be the difference between gaining a spot at a top business school or receiving a rejection letter, and preparation makes a big difference in your final score.

Most test-takers spend several months studying for the GMAT. A 2016 GMAC survey found that 62% of test-takers spent four or more weeks preparing for the test, and those who studied more earned higher scores.

In addition to learning about each of the four GMAT sections and taking practice exams, candidates should also make a study plan. Creating a schedule and planning out their approach will help test-takers feel more prepared on exam day.

The quantitative reasoning section asks test-takers to reason mathematically, interpret data, and solve quantitative problems. The section includes problem-solving and data sufficiency questions. Test-takers need strong logic and analytical skills to answer these questions without a calculator.

The problem-solving section focuses on quantitative prompts. In the data sufficiency questions, learners analyze a quantitative problem and determine whether they have enough data to solve it. These questions rely on formulas, which learners should study before the GMAT.

The GMAT allows 62 minutes for the quantitative reasoning section, which includes 31 multiple-choice answers. Although the quantitative reasoning section does not require advanced mathematical skills, students should brush up on arithmetic, elementary algebra, and geometry to prepare for the test. Strengthening these skills will also help on the integrated reasoning section.

The verbal reasoning section measures each test-taker’s ability to read and understand texts, evaluate arguments, and communicate effectively. It does not test students on subject matter; instead, it focuses on comprehension, argument, and communication. This section includes three types of questions: reading comprehension, critical reasoning, and sentence correction.

The reading comprehension questions present passages and ask readers to interpret the argument, draw inferences, or apply the material. The critical reasoning section assesses students’ ability to make assertions, analyze arguments, and evaluate plans. Each question opens with a short reading passage, asking test-takers to assess the strengths and weaknesses of an argument. The sentence correction questions measure language proficiency and effectiveness.

Test-takers receive 65 minutes to complete 36 multiple-choice questions in the verbal reasoning section. Understanding the format and goal of each question type can help test-takers improve their verbal scores.

The analytical writing section asks GMAT test-takers to think critically and communicate effectively. The section presents learners with a passage that contains an argument related to business or another subject. Test-takers must analyze the reasoning in the passage to critique the argument, noting the weak points and any inconsistencies in the reasoning.

Answering the analytical writing prompt does not require any subject knowledge. Instead, learners must evaluate the reasoning and the evidence in the passage. Test-takers should plan to spend several minutes reading the passage and planning their essays. Make sure to leave time at the end of the section to review your work.

The GMAT allows 30 minutes for the analytical writing assessment. During that time, each test-taker reads one passage and writes one analytical essay. Students can prepare for this section by strengthening their critical thinking and communication skills.

In the integrated reasoning section, test-takers synthesize information, differentiate relevant from irrelevant information, and solve multi-step problems. The section includes 12 questions and takes 30 minutes. Many questions on the integrated reasoning section use graphs, charts, and other visual data sets.

Students may encounter multi-source reasoning, table analysis, graphics interpretation, and two-part analysis questions. Each prompt asks test-takers to combine their quantitative and verbal reasoning skills. Make sure to practice each type of question to improve your ability to sort and analyze data from text passages and graphics. It’s best to take an organized approach to solving the complex problems in this section.

Studying for the quantitative and verbal sections strengthens the skills used for integrative reasoning.

Want to increase your GMAT score? Plan to spend several months studying for the test. Check out the following study resources, which include online classes, in-person classes, web resources, apps, and books. Finding the ideal GMAT resources for your studying style can improve your GMAT score.