GMAT Preparation
GMAT CAT Test Structure
The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT)
is the entrance exam for the MBA Program. It is a critical component
of the application and requires careful preparation. Most applicants
need six to twelve months of intensive study to prepare for the
exam. It is suggested that applicants take the GMAT at least three
months prior to submitting the MBA application to allow time for a
retake if necessary.
Success on the GMAT can depend on many factors, including academic
preparation and ability, commitment to GMAT preparation, English
skills, and general performance on standardized tests. Although the
GMAT is not a perfect indicator of academic ability, there is a
strong enough correlation between performance on the GMAT and
success in the MBA program that the GMAT is never waived for
applicants, and a competitive score on the GMAT must be achieved to
be considered for admission to the MBA program. (Average score for
admitted applicants is 660; it is rare that scores below 600 are
considered for admission.)
The Random Nature of the GMAT CAT Test
GMAT test is intrinsically random. It selects questions for you to
answer from a large database, based on whether or not you answered
the previous questions correctly. It does this to determine the
degree of difficulty within which you will be most challenged.
The GMAT test also relies on a complex algorithm to determine which
type of question to ask next. For example, on the quantitative
section of the test, you might be asked a problem solving question,
followed by a data sufficiency problem, followed by two more problem
solving questions. You can count on seeing groups of questions
randomly interspersed within each test section.
The Structure of the GMAT Test
Here is what you can expect to see when you take the test.
A. The Introductory Computer Tutorial (untimed – you go through it
at your own pace)
B. Analytical Writing Assessment (60 minutes)
i. Analysis of an Argument (30 minutes)
ii. Analysis of an Issue (30 minutes)
C. Optional 5 Minute Break
D. Quantitative Section (75 minutes)
i. Problem Solving (23 to 24 questions)
ii. Data Sufficiency (13 to 14 questions)
E. Optional 5 Minute Break
F. Verbal Section (75 minutes)
i. Critical Reasoning (14 to 15 questions)
ii. Reading Comprehension (4 passages with 12 to 14 questions)
iii. Sentence Correction (14 to 15 questions)
The total maximum testing time allowed for the GMAT is 3 hours and
40 minutes.
The two Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) analyses are
presented to test takers in random order. You might see either the
analysis of an argument or the analysis of an issue question first.
As we mentioned above, you can also expect the types of questions
asked in the quantitative and verbal sections of the GMAT test to
show up in a random order. That said, these questions do tend to
appear on the exams in short bunches – you are not likely to find
yourself bounced back and forth between them. Reading comprehension
questions in particular will be grouped together, in bunches
immediately following the relevant passages.
Because the test makers claim the right to change the format at any
time, we cannot tell you with certainty the order in which the AWA,
quantitative and verbal sections will appear on your test. That
said, there is a very strong chance, based on the GMAT CAT's
history, that you will see the AWA first, followed by either the
quantitative or verbal section.
At Canada College we offer intensive GMAT preparation course.