The GMAT

How and where do I take the GMAT?
Can you give me insight into how to prepare for the test.
Here are some Tips
Computer Adaptive Test
How does the CAT Work?


How and where do I take the GMAT?
The GMAT is offered around the world in many centers year around. Some international locations have fewer centers. Complete information can be found at http://www.mba.com. This is the official outlet for the GMAT exam. You can find out where the centers are and the times that are available for you to sign up.
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Can you give me insight into how to prepare for the test.
There is no one right way to start on this effort. Morgan State offers a preparation course every semester. Some students choose to prepare individually with one of the many books with CDs on their own computers. The book we recommend and use in the preparation course is the GMAT Review from MBA.Com. Both self-study and class can be successful. Either way, don’t underestimate the preparation time for this exam. It includes both study of material and in test taking ability. Understanding CAT logic is part of doing well.

Send an e-mail to gomba@morgan.edu for our little manual on “How to succeed when you take the GMAT.” Add some information about when you are interested in enrolling in an MBA program. We’d like to know your cell phone number as well.

The Internet has a lot of background information on the GMAT.
Here is an example of some Internet information for you to consider.
Three students gave their views on Prep. Classes and Timing:

  • Prep. Classes
    • JEFF:
      • I did most of the homework, but definitely not all, though I did take as many practice tests as possible. My sense is that a lot of people took some sort of class, particularly people without business backgrounds.
        A class was very helpful for a few reasons. First, it forced me to think about the GMAT for at least a few hours per week, which meant I couldn't totally blow off studying. It also helped that they had so many practice tests and questions, so that if there was an area you were weak in, there were literally thousands of practice questions [on that topic]. To get the most out of the class, I would definitely recommend starting it as early as possible, while still finishing the class the week before the exam.
    • Robert
      • I found the forced studying helpful, but my score didn't improve from the first diagnostic test to the actual result... So, the forced studying was great, but not the resulting score. I would probably recommend studying more outside of class -- I waited until the last two weeks to do a lot of studying.
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Computer Adaptive Test
The exam is administered at a test center by the GMAT-CAT software, which does a rough search for your most likely verbal and math ranges early in the test.  The questions begin at a moderate level and either increase or decrease in difficulty, depending on whether they are answered correctly or not. Then, as the examination progresses, the difficulty is adjusted in increasingly smaller increments as the system zeros in on your "true" score.
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How does the CAT Work?
The CAT is an adaptive test, which means that the test software uses your performance on one question to determine which question you'll be asked next. While all CAT questions are pulled from the same pool, each test taker will have a unique combination of questions that forms his entire GMAT.
When you take a CAT you'll start with a medium-level question. If you answer correctly, the computer will raise your score and proceed to give you a harder question. If you answer incorrectly, your score will go down and you'll get an easier question. The process repeats for each question on the section.
On a paper-and-pencil standardized test, each question counts the same toward your final score. On the CAT, the first questions are much more important than later questions in determining your final score. It is imperative for you to get off to a strong start on the GMAT CAT.
Many CAT features will be completely new to you. Don't worry; at The Princeton Review we've been helping students crack computer adaptive tests for more than five years. Here are some common issues with CAT format:
  • Make effective use of scratch paper for notes, calculations and process of elimination.
  • Give full attention to each question as it appears: you cannot skip a question and return to it later.
  • Don't panic as the question difficulty changes. The test adapts itself based on your performance, so all the questions should seem challenging to you.
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Here are some Tips:
During the exam, the most critical questions are the earliest. So, when you miss an early problem, they kick it down to a much simpler level, which corresponds to a much lower score.  Even if you get the next few simple gmat questions right, you will not return to the 650-plus range.
  • Take your time early to raise your GMAT.
    • On the math section, for example, you solve 37 problems in 75 minutes (two minutes per problem), but the typical problem can be solved in 1:35, giving you some extra time, so don't rush through the early ones too quickly. 
  • Nothing will increase your score if you do not understand the questions!
    • Through proper test preparation, you should be able to recognize and automatically react to any of the early, moderate-level GMAT questions.
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