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?
There are 600 domestic and international Pro Metric Technology Testing Centers where you can take the GMAT. Call 1-800-GMAT-NOW or 1-800-462-8669 when you want to take the exam. The test is administered via the GMAT® Computer-Adaptive Test (CAT) and allows privacy, flexibility, and convenience
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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 free preparation course every year. Some students choose to prepare individually with one of the many books with CDs on their own computers. Both ways can be successful. 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.
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 took a class at Kaplan. I chose the longest program, which was once a week for 10 weeks, mainly because there was no way that I would have the time to take a class two or more times per week. I did most of the homework, but definitely not all, though I did take as many practice tests as possible, including the three that you take as part of the Kaplan course. Most people I knew in New York before school took a course, though I can't really say what most people at Wharton did. My sense is that a lot of people took some sort of class, particularly people without business backgrounds.
"I thought the Kaplan 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.
"I know Kaplan offered a course where you could take all 10 sessions in around two and a half weeks, meeting four times per week, but I would imagine that you couldn't do this with a job. You also wouldn't really have the time to improve your ability to answer questions, because before you could work on a weakness, you would have to be preparing for the next class."
- Robert
- I took the Kaplan course, which, if I remember correctly is -- unofficially -- for those who expect to do well and hope to marginally improve their score into the top categories. I was told Princeton Review is for folks who expect to be in the 500s or low 600s and are hoping for a big jump to the low-to-mid 600s... I think most of my friends did Kaplan.
"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."
- Adam
- I bought a ton of GMAT practice tests from the bookstore and registered for Kaplan. However, I had taken the LSAT a few years before and had registered for the Kaplan course for that test too.... I found the classes themselves useless but the two practice tests and the take-home materials extremely valuable. So that's what I did for the GMAT -- I didn't attend one single class except for the two practice tests. The money was worth it just for those experiences and for the practice materials that they give you to work on at home."
- Timing
We also asked our business school students when they recommended taking the test. The resounding message? The earlier the better!
- JEFF:
- "Just far enough in advance that you don't have to study and be writing your applications at the same time. I am a big believer in getting your applications in as early as possible (i.e., for the first deadline), so I would say that you should take the test so that you have enough time to recover and then focus on essays. This would also give you the chance to take the test again if you think it is necessary."
- Robert
- "At a minimum, a year. I had mine done well before starting the essays so I could focus on those and get my apps in the first round (which is key). Coworkers took the GMAT while writing essays and were incredibly stressed trying to do both (and didn't get done until the second to third round). I strongly suggest getting them done early."
- Adam
- "Long enough that you know your score before you apply. I've never understood those people who take the test in the same period as their application due dates. I'd say take it as early as you can.... I've only known of one kid whose score expired on him and that's because he took it as a college senior (scored a 790 by the way) and then waited seven years to go to b-school. If apps are due in January, the previous fall should be the latest you wait. Why add any additional uncertainty to the process?"
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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.
For more Tips click here
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Try a free online sample GMAT prep course from the Princeton Review.
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