How Is the GMAT Different From the GRE

While the GMAT is used mainly by business schools or for business-related programs such as a master’s in finance or business administration, the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) is used for liberal arts programs in fields including mathematics, psychology, and history.

Additionally, the GRE uses a score range of 260-340 with one point increments, while the GMAT has a score range of 200-800 with 10 point increments. Both exams also have different section structures, with the GRE having more questions than the GMAT.
Remember: Both the GMAT and GRE are graduate exams, only required for students applying to graduate courses. Undergraduates do not need to take these exams.

When Is GMAT Registration?

GMAT registration does not have any official fixed dates: You can register for your exam based on your schedule (and when you feel you are ready to take it).

How Do I Register for the Exam?

You can register for the GMAT online through Mba.com, the official GMAT website, operated by the Graduate Management Admission Council. Registering for your exam requires creating an appointment through the website’s scheduling system, and the exam can currently be taken online or at a testing center in your local area. Students with disabilities can request accommodations for testing via this website if testing centers are chosen.

At first, it may seem like there is a lot of material for you to review, but you can prepare by creating a personalized study plan. If you’re still wondering what is the GMAT, a SSM EDUCATION advisor is always ready to help. They can work with you to identify required scores for admission to US graduate programs, give you study tips for exams, and provide other international student services such as assistance with your visa, transitioning to campus, and more!

GMAT Study Plan

A study plan is a guide that organizes all the material you want to review over a specific period of time leading up to the date of your exam. Your study plan helps you go over all your material and cover the areas you need more practice on, while also keeping you on track.

Consider the following when creating your study plan:

• Dedicate certain days to specific subjects—This helps you focus on just one area of the test per day, so you can improve on the subjects you are less confident about while still covering other areas.
• Set a time for practice tests—By organizing your schedule to take practice tests after your review sessions, the material will be fresh in your mind and help you measure your preparedness based on your prep work. It is important to approach each practice test as though it was the actual test to make sure you can pace out your answers for each question and finish on time.
• Use your favorite study techniques—Every student has their own way of studying, and you should prioritize what works best for you. Whether you need to study alone in silence, have music on, or study with friends, you will learn better if you study in an environment that feels comfortable to you.

Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA)

The Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) consists of one essay question and you have 30 minutes to write it. The essay is scored between zero and six points, with scores calculated from both a computer assessment and a human reader from the Graduate Management Admission Council.

In the essay prompt, you are given an argument from an author and must critique their argument using evidence from the text and evaluating the author’s reasoning. In this section, the grader measures your ability to analyze statements and organize your ideas logically while connecting your analysis using evidence. The final AWA score is recorded separately from the overall score.

Integrated Reasoning (IR)

The Integrated Reasoning (IR) section measures your ability to evaluate data presented in various formats like graphics interpretation or two-part analysis. You have 30 minutes to complete 12 multi-part questions, using pull-down options, tables, and fill-in-the-blank statements.

In this section, you need to demonstrate your skill with analyzing data and forming logical decisions based on your findings. To do this, you need to evaluate relevant information from different sources, organize information to find relationships and patterns, and combine information to find solutions to problems. Scores range from one to eight points; like the AWA, this score is separate from the total score.

Quantitative

The Quantitative Reasoning section focuses on problem-solving and data sufficiency questions using algebra, geometry, and arithmetic. While calculators are not permitted, a wet-erase pen and laminated graph paper are provided so you can work out problems by hand.

You are required to analyze statements related to the presented data to determine if there is enough data provided, then you need to identify the most important information to come up with answers, all within a limited timeframe. Scores range from six to 51 and students have 62 minutes to answer 31 multiple-choice questions.

Verbal

The Verbal Reasoning section tests your proficiency with reading comprehension, critical reasoning, and sentence correction. This section has 36 five-option multiple-choice questions that must be completed in 65 minutes.

You are required to evaluate different arguments related to specific questions and create a response that links evidence from the text with your own logical conclusions. You also need to analyze sentences carefully to find errors or identify correct text passages. Additionally, you must demonstrate your skill in understanding author tones, perspectives, summarizing ideas, and creating conclusions based on evidence in text. The score in this section ranges from six to 51.

How Is the GMAT Scored?

GMAT scores are given in increments of 10 points with a range from 200 to 800, measuring the quantitative and verbal sections together while the AWA and IR sections are scored separately.

What is GMAT scoring?

As the exam is a CAT test, the GMAT scoring method evaluates your score based on how you perform during the exam. Your exam begins with a medium difficulty question, and the computer will increase the difficulty of questions presented to you with each question you answer correctly. If you answer questions incorrectly, you may be given slightly less difficult questions to compensate.

Your final score is created using a combination of your correct answers and wrong answers with the level of difficulty of the questions you answered.

What Is a Good GMAT Score?

Each US university and college has its own required minimum GMAT score in order to be admitted to a specific graduate program. Being aware of the average scores that previous applicants earned can help you find a middle ground for your own target score – and work toward a score that helps you stand out among other applicants.

In the quantitative section, the mean score is 39; the verbal section’s mean score is 27. Most business schools prioritize your cumulative score in the exam, and for the overall exam, most test takers score between 430 and 670, with a mean score around 550. A score between 650 and 700 is considered competitive.

Can I Retake the GMAT Test?

Yes, you can! You can take the test up to eight times, with a minimum of 16 days between attempts. The GMAT can only be taken up to five times in a single year, even if your scores are canceled. Recorded scores are valid for five years, and all non-canceled scores from the past five years will be reported.

The online GMAT can be retaken once. If you have a technical issue that requires you to retake the test, this will not count toward your retake limit if the issue can be verified.
Getting started with registering and studying for the GMAT can be challenging to do alone, but a Shorelight advisor can give you the support you need. They will advise you every step of the way and help you confidently prepare for your exam so you can work toward studying at your ideal university.

Study hard and best of luck!