GMAT Exam: An Updated Guide for 2024

1. GMAT Exam

GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) is required for MBA admissions abroad. The GMAT entrance exam is meant to judge the analytical abilities of the candidates in the quantitative section and verbal reasoning sections. Even though the GMAT exam is meant for MBA admissions, students are not required to prepare anything related to management. GMAT judges the basic mathematical and verbal skills that are required for you to survive your B-School academics. The GMAT exam is 3 hours and 7 minutes­. In addition, the GMAT exam 2024 includes 2 optional breaks of 8 minutes each. The Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative sections were shortened by 13 and 10 minutes respectively. The Integrated Reasoning and Analytical Writing Assessment, along with the Score Preview and the optional break time, remained the same. These changes do not impact scoring in the shortened Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative sections as only the unscored items have been removed by the GMAC.

2. Why Take the GMAT Exam?

It is the most widely accepted exam for MBA admissions worldwide. No other exam has as wide acceptability as GMAT, as per the GMAC, globally 9 out of 10 MBA enrollments are made through GMAT Score. Further, 2,400+ schools accept GMAT scores for giving admission. Also, there are 650 testing centers in 115+ countries that administer the GMAT exam. Other benefits of taking the GMAT entrance exam include its validity for 5 years. In case a student scores well and wants to gain such work experience, he/she can utilize that GMAT score for 5 years.

3. GMAT 2024 Dates

There is no fixed official GMAT exam date 2024, you can choose any date according to your convenience and availability. In case you need to retake the GMAT exam you can do so after 16 calendar days. You can take or retake the GMAT exam after every 16 calendar days. You can appear for the exam a maximum of 5 times a year (12 months) and 8 times in a lifetime. Ideally, candidates are recommended to register themselves two to three months before the exam date. If you register online or by phone, you can get yourself registered as late as 24 hours before the GMAT exam date 2024. But it is safer to stick to early registration as you will then have a set schedule to prepare for the exam accordingly. Even the coaching institutes recommend you register at the earliest available date so that you have a wide window of time to prepare. Exam dates may change. There may be optional or additional dates. Check the official website.

4. GMAT 2024 Exam Pattern

The GMAT Exam pattern comprises four sections which are mentioned below:

• Analytical Writing
• Integrated Reasoning
• Quantitative Reasoning
• Verbal Reasoning

5. GMAT Score

Candidates should understand their GMAT Score and GMAT Score Report. Candidates should also understand various aspects of the GMAT Scores.

6. List of Universities that Accept GMAT Scores

There are various GMAT-accepting universities around the world offering different business management programs. Thus, by qualifying for the GMAT you can get admitted to various universities accepting GMAT. Here is the list of top universities  accepting GMAT for admissions: 

• The University of Melbourne, Australia
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology, US
• The University of California, Berkeley, US
• University of Oxford, UK
• Stanford University, US
• The University of Western Ontario, Canada
• London Business School, London, UK
• The University of British Columbia, Canada
• National University of Singapore, Singapore
• University of Toronto, Canada

7. GMAT Prep Tips for Each Section

To achieve the desired score in the GMAT 2024 exam, devising the right GMAT preparation strategy is very crucial. The correct GMAT exam preparation strategy will help a student achieve his/her goals. Some of the GMAT preparation tips that one must follow are:

Understand the GMAT exam pattern: GMAT is a ‘computer adaptive test’ that adapts to the candidate’s ability in real-time by selecting questions based on the responses provided by them. Therefore, it is important to understand the exam pattern, syllabus, marking system, topic-wise weightage, and types of questions in the paper. Candidates must read them in detail to build a proper exam strategy and decide on the GMAT preparation time.

Refer to the GMAT syllabus: Topics to cover and study come from the syllabus of GMAT. Hence it's important to refer to the prescribed syllabus and GMAT paper pattern to understand what to study.

Collect the best resources: Gather GMAT 2024 preparation material from the GMAT official guide from the GMAC website and other material available online like GMATclub and a few others with the GMAT previous year papers to understand important topics. The GMAT practice test should cover all levels like easy, moderate, and difficult.

Targeted study: Keep time targets in terms of GMAT course completion, revision, and practice of questions. It will improve performance, overall speed, and accuracy. If a GMAT exam section is allotted 30 minutes, try to cover it five minutes early.

Practice regularly: GMAT preparation requires a lot of practice to improve the time speed, accuracy, and score range. The GMAT practice test will be a great help. Practicing topics, especially weak ones, will give the candidate confidence in the exam hall and save him/her from the anxiety of exam pressure. Practice questions section-wise, topic wise, and try to give full-length question papers at regular intervals. For guidance or support the candidates can prefer GMAT coaching to enhance their efficiency and improve in the test. In case of convenience at home, the candidate can choose the GMAT online coaching.

GMAT diagnostic tests: These are designed like actual GMAT exams with similar questions asked in the main exam. By giving these tests, a candidate will come to know where he/she stands in the preparation and what are the weaknesses and strengths areas. They will also help in expanding knowledge as they come with detailed solution analysis, different methods to solve the questions, and percentile evaluation.

8. Strategy for Preparing for GMAT Exam

Candidates need an appropriate strategy to score a perfect 800 in the GMAT 2024 Exam. Before you start preparing, also decide what a good GMAT Score (according to you) is, and then prepare accordingly. Candidates can also go through the GMAT Sample Paper which will help them in preparing for the GMAT exam 2024. Start with the GMAT Official Guide (GMAT OG). You may also opt for the GMAT Official Guide Bundle. The reason for starting with the GMAT Official Guide is that you need to be aware of the previous years’ GMAT questions and the official GMAT study material. Hence, make sure that the GMAT Official Guide forms the base of your preparation.

GMAT Colleges

The GMAT aspirants can apply to more than 7700 programs at roughly 2400 business schools globally. Further, top business schools across the world like Harvard, INSEAD, and Stanford accept the GMAT score of above 720. Further, management schools should grant a degree to students to be eligible to accept GMAT scores. GMAT scores are one of the most important factors in the entire application process for admission to top B-schools across the globe. GMAT is accepted in more than 110 countries of the world. Apart from this, those who are targeting schools that also accept GRE Scores along with the GMAT Scores might also need to know GRE to GMAT Score Conversion to convert their scores.

GMAT 2024 Exam Day Guidelines

Start your preparations for the exam day before the actual date. Doing things beforehand helps you to feel relaxed and makes you provide the best of your performance. GMAT 2024 Exam Day Guidelines at the Test Center:

• Things to be carried out for the GMAT exam center: GMAT approved ID, water bottle.
• The ID proof must be original.
• Appointment confirmation Email copy.
• Familiarize your exam center details, traveling time and modes of transport at least 2-3 days earlier than the exam date.
• Try to take deep breaths when you feel stressed during the exam.

However, please note that the specific details of guidelines for the GMAT exam may be subject to change over time. For up-to-date information check out the official website.

9. Conclusion

In conclusion, the GMAT exam 2024 is a pivotal step for individuals aspiring to pursue a wide range of academic programs, not just limited to an MBA. Its global recognition and acceptance make it a vital tool for gaining admission to various business and management courses across the globe. With thorough preparation and strategic planning, candidates can achieve their desired scores and open doors to a multitude of opportunities in top-tier institutions.

10. Who are We!

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