The GMAT is a computer adaptive test, which means that the computer changes the test depending on how you answer the questions. The test begins with medium level questions, if you answer questions correctly, the level of difficulty increases. If you answer questions wrong, the computer directs you to easier questions. At $250 per sitting, the GMAT is pricey and advanced preparation is key. Although you can take the GMAT once a month, up to five times per 12-month period, you should avoid repeated retakes because all of your test scores obtained within the past five years appear on the GMAT report you send to MBA programs. Free practice materials, resources and tests are available on-line at the official GMAT website, mba.com.
The three main sections of the test, verbal, quantitative and analytical writing sections are graded separately. For verbal and quantitative sections you receive a score between 0 and 60 for each section, with most scores falling between 10 and 50. These two sections are multiple choice, and while students that don't completely finish sections will still receive scores, unanswered questions will significantly lower their final score. Each of the two essays in the analytical writing section of the test are graded on a scale of 0 to 6 by a qualified human reader and by an automated essay-scoring program. Your composite score doesn't include your analytical writing scores. Composite scores range from 200 to 800 points.
According to the Princeton Review, most students admitted to top MBA programs have a combined score of 700 or higher on the test. As of 2010, the official GMAT website reports that two-thirds of test-takers score between 400 and 600 on the test. Different schools evaluate scores in different ways. For example, schools may evaluate your score based on the original 1954 GMAT scales, your score percentile as compared to the total testing population for the past three years, or even compare you to other applicants to the same program. Beyond differences in how schools evaluate your score, scores vary in importance from school to school, and MBA programs also consider your work experience, the quality of that experience, letters of recommendation, personal interviews, essays and other personal circumstances. To find out exactly what score your desired program requires, look it up on their website or make a quick phone call to the admissions department.