Better Know a Test: The GMAT
What it is: The Graduate Management Admissions Test is a computer-based standardized test in mathematics and the English language used to determine an applicant’s readiness and likelihood for success in graduate business studies. Business schools use the test as criteria for admission in graduate business administration programs (MBA, Masters of Accountancy, Finance, Information Services, Marketing, PR, etc).
How it works: The GMAT is broken down into sections of Verbal, Quantitative, and Analytical Writing and takes roughly 4 hours to complete. Although the Verbal and Quantitative sections are scored on a scale of 0-60, the total scaled score is based on a scale of 200-800. (See below for a rubric determining Total Scores). Scores are valid for 5 years. Before submitting the test for scoring, test takers have the option of trashing the test. Once scores are determined, however, the test history stands. The first section on the test is the Analytical Writing Assessment.
The first reader is “IntelliMetric”, a proprietary software designed by Vantage Learning to analyze creative writing and syntax by using a number of linguistic and structural features. The second and third readers are humans, who gauge the essay based on the ability to express ideas in an efficient, organized and developed manner accompanied by relevant support.
Over the past few years, the mean score on this portion has been 4.4.
Quantitative Section: Composed of 37 multiple-choice questions broken up into problem solving and data sufficiency, the Quantitative section is scored from 0-60 points. Test takers have 75 minutes to complete this section, and the mean average has been 36.2. Scores above 50 are rare.
Problem Solving: These questions are multiple-choice problems testing arithmetic, basic algebra, and elementary geometry. Some are plain mathematical calculations and the rest will be presented as real-life word problems requiring mathematical solutions. All the numbers used are real numbers and the diagrams and figures will be drawn as accurately as possible.
Data Sufficiency: Data Sufficiency questions are unique and were created specifically for the GMAT. Testing quantitative reasoning using an usual set of directions, the test taker is given a question with two associated statements providing information, and then asked to determine whether either statement alone is sufficient to answer the question, whether both are needed to answer the question, or whether there is not enough information given to answer the question.
The multiple-choice options are presented as such:
(A) If statement 1 alone is sufficient to answer the question, but statement 2 alone is not sufficient.
(B) If statement 2 alone is sufficient to answer the question, but statement 1 alone is not sufficient.
(C) If both statements together are needed to answer the question, but neither statement alone is sufficient.
(D) If either statement by itself is sufficient to answer the question.
(E) If not enough facts are given to answer the question.
The best way to prepare for these types of questions is to do as many of them as you can before the test. Once the test taker is used to the phrasing and logic of the Data Sufficiency equations, they become familiar and are easier to tackle.
Verbal Section: The verbal section consists of 41 multiple-choice questions which must be answered in 75 minutes. The questions come in three types: sentence correction, critical reasoning, and reading comprehension. Scored from 0-60 points, the mean score has been 27.9. Scores above 44 are rare.
Sentence Correction: Testing knowledge of grammar, usage and style, the sentence correction items are presented as a sentence, all or part of which has been underlined, with five associated answer choices. The first answer choice is exactly the same as the underlined portion of the sentence, with the four other choices containing different phrasings of the underlined portion.
Critical Reasoning: Testing logical thinking, the Critical Reasoning items present an argument to be analyzed. Questions ask test takers to draw conclusions, identify assumptions and recognize strengths or weaknesses in an argument. The questions are presented in short paragraph or passage form, and though some or all of the answers might seem logical, the test taker is asked to choose the best answer, one that neither makes assumptions, seems implausible, irrelevant, redundant or inconsistent.
Reading Comprehension: Testing the ability to read critically, the questions in this section relate to a passage provided for the test taker to read. The GMAT uses passages that range from 200-350 words, covering topics from social sciences, biological sciences, physical sciences and business. There are three or more questions per passage, based on content, focusing on what the author states, what can logically be inferred and the author’s attitude.
Studying for the GMAT often means getting a private tutor. If you find yourself in that position, check out Tutorspree!
Image from:http://www.gmatpill.com/gmat-prep-about-the-gmat/750-debrief-qa-student/
Better Know a Test: GMAT Logistics
Scoring: Though each of the sections is scored from 0-60, the total score of the GMAT ranges from 200-800. The analytical writing assessment (AWA) is not included in the total score. Below is a rubric which can be used to figure out the total score based on the mean score.
About 2/3 of the test takers score between 400-600.
The GMAT is a CAT, which means that it is a computer-adaptive test. The first question might be difficult. The next few questions might be around the 500 level. If the test taker answers correctly, the next questions are harder. If the test taker answers incorrectly, the next questions are easier. The questions are pulled from a large pool of questions and determined on the student’s running score. The final score is not based solely on the last question the student answers (which may or may not be the “hardest” question answered), rather the algorithm used to build a score is quite complicated, especially as the test taker might make a mistake and answer a difficult (or easier) question incorrectly. The computer can recognize such as an anomaly. Furthermore, one cannot go back and change an answer, and each subsequent question is based on the correctly (or incorrectly) answered question that precedes it.
Cost and Logistics: The cost of the exam is $250. Registration can be done online or by calling one of the centers. The test can only be taken once every 31 days, even if the scores are cancelled. Calculators and digital watches are not permitted.
What schools want: The average score for nearly all of the top business schools, is in the upper 600’s or low 700’s, with Harvard Business School’s average around 720.
Looking back and forward: In 1953 an organization not called the GMAC (Graduate Management Admissions Council) began as an association of nine business schools, whose goal was to develop the standardized test. After 2005, GMAC began and still does administer the exam. In June of 2008, there was a cheating scandal involving roughly 6000 test takers who may have viewed “live” questions in-use on the GMAT. In addition there have been issues of “proxy” or “ringer” test takers. The GMAC subsequently announced measures that include Fujitsu PalmSecure, a palm vein scanning technology in all test centers. Additionally GMAC has announced plans for a Next Generation GMAT to launch in June 2012, eliminating one of the two essays and adding an Integrated Reasoning section. International differences will be taken into consideration more strong as well. Stay tuned for further updates.
Looking for a great private tutor to help you out with the GMAT? Check out Tutorspree!
How to Study for the GMAT Without Losing Your Mind
Quick, I’ll give you $10 if you can recite the formula for the surface area of a cylinder.
You didn’t get that $10, did you? Don’t worry. Most of us haven’t done geometry since about 10th grade. And even if your current job requires math, you can probably use a calculator or a computer. Or maybe you know your multiplication tables cold, but you have no idea how to write a sentence using parallel construction.
Whatever your strengths and weaknesses may be, you’re going to have to prepare for the GMAT, and you’re going to have to be smart about it. The ability to finesse the test—to take it, rather than letting it take you, as my 6th grade teacher used to say—can only be achieved through practice. There are no points for style on the GMAT (save, perhaps, the Analytical Writing Assessment section, but even that is graded in part by a computer), nor is there partial credit. Oh, and once you answer a question, you can’t go back. These factors add up to create a test that may seem like it’s best attacked quick and dirty, but in my experience, the most successful approach requires a decent amount of elegance.
Here are a few tips I used to get through the process without going insane.
Get an Early Diagnosis
Take the diagnostic test as soon as you can, and be vigilant about recording what you do and don’t know. It is highly possible that you will think you know certain things but in fact have no idea (this is the diary of you taking the GMAT). I used Knewton as my test prep course because I had no interest in having to change out of pajama pants to go to class, and all of their courses are online. Also, I like supporting New York-based education startups, like, you know, Tutorspree and stuff. Knewton has a good tool for looking at all the concepts you have and have not mastered. Manhattan GMAT and the other test prep companies probably have this too, but I haven’t personally explored them in great depth. Point here is that you should not waste your time learning things you already know, so finding out what those are is key to making your studying as efficient as possible.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help…Strategically
I got to a certain point where I felt like I was learning new material in my studying, but my scores weren’t accelerating as quickly as I wanted them to. At that stage, I scheduled a couple of tutoring sessions with a tutor who specializes in “GMAT Quant” as we insiders (read: people who have spent too much time thinking about this test) call it. You don’t necessarily have to meet with a tutor—maybe it’s a question of going to the office hours for your prep course (Knewton offers these) or even turning to the message boards for help on certain areas of focus. But asking the particular questions that are stumping you forces you to articulate what you find confusing, which in itself helps to highlight the things you still need to work on. That being said, it’s possible to waste your time and money by heading into tutoring sessions non-strategically. If time and money are no objects to you, then go for it, but if you want to go to business school, now is probably a good time to reconsider how you assess investing these resources. The approach that worked best for me was to get as far as I could on my own and with Knewton and then meet with a tutor just a couple of times to fill in the gaps.
Don’t Just Practice Often, Practice Correctly
The importance of this is often overlooked. The circumstances under which you study matter. Be strict with yourself about the way you set up your study time. Here is the format my tutor recommended, which worked well for me:
- Do whatever exercise you choose (run, gym, yoga)
- Eat, shower, take a short break
- Do 75 minutes of practice questions to simulate the length of the actual sections on the test
- Take another short break to clear your head
- Review the questions you got wrong AND the ones you got right
Exercise is a good way to get some adrenaline going, which is useful since the GMAT can be boring, and it helps to have some energy before tackling a reading comprehension about the extremely minute details of LCD screen technology (I actually got that passage on a practice test).
In my experience, the GMAT is not one of those tests you can study for while watching tv or walking on the treadmill. I memorized formulas on the way to work, but that’s about the only multitasking I found possible. It requires focus—a lot of focus—so giving your studying any less than 100% attention basically results in, well, no results.
DO NOT CRAM
Does the above header look like I’m yelling at you? That’s because I am. I can’t emphasize this one enough. Your brain will collapse if you try to stuff too much information into it right before the test. Your scores on practice tests will start to go down. Then you’ll become panicked, which will make you second guess your answers, which will in turn take up precious time you do not have to waste. Rescheduling your GMAT appointment for a later date costs $50, if you do so more than 7 days in advance of the test. I would highly recommend delaying if you aren’t ready as opposed to trying to learn everything at the last minute. This test is designed in such a way that it is easy to psych yourself out. If you do not go into it with a clear head, the likelihood of this occurring goes up. Do yourself a favor and don’t try to speed up the process any faster than you can go.
The GMATs can be a real pain in the butt, but they’re important. If you need a bit of help, you can find a great private tutor to get that extra edge
Cramming image from: here
College Junior? Grad School, Jobs, oh my!
Rebecca has an eye on the worries of college. This time up - Junior year.
Grad school or career? That’s the question you are probably asking yourself if you’re a college junior. (And if you’re not, you should be!) This is the year to begin planning your post-undergrad life. What’s that going to entail? Well, the good news is, you’re a young adult and that’s up to you. The scary news is, you’re a young adult and it’s up to you!
So how do you decide? Are you enjoying school? Can you see yourself putting in more time after graduation? Are you on a career path that will require graduate school before you can get a job in your field (lawyer, doctor, veterinarian, and college professor, for example, will all require grad school)? If you answered yes to all three questions, grad school may be a good choice for you. If you need a break or to earn money before going back to school or a graduate degree is not a requirement for your chosen career, then you probably need to be thinking about a job.
Grad School
If you’re thinking grad school, junior year is a good time to begin looking at programs. Talk to your faculty advisors, do online research, and ask others in your major—you’ll soon get a sense for which universities have good programs in your field. Ask those universities to send you information. Try to talk to faculty there about the program as well. A reply to your short, polite email introducing yourself and asking about the lab, the department, or the graduate program can help you figure out whether the school is a good fit.
Understand the application requirements for any grad school you are seriously considering. A spread sheet can help you keep track of requirements, admission deadlines, and contact information. Check to see what standardized tests may be required. The is one of the main ones, but your chosen path may require the LSATs (law school) or the MCATs (medical school) or something else. These tests are offered three (or more) times a year. Consider taking any of these exams in the spring of junior year to get an idea of where you may need to focus your attention. If you don’t do well, you can always retake the exam in the fall, but if you do well, you can complete your applications that much earlier in the fall of senior year, and early applications can sometimes be an advantage.
Career
But what if you don’t want to go to grad school—at least not right away? Well, then it’s time to start thinking about a job. Sure, graduation is almost two years away, but in some ways the job hunt has already started. If you are working or interning or volunteering, you are making contacts that will be useful when you look for that full-time post-graduation job. Let’s say you interned at Heckofa Company over the summer. Your boss liked you and thought you did a great job. Don’t lose touch with Boss because, although Heckofa may not be hiring when you start looking in earnest next year, Boss may be able to put you in touch with other contacts and recommend you to other potential hirers.
You’ve probably heard it said that it’s not what you know, it’s who you know. Well, in the current economy, this is particularly true. You may also run up against the young job seekers favorite catch-22. You have to have experience to get the job. But, you think, I can’t get experience unless someone gives me a job! Well, that’s where all that volunteering and interning and even that minimum-wage job comes into play. You may not have experience as a paid copywriter and editor, for example, but hopefully, you have been volunteering in the writing lab or submitting pieces to the college paper or helping with your department newsletter. Voila! Experience. So, if you have not been doing summer internships or working, get off your duff and get going. The college career office and your department office almost certainly track internships in your field, and the former probably also offers workshops on interview skills and other useful job-hunting techniques.
Enjoy junior year. The real world is lurking around the corner, and it can seem like a scary place, but it doesn’t have to be. If you keep your grades up, maintain a good work ethic, and stay on top of your future decisions—grad school or a job—you’ll be ready.
If junior year is throwing more curves than you can handle on your own, let one of our private tutors know!
Image from: here.
GMAT tutor in New York
GMAT Tutors in New York
So you want to get an MBA. The GMAT exam is offered throughout the year, although dates and times change frequently based on capacity and ongoing registration. You should go to the MBA site to find the most convenient testing center and schedule an appointment.
Here are the top ten business schools and their median GMAT scores:
1. University of Chicago (Booth) - 7202. Harvard - 730
3. University of Pennsylvania (Wharton) - 720
4. Northwestern (Kellogg) - 720
5. Stanford - 730
6. Duke (Fuqua) - 700
7. University of Michigan (Ross) - 710
8. UC Berkeley (Haas) - 710
9. Columbia - 712
10. MIT (Sloan) - 720
Now let’s have a look at our top tutors to help you achieve those high scores. (You should expect to pay around $65/hr for a tutor in NY. The same average goes for GMAT tutors in NY.)
Our first tutor is Debra, who spent years as an investment banker and securities analyst. Now she’s taken a career turn and is absolutely hooked on teaching. Next, there’s Rodrigo, an expert in Economics and Statistics who’s taught undergrad and grad students for over twelve years. He emphasizes the importance of patience and building a strong foundation before introducing new concepts. Michael has been teaching the GMAT for six years now. He hails from USC Marshall School of Business and runs his own business with various companies around the world. Julia is an Ivy-Leaguer from UPenn and Columbia. She understands how to help students take control of their test-taking habits by identifying particular weaknesses and strengths. Last of all is Tiffany, who values open feedback and consistent progress above all else. She makes sure to provide progress reports and periodic assessments to make sure you’re learning in the most effective way.
Attributions:
Image from Michael McDonough
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