This section tests candidates’ ability to articulate ideas, present supporting evidence and use the English language correctly. The first asks candidates to put forward a perspective on an issue the second requires an analysis of an argument. Test content: The GRE revised General Test is divided into three parts: The Subject Tests assess knowledge in a particular field, while the General Test assesses verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning and analytical writing.ĭuration: Around three hours and 45 minutes (six sections with a 10-minute break after the third). Some departments may ask applicants to take one of the GRE Subject Tests, while others require the General Test. Purpose: GRE scores are used to assess the suitability of applicants for graduate-level study across many different subject areas. Required by: Graduate schools and departments. Target audience: Prospective graduate students across all disciplines. Candidates may also wish to enroll on a prep course, or make use of the many online resources available.
This uses the same software as the test itself so should serve as an accurate simulation.
Resources: The official site o¬ffers free prep software to registered users. There is a penalty for not finishing in the allotted time. To complete a section you must work through the most difficult questions. A correct answer will lead to a more difficult question, while an incorrect answer does the opposite. Points to note: Multiple choice sections begin with an intermediate-level question. There are no straightforward passes or fails, and the score you need will depend entirely on the school to which you are applying. Results needed: Most GMAT candidates achieve a score between 400-600 – extremely high and low scores are rare. Valid for: Five years (older scores are available but are not always considered to be an accurate measure of your current standard). Results can be cancelled immediately on completing the test.
You may retake the test if you are unsatisfied with your score (a maximum of five times over a 12 month period), but be aware that all scores from the previous five years will be included on the scorecard sent to the business schools to which you are applying. You may choose up to five schools to send your score report to, with additional reports available for an extra fee. You also receive a percentile rating for each of the four parts, indicating the percentage of test takers you outperformed, and a ‘Total’ score which is calculated based on the verbal and quantitative sections. Scoring: The verbal and quantitative sections of the GMAT are both scored from 0-60 the analytical writing assignment is scored on a scale of 0-6 (in increments of 0.5) the integrated reasoning section is marked on a scale of 1-8 (increments of 1). Integrated reasoning: A multiple choice section which measures a candidate’s ability to evaluate information presented in di¬fferent formats and from multiple sources (12 questions in 30 minutes).Verbal: Multiple choice questions testing the candidate’s ability to understand written material, evaluate arguments and correct written material to conform to standard English (41 questions in 75 minutes).Quantitative: Multiple-choice questions testing the candidate’s ability to solve problems and understand data (37 questions in 75 minutes).Analytical writing assessment: An essay analyzing an argument (one essay in 30 minutes).Test content: The GMAT is divided into four parts: Purpose: To assess a candidate’s suitability for business school, by assessing verbal, mathematical and analytical skills.ĭuration: Three hours and 30 minutes (four hours if you choose to take the optional breaks). Target audience: Business school applicants.