Graduate Management Admission Test

GMAT Overview

About the GMAT

What you need to know

The Graduate Management Admission Test, or GMAT, is a computer-adaptive, standardized multiple-choice exam that is used worldwide for admission to graduate business and management programs, including the MBA.

The GMAT was developed by test maker GMAC to provide business schools with common measures of applicants’ preparedness for graduate-level academic work. Business school admission committees look at your GMAT score, work experience, academic record, and supporting materials to assess your readiness for the rigors of an MBA program.

So what does all this mean for you? A high score on the GMAT will have a positive direct impact on your business school application, so it's important that you achieve the highest score you are capable of on the big day.

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Improve Your GMAT Score

with private tutoring

Getting into the right MBA program at your top-choice business school is highly competitive, so you'll need to prepare thoroughly for each section of the GMAT.

Dr. Donnelly can show you how to improve your GMAT scores greatly.

Private lessons with Dr. Donnelly are available online via Zoom or in person at our San Diego office or (depending upon the time of year) at our Manhattan-based office in New York City.

Over the years, Dr. Donnelly has helped hundreds of students improve their GMAT test scores and gain acceptance into some of the country's finest business school programs. We are confident that he can do the same for you.

Contact Dr. Donnelly Today

Email Dr. Donnelly Call Dr. Donnelly

Tel: 917-568-2473

Email: dr.stuart.donnelly@gmail.com

How is the GMAT Scored

How to avoid disaster!

The GMAT is a Computer-Adaptive Test (CAT). On both the Quantitative and Verbal sections of the GMAT, the algorithm will adapt to your performance as you're taking the test. As a result, each student will see a different mix of problems while taking both these sections.

When you begin the math or verbal section, the algorithm starts you with a medium-difficulty problem. If you answer problems correctly, the algorithm will give you more difficult problems. And vice versa, as you answer incorrectly, the algorithm will give you easier problems. Because the test is problem-adaptive, you have to solve everything in the order given, and you cannot return to problems you’ve already answered.

You can think of your score as the difficulty level you could maintain to the end of the section. Your difficulty level at the end of your section is essentially your score.

It’s common for students to do well for the first two-thirds of the test but then run out of time and have their score crash at the end. Your score will not be an average of your performance across the entire section, nor will your score be a function of the number of problems you answered correctly. Rather, your score will be wherever you’re at when you finish the section, so it’s important to aim for a steady performance over the entire section.

What is a Good GMAT Score?

When Should I take it?

Top-10 MBA programs typically require mean scores in the 710 to 740 range. If you’re considering a top-10 program, set a goal of 710 or higher on the GMAT—but if you don’t achieve that level, you can still apply to the school. You’ll need to take extra care on other parts of your application.

Pro Tip - Research your programs of interest ahead of time to ensure that your GMAT score can be reported in time for your earliest deadline. Remember: Your GMAT score is good for five years, and applications take quite a lot of time to complete. If possible, it’s a good idea to start studying for your exam at least one year and maybe two years before you want to apply.

Keep in mind that many MBA programs accept applications in “rounds” that can end as early as September for Round 1 at highly competitive programs and can go as late as the following April or May for Round 3 or even Round 4.

Most people spend about 3–5 months studying for the GMAT, depending on starting and goal scores. Test takers who score in the 90th percentile or higher typically study more than 120 hours for the exam.

What our students say

about Dr. Donnelly!

"I took the GMAT today and scored a 710 (80 point jump from the first test)! Very happy with the results and wanted to thank you for your help!"

Puja D., Queens, New York.

"My daughter has worked with Dr Donnelly for the last three months and it has been wonderful. Dr. Donnelly has been able to focus on her weaknesses and provide enormous insight. In addition, his advice with regards to strategy for the test has been invaluable. He is able to engage students and provide support well beyond other tutoring services. He is sincerely committed to student success and offers a personalized service with sound methodology. Within 3 months her scores improved significantly. In addition to all his talents ... he is just one of those really smart people that can teach."

Deborah W., Bergen, NJ.

"I scored a 700 on the GMAT earlier today. I improved in Math quite substantially, from a 44 (70th percentile) the first time to a 49 (88th percentile). I'm pretty thrilled. I wanted to say THANK YOU very much!"

Brian M., Boston, MA (online student).