Understanding the GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test)
Dreaming of earning an MBA or a master’s in business and stepping into the world’s most dynamic business schools? The Graduate Management Admission Test, better known as the GMAT, is a crucial step in your business school journey. Read on for a complete, student-friendly guide covering GMAT basics, test format, score requirements, costs, and expert tips for your GMAT success.
What is the GMAT?
The GMAT is a standardized exam required by thousands of business schools around the world, especially for MBA and other graduate management programs. The exam measures your abilities across four main areas: Analytical Writing, Integrated Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Verbal Reasoning. Unlike general college exams, the GMAT specifically targets skills business programs value most: problem-solving, critical thinking, and data analysis.
When Should You Take the GMAT?
Timing your GMAT exam is crucial. Most candidates take the GMAT about a year before their intended business school admission. This means scheduling your test during the final year of your undergraduate degree or after accumulating some post-graduation work experience. It’s wise to allow extra time to retake the test if you want to improve your score, so start your planning early!
Who Accepts the GMAT?
The GMAT is accepted by over 7,000 programs at more than 2,300 graduate business schools worldwide. Top business schools in the United States, Canada, Europe, Asia, and beyond rely on GMAT scores to evaluate applicants from diverse backgrounds. Whether you’re aiming for Harvard, INSEAD, LBS, or a top business school in your home country, a strong GMAT score opens doors across the globe.
GMAT Exam Format
Understanding the GMAT structure is key for a confident test day. The exam consists of four sections:
| Section | Description |
|---|---|
| Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) | Analyze an argument and present a well-structured essay, demonstrating your ability to think critically and communicate effectively. |
| Integrated Reasoning (IR) | Evaluate data presented in multiple formats such as graphs, tables, and text; essential skills for today’s data-driven business environments. |
| Quantitative Reasoning | Solve math problems involving problem-solving and data sufficiency; calculators are not allowed for this section. |
| Verbal Reasoning | Assesses reading comprehension, critical reasoning, and grammar skills. |
The exam lasts approximately 3 hours and 7 minutes (excluding breaks), with a total score up to 800 (based on Quantitative and Verbal scores). Each section has its own scoring scale. GMAT test results are typically available within 7 days after you take the exam.
GMAT Costs and Registration
In 2025, the GMAT costs around $275 USD. Prices can vary based on your country and optional services like rescheduling, cancellations, or sending additional score reports. It’s best to budget for potential retakes and any extra services you may need.
What’s a Good GMAT Score for Top Business Schools?
A competitive GMAT score is typically between 600 and 700 for top business programs. Elite MBA schools may have median scores even higher. However, admissions committees also consider your work experience, undergraduate GPA, essays, and recommendations alongside your GMAT score.
Ready to take your business school application to the next level? The GMAT isn’t just a test—it’s your chance to sharpen the skills that will shape your future career. With the right preparation, you’ll gain the confidence you need to impress top schools and achieve your goals.
Don’t let the challenge hold you back—reach out to Fortrust today for personalized GMAT support, expert strategies, and all the guidance you need to succeed. Contact Fortrust now and let’s get you one step closer to your dream business school!