The GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) is a standardized exam, which is used by universities worldwide for their admissions processes for MBAs (Master of Business Administration) and other business-related programs. Passing the GMAT exam successfully enables you to apply for these programs and increases your chances of getting accepted with a better offer. Additionally, the exam helps you develop all the necessary skills which will boost your career prospects. 

Why Is the GMAT Exam Required for MBA Application?

While the GMAT exam is not the only component to be considered in business schools’ admissions, it is a significant predictor that provides a standardized assessment of applicants’ skills and potential success in business programs. Decision-making about the thousands of new applicants in MBA programs is quite challenging for the admissions teams, and having a good GMAT score gives candidates a competitive advantage. 

Not only does the GMAT help admissions teams to better see the student’s current abilities, but it also partially guarantees that the students with higher GMAT scores are more likely to succeed in MBA programs.

Alternative Careers After GMAT for International Students

Taking the GMAT exam can not only get you into your desired business program but also impact the other aspects of your future career. Having a high score on GMAT opens doors for positions in business as well as in academia. 

If you wish to pursue your career in business, GMAT will potentially play a big role in preparing you for a Data Analyst position, which requires strong analytical and logical skills. You can work in various fields, including finances, marketing, policy-making, marketing, etc. 

Students who have taken the GMAT are often employed as financial analysts and work in investment banks, asset management firms, financial consulting companies, risk management departments, etc.

Skills that are practiced during GMAT positively impact your chances to start working as a management consultant, entrepreneur, market research analyst, project manager, and other related job positions. But together with that, your chances in the academic field also increase, and you can pursue a career as a professor or researcher in universities and research institutions, especially in the fields such as economics, finance, and business administration. 

The Benefits Of Taking The GMAT

International Recognition – The GMAT is widely accepted in the whole world and is recognized by thousands of business schools. This allows you to not only apply for the business programs inside your country but to go beyond and increase your chances in a wide range of schools internationally.

Scholarship Opportunities – Some business schools prioritize students, who have successfully passed the GMAT exam and offer them scholarships, grants, and other financial incentives. 

Worldwide CriteriaThe GMAT exam is designed to master and assess your skills in critical and logical thinking, analytical writing, and quantitative and verbal reasoning. For this reason, passing the GMAT showcases your abilities in all areas, which are essential for graduate business programs and in general, your personal growth and development. 

Age Limit – The minimum age for taking the GMAT exam is 13 years. Typically, it is taken by candidates above 18 who are motivated to pursue their degree in business programs, and usually, these people have a few years of work experience. However, sometimes, universities themselves can have age criteria. 

Score Limit – There is no specific score limit for GMAT to be considered as a candidate in business programs, as there are no pass/fail principles in the exam. GMAT scores range from 200 to 800. Different business schools usually have different score requirements for admissions. 

Career Opportunities – Taking the GMAT doesn’t mean you have only mastered the exam components, but in general it develops your approaches to time management, decision-making, and detail orientation. Because of this, many employers in the business field prioritize candidates who have taken the GMAT exam. Hence, it increases your chances for higher-level positions and better career opportunities. 

Test Retake Options – One of the main benefits of the GMAT exam is that if you are not satisfied with your test results, you can retake your exam once every 16 days, as long as it doesn’t exceed 5 times per year or 8 times in a lifetime. This opportunity helps you to improve your score and increase your chances to get accepted by your desired universities. 

Flexible Dates and Locations  – GMAT is very flexible when it comes to dates and locations. It allows you to choose a time and place which is convenient for you to take the exam and makes it accessible for students from the whole world. 

FAQs About the GMAT

How to register for GMAT?

  • Sign up on mba.com
  • Choose your exam delivery experience (in test centers or online)
  • Fill in your personal information
  • Verify your profile
  • Schedule your exam
  • Pay the registration fee

How is GMAT scored?

The GMAT test consists of four sections. Each of them differs in terms of score range and the number and types of problems:

  • Quantitative Reasoning – Consists of 31 questions. Scored from 0 to 60.
  • Verbal Reasoning – Consists of 36 questions. Scored from 0 to 60
  • Integrated Reasoning – Consists of 12 questions. Scored from 1 to 8. 
  • Analytical Writing Assessment – 1 task is given. Scored from 0 to 6.

Have you been studying for the GMAT and need a private tutor? Our elite tutors, who scored over 770 on the GMAT, offer 30-minute complimentary call. 

Contributor: Ana Rurua