GMAT Dates

What you need to know

You are facing the fact you need to sit the GMAT and the GMAT dates are looming. So what do you need to know before the big day? It is an important test date as it may mean the difference between whether you get into the school of your choice or not. There is a lot you need to know just to get yourself booked in for testing on one of the GMAT test dates, let alone preparing for the test itself.

You need to register with the GMAC on one of the available GMAT dates in your area. You can do this online at their website or you can call your local test center directly.

If you want to take the GMAT on a date during the fall semester, then you will need to make an appointment ahead of time as most of the popular GMAT testing centers are booked out weeks in advance.

If you are not a citizen of the US, you may need to prove your primary place of residency is outside of your country of birth.

GMAT Centers for Testing

There are more than 500 computer-based GMAT centers that administer GMAT dates throughout the year in the United States. These centers are located in places such as Sylvan Learning Centers, colleges, universities, Educational Testing Service offices, and Prometric Learning Centers.

Visit the GMAC website (www.gmac.com) for an updated list of GMAT test dates and testing centers.

Do not be afraid of sitting the GMAT as more than 1900 graduate programs require your GMAT scores for admission. Do not procrastinate. Check out the GMAT test dates and make sure you get your results before it is too late.

Your GMAT scores are assessed to evaluate your ability to study advanced management and business practices. Your scores are what will help you get into the school and business program that best suits you.

Preparing for your GMAT Test

With an investment of $250, you want to do well on your GMAT the first time round. Preparation is the key to scoring well when you face the GMAT test questions. Here are some tips to help you prepare for your GMAT test:

• Start preparing at least 4 weeks before your GMAT dates.

• Review mock GMAT exams for the questions and analyze the answers to understand the GMAT format.

• Take as many GMAT free sample tests that you can find to get in the practice you need.

• Familiarize yourself with the different types of questions in the analytical writing assessment, quantitative, and verbal sections.

• Practice your essay writing in a timed environment.

• Review your basic mathematical skills.

• Practice, practice, practice.

• Only study one section at a time.

What the GMAT Measures

The point of taking the GMAT is to measure your basic mathematical, analytical writing and verbal skills developed during your life so far. What the GMAT does not measure includes:

• Interpersonal skills, motivation, or creativity.

• Job skills.

• Knowledge of business practices.

• Your knowledge based on your academic course work.

• Abilities in a subject area outside your specific area of interest.

Arrival of the GMAT Test Date

There are many terms, conditions and rules surrounding taking the GMAT. For a full list of the terms and conditions check with your local testing center before your GMAT test. Here are some of the rules you want to keep in mind on the day of your GMAT:

• When you arrive you will have to present identification and asked to sign the GMAT Examination Testing Rules and Agreement.

• Your signature, fingerprint, and palm vein pattern may be taken, as well as your photograph, and you must agree to your test being video and audio recorded. If you do not agree, you will not be allowed to sit the test and forfeit your GMAT test fee.

• The GMAT takes about 4 hours to complete and testing starts as soon as you sit at your computer station.

• You cannot eat, drink, or smoke while taking the GMAT.

• You cannot talk to anyone in the room while the testing session is in progress.

• When you complete the test, you will need to fill in a questionnaire about your background, demographics, and future plans for graduate school.

By being prepared for your GMAT dates, you can sit the test with confidence because you have insight into the whole process and know what to expect.