What is the GMAT? The General Management Admissions Test is a standardised test that about 1,900 business schools across the globe will expect you to take before gaining admission to the school on an MBA, EMBA or other management or business-related courses. How many people take the test each year? Last year, more than 250,000 prospective business students took the GMAT exam in more than 90 countries. What do I need to score to pass? There is no official pass mark as each school will have its own standards. Typically, a score of more than 500 is needed, with top-tier schools often expecting scores of 700 or more. What format does the test take? You will sit the test on a computer in individual workstations. There are three parts to the test. Firstly, the analytical writing assessment consists of two 30-minute sections: analysis of an issue and analysis of an argument. In both sections, there are no correct answers as what is being assessed is the test taker's ability to understand and formulate arguments and opinions based on the issues presented. Secondly, the quantitative section consists of 37 questions on problem solving and data sufficiency, and this part lasts 75 minutes. The candidates' knowledge of arithmetic, algebra and basic concepts of geometry are assessed. Thirdly, the verbal section consists of 41 questions on reading comprehension, critical reasoning and sentence correction. It also lasts for 75 minutes. This section of the test assesses the candidate's ability to read and comprehend written material, reason and evaluate arguments and correct written material. A 10-minute break is allowed between each section. Who administers the test? In Hong Kong, the test is administered by Pearson Vue Professional Testing Centre in Central. (Tel: 2176 8568) How much does it cost? Wherever you are in the world, the test will cost US$250
