Compare Top GMAT Prep Courses - December 2024

What is the GMAT exam?

What is the GMAT and who needs to take it?

The GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) is a standardized test that aims to predict your academic performance as a future MBA (Masters in Business Administration) student. The GMAT test score is an important part of the business school application process and it is taken into consideration along with your work experience, academic record, and supporting materials. The GMAT is developed by GMAC (Graduate Management Admission Council) which determines the kinds of skills that the GMAT test should measure, and how

The GMAT structure

The GMAT is a multiple-choice, adaptive (CAT-Computer Adaptive Test) test that actually adapts to your performance as you’re taking the test. As you answer questions correctly, the computer serves up harder questions and increases its estimate of your ability and vice versa. The GMAT test is computer-based and is administered in selected locations. The GMAT test takes approximately 3.5 hours to complete, which includes test-taking time and breaks. The GMAT is divided into 4 sections, each measuring a different skill and able to be taken in your order of preference: analytical writing, quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning, and integrated reasoning. These 4 skills come to action in 4 sections on the test. The GMAT test taker will have the option to choose the sections order. Each section gets a separate scaled score:

• The Analytical writing assessment section is scored on a 0 to 6 scale
• The Integrated Reasoning section is scored on a 1 to 8 scale.
• The Quantitative and Verbal sections each have a scaled score of 0–60.
• They are then combined to generate a comprehensive score on a 200–800 scale

They are then combined to generate a score on 200–800 scale.
The GMAT final score reflects the level of difficulty of the questions the test takers answered correctly using a proprietary GMAC algorithm.

How much does it cost?

Taking a GMAT test will cost you $250 and it includes sending your score reports to up to 5 favorite programs. So, it’s very important to take the GMAT when the time is right for you, and to choose the right prep course as to minimize the likelihood of needing to retake the exam.
*Some prep courses offer to pay for your GMAT exam.

How to compare prep courses

During our research on test prep courses, we identified three key criteria for GMAT students to consider:

1. How do I get the score I need, in the shortest amount of time?
2. Is it affordable?
3. Does it provide an enjoyable learning experience?

Before making a choice, ask yourself:
Does the company have the technology and means to both accelerate my learning and identify the best methods of problem-solving to help me achieve my desired score?

Finally, ask yourself: What investments do I need to make in terms of time as well as money?