Answers to Your Questions (FAQs)
Get answers to your questions about the Next Generation GMAT exam.
Q: Why was Integrated Reasoning added?
A: Since 1953, the GMAT® exam has been developed for business schools, by business schools, and it has evolved along with their needs. In a 2009 survey, 740 management faculty worldwide indicated that Integrated Reasoning skills are a prerequisite for 21st century management students.
Q: How did the scoring changing?
A: The Quantitative, Verbal, and Total scores did not change, and the Analytical Writing Assessment remains separate but is based on one 30-minute essay rather than two. Like the AWA, the Integrated Reasoning is scored separately and does not figure into the Total score. Integrated Reasoning scores range from 1 to 8 in single-digit intervals.
Q: Why was the writing section streamlined?
A: Admissions directors have said, and recent research has shown, that most test takers get similar scores on both essays, making a single essay acceptable for predicting performance.
Q: Does the GMAT exam allow calculator use?
A: An online calculator with basic functions is available for Integrated Reasoning, but not for the Quantitative section. You are not allowed to bring calculators into the testing room.
Q: Is the Integrated Reasoning section computer adaptive?
A: No, but it is timed, and pacing is important. You may not skip questions or go back and change your answers once you’ve submitted them.
Q: How long does it take to get Official Score Reports?
A: Official Score Reports are available within 20 days after the test date. GMAC has promised a 20-day score report turnaround for many years, but over the past few years, test takers and programs have experienced a quicker turnaround. With the new Integrated Reasoning section, the turnaround will be closer to the 20-day time frame. As usual, you should test well in advance of any application deadlines.
Q: If I have taken the GMAT exam before, may I take the Integrated Reasoning section without taking the rest of the test?
A: No. The Integrated Reasoning section is not offered separately. Also, if you retake the exam, you may not report some scores but not others.
Q: Will my scores from the previous version of the GMAT still show up on my score report?
A: Yes, Official Score Reports include your scores from all GMAT exams taken in the past five years.
Q: Some of the Integrated Reasoning questions require multiple responses. Is there partial credit if I get some but not all of the parts correct?
A: You must get all parts of the question correct to receive credit. The questions are designed to measure your Integrated Reasoning skills, and the responses to a single question are interrelated so that answering them all correctly demonstrates your ability to integrate data to solve complex problems. Additionally, the IR score scale has been designed to reward a candidate’s ability to synthesize multiple streams of information and evaluate possible outcomes as opposed to randomly guessing an answer.
Q: How are Integrated Reasoning scores reported?
A: Integrated Reasoning scores are reported on a scale of 1-8, in single-digit intervals. You will not see your IR score on your unofficial official score report at the test center, but it will be on your Official Score Report available within 20 days.
Q: Why isn’t the unofficial score report I get at the test center include my Integrated Reasoning score?
A: Since the Integrated Reasoning section is new, we have to gather data about each question that is administered and equate candidates’ performance to a common scale. IR scores are reported after we adjust for the minor differences in difficulty of the test forms so that IR scores are comparable across time. This process takes approximately 20 days. Official Score Reports with all scores, including IR, are sent to schools when all scores are available.
Q: Will my Integrated Reasoning score percentile change as more people take the test?
A: It may. Percentiles tell you the proportion of scores below your given score. For the Quantitative, Verbal, AWA, and Total Scores, percentiles are calculated based on the previous three years of data. Throughout 2012, percentiles for all Integrated Reasoning scores will be adjusted each month. From 2013 on, they will be updated annually on the same schedule as the other GMAT percentiles. Your IR scaled score will not change, but as the pool of test takers with IR scores grows, IR percentiles will most likely change.
Q: How can I tell if my score percentile changes?
A: Updated percentile tables will be posted on mba.com. Also, if you view your score reports online later, order additional score reports, or retake the exam, you may notice the IR percentile has changed to reflect the updated pool of test takers. Schools may log into the score reporting website to see any percentile updates, as well.
