What is the GMAT™ Exam?
The Graduate Management Admission Test™ (GMAT) exam score is used by graduate business and management programs when evaluating candidates for admission.
And it can open the door for financial aid and scholarship opportunities.
Let’s break it down for you…
![]() |
Total Exam Time
3 Hours (187 Minutes) |
![]() |
Total Score
200 - 800 |
analytical writing assessment |
integrated reasoning |
quantitative reasoning |
verbal reasoning |
|
![]() Number of Questions |
1 Essay |
12 Questions |
31 Questions |
36 Questions |
![]() Question Type |
|
|
|
|
![]() Timing |
30 Minutes |
30 Minutes |
62 Minutes |
65 Minutes |
![]() What Is Measured |
Your ability to think critically and communicate your ideas |
Your ability to evaluate information presented in multiple formats from multiple sources |
Your ability to analyze data and draw conclusions using basic math skills |
Your ability to read and understand written material, evaluate arguments, and correct written material |
Here are some key facts...
-
Test up to 5 times in a 12-month period
There is a 16-day waiting period between tests
-
You may preview and cancel your scores immediately and no one will know
- Preview your score for 2 minutes on test day before making a decision to keep or cancel
- You can still cancel for up to 72 hours after the test for $25
- Cancel score can be reinstated online for $50
-
Your score is good for 5 years

Key question: What is good score that will get me into my school of choice?
Your GMAT score is just one component of your application. Admission officers evaluate your entire application, making a decision based on the whole.
Why Business Schools Believe in the GMAT Exam

We have evidence that the GMAT is a very good predictor of how a student will perform on our program. That's why the GMAT exam is very important to us. And that's why we believe in it."
- Julie Barefoot, Associate Dean of Admissions, Emory University, Goizueta Business School
The GMAT exam is your first step to a career in business. Why?

Demonstrates your commitment to business. Prepping for and taking the GMAT shoes schools that you're serious about a business career.

Showcases you. Your performance on the GMAT exam proves your mastery of the skills that are most relevant in any business classroom or career - logic, problem-solving, data sufficiency and critical reasoning.

Employers value it. Recruiters from top investment banking and management consulting firms consider GMAT scores during their hiring process.

Provides you more options. The GMAT is accepted by over 7,000 graduates business programs worldwide. And your GMAT may unlock financial aid and scholarship opportunities. Click Here to learn more.
Want More Information?
Yes, I would like information via email about management education, tests, events, products, and other offers from GMAC and the GMAC Group.
Learn the do's and don'ts of the GMAT with the GMAT Handbook.
Try free GMAT questions and see how you'd do on the exam.