Graduate Management Aptitude Test (GMAT) Study Abroad Details |  Other Tests The GMAT is an aptitude test. Like all aptitude tests, it must choose a medium in which to measure intellectual ability. The GMAT has chosen math, English, and logic. The question is--does it measure aptitude for business school? The GMAT's ability to predict performance in school is as poor as the SAT's. This is to be expected since the tests are written by the same company (ETS) and the problems are quite similar (though the formats are different). However, the GMAT also includes two types of questions--Arguments and Data Sufficiency--that the SAT does not. Many students struggle with these questions because they are unlike any material they have studied in school. However, the argument and data sufficiency questions are not inherently hard, and with sufficient study you can raise your performance on these questions significantly. No test can measure all aspects of intelligence. Thus any admission test, no matter how well written, is inherently inadequate. Nevertheless, some form of admission testing is necessary. It would be unfair to base acceptance to business school solely on grades; they can be misleading. For instance, would it be fair to admit a student with an A average earned in easy classes over a student with a B average earned in difficult classes? A school's reputation is too broad a measure to use as admission criteria: many students seek out easy classes and generous instructors, in hopes of inflating their GPA. Furthermore, a system that would monitor the academic standards of every class would be cost prohibitive and stifling. So until a better system is proposed, the admission test is here to stay. Graduate Management Aptitude Test (GMAT) Test Dates Details When is the GMAT given? The test is given year round during normal business hours. There is often one week during each month in which the test is not offered. How important is the GMAT and how is it used? It is crucial! Although business schools may consider other factors, the vast majority of admission decisions are based on only two criteria: your GMAT score and your GPA. How many times should I take the GMAT? Most people are better off preparing thoroughly for the test, taking it one time and getting their top score. You can take the test as often as you like, but many business schools will average your scores. You should call the schools to which you are applying to find out their policy. Then plan your strategy accordingly. Can I cancel my score? Yes. When you finish the test, the computer will offer the option of canceling the test or accepting it. If you cancel the test, neither you nor any school will see your score. If you accept the test, the computer will display your score and it will be available to all schools. Where can I get the registration forms? Most colleges and universities have the forms. You can also get them directly from ETS by writing to: Graduate Management Admission Test Educational Testing Service P. O. Box 6103 Princeton, NJ 08541 or calling (609) 771-7630 You can register with your credit card, by calling 1-800-462-8669.