GMAT Math Test Overview
by: rgmat
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The GMAT test is now available only as a Computer Adaptive Test (CAT). The GMAT CAT can be taken at exam centers at any day with prior registration. Please check the official website for test center and schedule. A quick overview of the GMAT CAT is provided below:
Problem Solving
Problem solving questions are simple and straightforward. The test-taker would see a question on the screen with five options to choose from. Please check the sample video page from top menu to see how a question looks like.
Data Sufficiency
GMAT test is unique in the way questions in data sufficiency are asked. In data sufficiency, two statements containing some information follow a question comprising stem information and question statement. The test taker has to determine if the information provided in these statements are sufficient to answer given in the question. Essentially the format of data sufficiency is different from problem solving, however, the topics tested is not different. Please click on the sample free video section on the top menu to see a typical data sufficiency question.
GMAT CAT Math Test Format
* Quantitative section: 1
* Number of questions: 37
o Problem solving = 22 to 25
o Data sufficiency = 12 to 15
* Allowed time: 75 minutes
* Few questions in the actual test are experimental in nature, which test makers may use in future. However, since it is impossible to make out the experimental questions, one should solve all questions as if they are real and are being evaluated.
* The computer adaptive test (CAT) does not allow skipping questions or going back to previous questions. (More on the CAT format later in this page)
Math Content
As mentioned before, the GMAT Math is similar to high school math. However the format is different. Most test takers find GMAT math challenging. However with methodical study, good practice, and testing skill development, one can easily score excellent points in this section of the test. The major areas tested in the exam is as below
Topics
* Arithmetic
o Percent
o Ratio & Proportion
o Time & distance problems
o Average
o Number properties
* Algebra
o Simple equations
o Inequalities
* Geometry
o Angles & Triangles
o Quadrilaterals & Polygons
o Circles, solid & coordinate geometry
* Word problems & other miscellaneous
o Word problems* (Not a new topic, but may include one or more of above topics; about half of all questions are of this type)
o Counting & probability
o Set theory
GMAT Math by topic
* Arithmetic About half (1/2) of all questions
* Algebra About one-fourth (1/4) of all questions
* Geometry About one fifth (1/5) of all questions
* Word problem About half of the questions are in this format.
Computer Adaptive Test
GMAT test can only be taken on computers. One sees the question on the computer screen and by click of mouse chooses the right answer. The procedure is simple, and requires no special training.
The computer adapts to the performance of test taker. The test is computer adaptive as each right or wrong response determines the difficulty level of the subsequent question. Therefore, the test score is not only dependent on how many one gets right, but also on at what level of difficult one gets the right answer. In fact, it will not be wrong to say that your final score depends more on how hard questions you got right.
When the test begins, the computer asks a question of medium difficulty. If you answer it correctly, the next question is of slightly higher difficulty level and your score goes up. However, if you answer the question, your score goes down and the next question is of slightly lower difficulty level. Soon (may be after 8 to 12 questions) you start getting questions at your level of difficulty, such that you can correctly solve a question of lower difficulty, but answer incorrectly if the question is of higher difficulty. It is, therefore, important to note the following points
1. There is no pre-set order in which questions will appear on your day. In fact a test taker sitting next to you will get an entirely different set of questions.
2. The computer adaptive test, because of its nature, does not allow going back to previous questions. Nor can one skip a question.
3. Every test taker including those who are prepared very well feel challenged in the test. As the computer starts adapting to your level, you start seeing questions that seems challenging. The key is to get going with full attention and perseverance.
4. Since one cannot skip a question, one has to learn the art of guessing. Random guessing is not recommended. (In the online WinGMAT Math course, you are trained to make better choices when you are not sure about the right answer).
About the Author
I am a Writer & a Journalist associated with http://www.wingmat.com at present & have successfully implemented various Marketing Activities that involve writing Press Releases, blogging & high Quality Articles.
http://www.wingmat.com provides online GMAT Math interactive video course course with easy-to-follow lessons and exercises.
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