Excelling On The GMAT
Emily Gung
Graduate Admissions
Valdosta State University
Graduate Management
Admission Test
• Where and when can I take it?
• What is it?
• Scores required for VSU?
• How can I prepare to do my best?
Where and When Can I Take
It?
• Candidate Information
Booklet
• ETS/GMAT homepage
www.mba.com
• Sylvan Learning Center
Test Format
• Computer-based
• Three timed sections: verbal,
quantitative, and analytical writing
• Verbal and Quantitative - Multiple
Choice
• Analytical Writing - Two Essays
Test Format
• Test design factors
– difficulty level of questions already
answered
– required question types
– appropriate coverage of content
Analytical Writing
• Analysis of an issue = 30 min.
–Analyze a given issue or opinion
and then explain your point of
view on the subject by citing
relevant reasons/examples
Analysis of an Issue
• Decide on your perspective.
• Work your way to a perspective instead
of announcing one.
Indicate that you understand the
complexities of an issue or an opinion
before you take a position.
• Think about personal experiences and
examples that support your argument.
Structure of Essay
• Introduction - State your perspective and
summarize your points.
• Body - Explore your ideas in detail and
include examples.
– Use fully developed sentences
– Coherent organization
– Logical transition between points
• Conclusion - re-state your original idea
Analytical Writing
• Analysis of an argument = 30 min.
–Analyze the reasoning behind a
particular argument and then
write a critique of that argument
Ask yourself the following:
• Does the claim make certain assumptions?
• How do I interpret certain terms or
concepts?
• What reasons support my position?
• How might someone dispute my position?
Analytical Writing
• Scoring:
– Quality of ideas
– Ability to organize, develop, and express
those ideas
– Relevancy of supporting reasons and
examples
– Ability to control the elements of
standard written English
Verbal and Quantitative
• Questions are in a multiple choice
format.
• Each question must be answered.
• Test takers cannot return to
previous questions.
• Directions are given at the
beginning of each section.
Quantitative
• Measures basic mathematical skills and
understanding of elementary concepts, and
the ability to reason quantitatively, solve
problems, and interpret graphic data.
• 37 questions = 75 min.
• Two types of questions:
– Problem solving
– Data sufficiency
Quantitative
• Problem Solving
– arithmetic
– elementary algebra
– geometry
• Data Sufficiency
– test takers must decide whether the data given
in the statements is sufficient for answering the
question
Tips
Avoid extensive computation. Try to
estimate the answer.
Geometric figures may not be drawn to
scale. Therefore, comparisons should be
based upon your knowledge of mathematics
and the given information.
Memorize necessary algebraic formulas and
basic foundations of geometry.
ETS/GRE Math Review
Verbal
• 41 questions = 75 min.
• Three questions types:
– Reading Comprehension
– Critical Reasoning - tests skills involved
in making arguments, evaluating
arguments, and formulating or evaluating
a plan of action
– Sentence Correction
Reading Comprehension
• Questions will reflect the following areas:
–
–
–
–
Main idea or primary purpose
Information explicitly stated or clearly defined
ideas that are suggested or implied
Application of the author’s ideas to other
situations
– Author’s logic, reasoning, or persuasive
techniques
– Tone of the passage or the author’s attitude
Critical Reasoning
• Argument Construction
– structure of an argument
– properly drawn conclusions
– underlying assumptions
– well-supported explanatory hypotheses
– parallels between structurally similar
arguments
Critical Reasoning
• Argument evaluation
– factors that strengthen or weaken the
argument
– reasoning errors committed in
making that argument
– aspects of the method by which the
argument proceeds
Critical Reasoning
• Formulating and Evaluating a Plan
of Action
– relative appropriateness, effectiveness, or
efficiency of different plans of action
– factors that strengthen or weaken the
prospects of success for a proposal plan
of action
– assumptions underlying a proposed plan
of action
Sentence Correction
• A correct expression will contain:
– noun-verb agreement
– noun-pronoun agreement
– pronoun consistency
– pronoun case
– verb tense sequence
Sentence Correction
• Noun-Verb Agreement
The beneficial effects of her enthusiastic work
is apparent everywhere.
The beneficial effects of her enthusiastic work
are apparent everywhere.
Sentence Correction
• Noun-Pronoun Agreement
The students exchanged their essays.
Neither Alicia nor Louise uses a computer to
write her papers.
The audience gave its approval.
Sentence Correction
• Pronoun Case
subject forms, object forms, possessive forms
Kim and me spent spring vacation in Vancouver.
Kim and I spent spring vacation in Vancouver.
The only one to read the report was me.
The only one to read the report was I.
Sentence Correction
A correct sentence will not have:
• dangling, misplaced, or improperly
formed modifiers
Ex: A small fan stood on the desk
which hummed quietly.
A small fan, which hummed quietly,
stood on the desk.
Sentence Correction
• Unidiomatic Expressions or
inconsistent expressions
Ex. A willingness to compromise has been
a common tendency throughout the
Canadian history.
A willingness to compromise has been a
common tendency throughout Canadian
history.
Sentence Correction
Ex. This teacher had no interest or respect for
his students.
This teacher had no interest in nor respect for
his students.
Sentence Correction
• Parallel Construction
Ex. Rep. Cairns criticized her opponent as soft
on crime, indifferent to voters, and a tax and
spend politician.
Rep. Cairns criticized her opponent as soft on
crime, indifferent to voters, and quick to
raise taxes.
Tips to Improve Your Score
Practice using study guides and practice
tests.
Be familiar with the structure of the test.
Beware of distractors-wrong answers are
not random. Read ALL choices.
Process of elimination.
Manage your time.
Practice Materials
• Test Preparation Books/Materials
• GMAT POWERPREP Software
• 800Score.com GMAT Prep Course = 29.95
www.800score.com
• Kaplan Test Prep and Admissions
www.kaptest.com/gmat
Other Suggestions
 Reduce worries related to the actual taking of the
test!
 Arrive early!
 Bring two forms of identification (one with a
picture).
 Get plenty of rest.
 Think positively.
 Focus on each question and don’t worry about
past or future questions.