5 common GMAT Myths

Here are some common myths about the GMAT

Myth 1: GMAT tests your business knowledge

Fact: GMAT is a test of basic quantitative and verbal abilities and your analytical writing skills. The problem solving or reading comprehension questions don’t require you to possess knowledge about any particular business or domain.

Myth 2: GMAT tests advanced math skills.

Fact: The math skills tested on the GMAT are quite basic. The math questions appear difficult because of the way in which they are presented to test the logical and analytical abilities. The actual math is the basic math which you learned in the seventh or eighth grade.

Myth 3: All of the questions on the GMAT count equally toward your score.

Fact: The GMAT is a computer based adaptive test. GMAT always begins with a question of average difficulty. If you answer that correctly, the algorithm will throw a slightly tougher question. If you answer it wrong, it will give you an easier question. Therefore, questions at the beginning of each section are crucial as responses to these questions decide the direction in which your score will go and hence these have a greater impact on your score.

Myth 4: Every B school has a GMAT score cut off.

Fact: All B schools evaluate applications holistically. So, there is no cutoff for GMAT scores. If you scores are low then you need to compensate it with well written essays and application. There are several cases in which applicants with a higher GMAT score are not able to get an admit when applicants with low GMAT score get through just because of better profile and better presentation.

Myth 5: I can send my GMAT score to the school after the deadline if have already submitted my application.

Fact: No. This is a very common myth but it doesn’t work. B schools don’t consider applications if they don’t get the official GMAT scores by the application deadline. To be on a safe side send you scores to the B school at least 14 days in advance through mba.com