Parts of the GMAT
Analytical Writing
You begin the GMAT with the analytical writing assessment (AWA). The AWA consists of two separate writing tasks—analysis of an issue and analysis of an argument. You are allowed 30 minutes to complete each one.
Quantitative Section
Following an optional five-minute break, you begin the quantitative section of the GMAT. This section contains 37 multiple-choice questions of two question types—data sufficiency and problem solving. You will be allowed a maximum of 75 minutes to complete the entire section. A majority of these questions consist of 9th and 10th grade level math. On the surface this sounds easy, but for the typical Business School graduate student 10th grade was over 15 years ago.
Verbal Section
After a second optional five-minute break, you begin the verbal section of the GMAT. This section contains 41 multiple-choice questions of three question types—reading comprehension, critical reasoning, and sentence correction. You are allowed a maximum of 75 minutes to complete the entire section.
Computer Adaptive Format Scoring
For each multiple-choice section of the GMAT, there is a large pool of potential questions ranging from a low to high level of difficulty. Each section of the test starts with a question of medium difficulty. If you answer the first question correctly, the computer will give you a harder question next. If you answer the first question incorrectly, your next question will be easier. This process will continue until you complete the section, at which point the computer will have an accurate assessment of your ability level in that subject area.
Test preparation materials offer a valuable insight on how to maximize your scores.
Registration
The Business School recommends applicants register for the GMAT about one month prior to taking the exam. Seats, especially those for evening and weekends, fill up quickly and all options may not be available the closer you get to test day. To register at the test center closest to you, contact the Graduate Management Admissions Council at gmat@ets.org or call 1-800-GMAT-NOW.
Test Day
Before beginning the test, you will need to select to which schools you would like to send your scores. The University of Colorado Denver's GMAT identification number varies by program (see below) . Please take this number with you on test day and use it to send your scores to us.
When taking the GMAT, it is important to remain calm and stay strong throughout the test. Your GMAT score is only one part of the admissions process.
Your GPA, essays, work experience and letters of reference are all reviewed before an admissions decision is made.
Upon completion of the GMAT, you will receive a printout of your unofficial scores. Generally, these scores are correct 99% of the time and rarely change. If you include this printout with your application, we can send your application on for an admissions decision.
GMAT program codes
- MBA programs (except the 11-Month MBA), MPB-0G-78
- 11-Month MBA, MPB-0G-65
- MS programs, MPB-0G-75
- PhD program, MPB-0G-29
GMAT Preparation
Though there is no minimum requirement for admissions, the average score for a current student at the Business School at the University of Colorado at Denver is 580. Therefore, the Business School recommends preparing for the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) using additional methods that offer a more in-depth and comprehensive approach than the general materials offered through the Graduate Management Admissions Council.
Upon registering for the GMAT exam, registrants receive general study material that includes sample test questions, test taking strategies and GMAT tutorial software. Though the study materials do offer some insight to the test, the Business School recommends that applicants explore alternative methods of study as well. Applicants should use the method of preparation that best suits them and offers them the opportunity to achieve optimal results.
The Business School at the University of Colorado at Denver offers these suggested preparatory methods as a resource for its applicants and is not affiliated with any company. For more information on the specific program, please contact the agency at the number provided.
Courses
Several courses are offered to prepare for the GMAT. Below is a list of some local and online offerings:
Gorilla Test Prep
- Kaplan
- 1-800-KAPTEST www.kaplan.com
- Classroom (9 sessions, 4 simulated exams), online (Self-paced), private tutoring (15 hours)
- Power Score
The Princeton Review
- 1-800-2-REVIEW www.princetonreview.com/mba
- Classroom (8 sessions), online (Self-paced, other online options available), private tutoring
- Call 1-866-TPR-PREP for information
Dominate the GMAT
- 720-229-0498 www.DominateTheGMAT.com
- Online, on demand courses (20+ hours), a-la-carte lessons for self- study (18 different topics), practice tests, private tutorials, detailed blog with test-taking tips and strategies.
Practice
An excellent way to prepare for the GMAT exam is to practice. Taking practice exams helps students to get feel for the timing component of the exam, which can be very difficult to master, and to prepare for the format. It can also be a great way to take a check point and see if there are areas of the exam where you need additional preparation. The following are some resources for practice questions and practice exams.
- The official GMAT website (www.mba.com) has practice exams available to download (currently 2 exams are available).
- Free practice tests can be found on:
- List of AWA topics can be downloaded free at www.mba.com
- An article from the Guide to Online MBA with tips for improving your test scores.
- GMAT Books typically offer additional practice tests.
- Also perform internet searches for GMAT question types.
Books
GMAT preparation books are a cheaper, more convenient means of preparing for the examination. Be advised to be diligent in your workload if using a book or other self-paced method of preparation.
Select a book that outlines each individual portion of the exam and offers not only sample questions, but also the best methods for answering these questions in a quick and effective manner.
One such book, GMAT 2004 with CD-ROM, Kaplan, is available at the Auraria bookstore and other retailers. There are other books available, offering a similar format. You should choose the book that will offer them the greatest chance for success.