How to Prepare for the GMAT Test Day

The GMAT, or Graduate Management Admissions Test, is a requirement for most students applying to graduate business programs. While the weight of the exam score varies from school to school, it's important to familiarize yourself with the exam prior to taking it to ensure success. It's easy to find preparation guides online to practice the GMAT in advance and raise your score.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Credit or debit card
• Sample tests to study
• Test preparation material
• One form of government-issued identification
• Names of the centers to receive your scores
• Copy of the appointment confirmation letter or email

Learn About the GMAT

1. Know that the GMAT measures verbal, mathematical and analytical writing skills.

2. Prepare to spend 3 and 1/2 hours to complete your GMAT test. Your test will always begin with the writing section and will include 2 optional 10 minute breaks.

3. Get confident. You will need to work quickly on the GMAT, and for those taking the GMAT Computer Adaptive Test, you won't be able to return to questions you've already answered.

Schedule a GMAT Appointment

1. Go the MBA.com website (see Resources) and register as a member with your full legal name. This needs to match your identification when you go to take your GMAT.

2. Schedule a GMAT appointment by clicking the "Schedule a GMAT Appointment" button.

3. Select your test center and then your time slot.

4. Pay for your GMAT fees with a credit or debit card.

Practice the GMAT

1. Begin practicing with the sample test. You can practice online for free from the GMAC, or Graduate Management Exam Council (see Resources for their website).

2. Create your test strategies. You will need to consider your pacing for the exam, and how to scan each question quickly but thoroughly. The more you practice the test, the more prepared you will be for the exam questions and format.

3. Consider your options for test preparation. You may want to study with the aid of a test preparation books, CDs and live prep courses.

4. Avoid bringing anything that could be considered a testing aid. Some items include notes, calculators, books, pamphlets, stereos and beepers. For a full list, visit the GMAT test guide at MBA.com (see Resources).

Review Test Day Procedures

1. Know that you will need to bring valid identification to be admitted on the test day. You will need to present at least one form of government identification printed in the Roman alphabet. It will need to match your registration name and birth date exactly, and it must include a photograph.

2. Write down the names of the centers where you'd like your test scores sent. You will need to discard this list before you enter the testing room.

3. Prepare the appointment letter or email that you received for the GMATs.

Tips & Warnings

• You can also schedule your GMAT test by phone, mail or fax. For additional registration information, visit MBA.com (see Resources).

• GMAT test-takers in China, Japan, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Singapore, India or South Korea must present their passports as identification.

• You will still be allowed to test if you do not have your confirmation letter or email, as long as you have a scheduled appointment. To avoid delays, bring the documents.

• If your identification proves to be invalid and you are not admitted to take the GMAT, your test fee is not refunded.