HOW IS THE TEST STRUCTURED?

 

The GMAT consists of two sections of multiple choice questions and a set of two 30 minute writing samples.  Each of the sections tests a different skill set.  You will see the following on the day of the test:

Analytical Writing Section

• 2 Essay questions
• 30 minutes for each question.

Optional 5 minute break

 

 

 

Quantitative Section

 

• 37 Problem Solving and Data Sufficiency questions
• 75 minutes for the section.   

  (Approximately 2 minutes per question) 

 

Optional 5 minute break

 

 
Verbal Section

• 41 Sentence Correction, Reading Comprehension, and Critical Reasoning questions
• 75 minutes for the section.  

  (Approximately 100 seconds per question)

 

 

 

The test is computerized; for the Quantitative and Verbal Sections, questions will appear on the screen one question at a time.  You must complete the assigned question first before moving on to the next one.  The test is also a Computer Adaptive Test, or CAT.  This means that the test adapts to your performance.

 

When you begin a section, the computer will assume you have an average score.  You will be given a medium-difficulty question, and what happens next is based on whether you answer the question correctly.  If you answer the question correctly, your score goes up and you are given a question that is slightly more difficult.  If you answer the question incorrectly, your score goes down, and you are given a question that is slightly less difficult.  This process will continue throughout the entire test.

 

 
HOW DO I SIGN UP FOR THE TEST?

 

Register online or by phone. 

• PH:  (800) 717-GMAT
• www.mba.com
  At this writing, the test costs $250.

 

WHY IS THE GMAT SO IMPORTANT TO MY OVERALL BUSINESS SCHOOL APPLICATION?

 

Business schools draw individuals from varied backgrounds and from varied industries.  In order to predict academic success in business school, the standardized GMAT is used.  Historically, the GMAT is just as important as one’s career progression and academic background in determining admission to business school.

 

Every one knows that business schools are highly selective.  If a person is able to get into a more selective school, more career opportunities are open to that person than to another applicant who goes to a less selective school.  For that reason, many people properly take the larger view of the GMAT – it is a critical gateway that affects your entire career path.  From a salary standpoint, an MBA from an upper-level b-school can mean doubling your current salary – the ROI is tremendous.  Over the lifetime of one’s career, this can mean thousands or millions of dollars.

 

 
I’M A BUSY WORKING PROFESSIONAL…HOW CAN I MOST EFFICIENTLY MANAGE MY TIME WHILE STUDYING FOR THIS TEST!

 

From a preparation standpoint, the beauty of the GMAT is that it is a computer-based test.  There are a variety of online resources and CD-ROM packages that can be accessed remotely as study guides.  These resources can allow you to study for the GMAT at any time, and in any place.    

 

 

 

 

IF THAT’S THE CASE, THEN WHY SHOULDN’T I JUST USE THESE TOOLS ALONE AND GO THROUGH THE STRATEGIES MYSELF?  HOW CAN ‘MyTestPrepAce’ HELP IMPROVE MY SCORE?

 

Top performers from all walks of life seek out the advice of coaches and trainers who have themselves succeeded in the very thing they teach.  A CAT internet course can give you a listing of the strategies, but a tutor can show you insights that a book cannot, and can help you refine your skills.  Question pacing is extremely important on this test - time-saving strategies are CRITICAL to achieve to top score.  I can help you get into the upper echelon business schools if that’s your goal.

 

Not only have I successfully taken the GMAT by scoring in the 99th percentile during my own test administration, but I also pride myself on being current with all of the different test prep books on the market and methodologies.  Not any one test prep company has cornered the market exclusively on the best method for any one particular section of the GMAT.  I have read virtually every test prep manual for the GMAT on the market today.  I can assist you in becoming familiar with a variety of different strategies that will help you become efficient and effective on all portions of this test.

 

HOW AND WHERE WOULD OUR TUTORING SESSIONS TAKE PLACE?  COULD YOU COME TO A PLACE CONVENIENT TO ME FOR TUTORING?

 

 

After gauging your strengths and weakness via a diagnostic exam, MyTestPrepAce will help you design a study program that will target your weakness, improve your question timing, and increase your overall test endurance.  I can also assist you in design a structured, yet efficient program that can fit into your busy schedule.

 

Typically, I design my tutoring/teaching sessions to fit the needs of the individual student I’m helping.  If you are just starting your preparation for the GMAT, I can lead you through a set of ‘mini-classes’ to teach you the basic skill sets.  Such classes can save you hundreds (or even thousands) of dollars compared to the cost of classes through a major test prep company!  Or, if you are looking to refine a particular skill set or to focus only the difficult question sets, I can tailor our lessons to focus on those types of questions.

 

As a professional, I always meet my students at times and locations convenient to them.  Greenville, SC, Charlotte, NC,  Asheville, NC,  Athens, GA,  Columbia, SC,  Lancaster, PA,  Philadelphia, PA,  Glassboro, NJ, Camden, NJ,  Wilmington, DE,  Newark, DE,  Baltimore, MD, and Annapolis, MD are included in my travel range.

Typically, I like to tutor students in a setting with Wi-Fi access.  I can meet you at your workplace, a library, your home, or a coffee shop, if you prefer!!

 

SOUNDS INTERESTING!!! ANYTHING ELSE I SHOULD KNOW?

 

Most students I know want to hire a well-qualified tutor, but find the cost the large test prep companies charge to be prohibitive.  With MyTestPrepAce.com, you get the best of both worlds – the experience of a former full-time, ‘master’ GMAT tutor at one of the major test prep companies, but for a fraction of the cost!

 

If you would like to study with a friend or with a group of friends, I do offer significant discounts for each additional student in a small-group tutoring situation (max – 3 people). Three people is the largest GMAT group size that, through experience, I feel does not significantly affect individual student comprehension. 

 

Finally, I know it may sound ‘corny’ or ‘cheesy,’ but I really do care about my students’ performance and my ability to motivate and teach them.  I consider it a privilege to serve others achieve their long-term career goals and dreams in this small way.

 

If you have any questions concerning my services, suggestions on how to structure your study time, or if you simply have general questions concerning GMAT study, I’d be happy to give you a free phone consultation.  Feel free to give me a call at (302) 545-2010 (preferred) or email me directly at MyTestPrepAce@hotmail.com. 

 

MyTestPrepAce.com
Phone: (302) 545-2010
Email: MyTestPrepAce@hotmail.com

Rob Swinson - Graduate Instructor