How to Prepare GMAT Exam for Studying MBA in UK?

GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) is a computer-based standardise admission test. It is developed and administered by test maker GMAC. Most of the universities abroad require the scores of GMAT for assessing international students’ general and subject-relevant skills. It is only considered for admission to graduate management/business programs (such as MBA programs). Along with GMAT scores, the business school admission committee also looks for the student’s work experience, academic record, and supporting materials to assess their readiness for the rigours of an MBA program. 

The test contains only multiple-choice questions. Along with facts and rules, GMAT also checks the quantitative concepts in statistics, algebra, arithmetic, and geometry. A good GMAT score allows students to make applications stand out while taking admission. It also helps in achieving scholarships to study in UK.

Total GMAT scores range from a low of 200 to a high of 800 and are reported in 10-point intervals. There are four major sections in GMAT, which take 3 ½ hours to complete. The students can attempt this test 5 times in rolling of 12 months and 8 in a lifetime. The four sections of GMAT exams are integrated reasoning, analytical writing assessment, verbal reasoning and quantitative section.

• Integrated reasoning examines how well students can analyse data and interpret information displayed in varied formats. There are four types of questions: Multi-Source Reasoning questions, Graphics Interpretation questions, Two-Part Analysis questions, and Table Analysis questions. In total, 12 multiple-choice questions are asked. The score for this section is given separately on a 1 to 8 scale, and the time given to complete this section is 30 minutes.

• Analytical writing assesses the critical thinking and communication skills of the students. The score is given separately from 0 to 6, which means this score is not used to generate 200 to 800 points. This section is scored by the human grader and the computer grading system, and the average of both scores is calculated. The time given to complete the essay is of 30 minutes.

• Verbal reasoning evaluates reading comprehension skills, editing abilities and whether someone can make sense of written arguments. There are a total of 36 questions in this section, 12 are Reading Comprehension questions (approx.), 10 are Critical Reasoning questions (approx.), and 14 are Sentence Correction questions (approx). The time given to complete this section is of 65 minutes. In critical reasoning, you will be presented with a short argument, a series of statements, and a question relating to it. In Sentence Correction, you will typically face long and involved sentences. A part—or all—of the sentence will be underlined, and you will be asked to find the best version of the underlined section out of the original or one of four alternatives. While in reading comprehension, you will be presented with an academic reading passage and asked 3–4 questions about that text.

• The quantitative section determines whether the students have strong mathematical abilities and numerical literacy. The total number of questions in this section is 31, of which 14-15 are data-sufficiency questions, and 16-19 are problem-solving questions. In a data sufficiency question, you are given a question and then 2 statements attached to it; your task is to identify whether the given statements are sufficient to answer the question. While in problem-solving questions, you must select the right answer among the five options. The score in this section ranges from 0 to 60, and 62 minutes are given to complete this section.

GMAT assesses your capacity for logical thinking, problem-solving within time constraints, and analysing and evaluating verbal and quantitative information. Some of the tips to prepare for the GMAT exam are mentioned below.

• Start preparing for GMAT well in advance, at least 6 months before the exam date. Try to achieve more scores than required for admission to a particular university.

• Make sure to understand the exam pattern properly and prepare accordingly, covering each section and type of question.

• Practice sample papers as much as you can.

• Pick the preparation material wisely and take support from them.

• Keep the time limit in your mind while giving a sample test. Only spend up to two-and-half minutes on one question.

• Target your weaknesses and focus on them.

• Since there is no negative marking, do not leave any questions unanswered whether you are sure or not; you might end up getting the right answer. 

UK processes some of the top-notch universities for MBA courses. There is a wide range of specialisations for students wanting to study MBA in UK, including international business, human resources, marketing, supply chain, finance, and entrepreneurship. Some of the top UK universities which enrol international students based on GMAT scores are:

• London Business School (LBS)

• Imperial College of Business

• Warwick Business School

• University of Edinburgh Business School

• Oxford Business School

• Cambridge Judge Business School

• Alliance Manchester Business School Cranfield

• Cass Business School

• Aston Business School

• Brunel Business School

For more information regarding the admission process to study business courses in the UK and the visa process, you can take a counselling session at any branch of Meridean overseas Education Consultants (MOEC). You can also take free online counselling through our website. We provide the best consultancy and support to students who wish to study in UK universities. For further queries, you can mail at application02@meridean.org  or call at 1800-1230-00011.