Interactive Question #2

[poll id="23"]

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Interactive Question #1

Once the economic and social usefulness of the motor car was demonstrated and with its superiority to the horse being proved, much of the early hostility to it in rural regions disappeared.

(A) and with its superiority to the horse being
(B) and its superiority over the horse had been
(C) and its superiority to the horse
(D) its superiority over the horse
(E) with its superiority to the horse having been

What’s YOUR answer and why? [Click "Comments" for the GMATPill video response]

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What is the GMAT?

GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test)
(pronounced G-MAT)
–a standardized, computer adaptive test (CAT) that measures aptitude to succeed academically a Masters in Business Administration (MBA) degree. Business schools use this test  as a standardized way of assessing individuals globally who come from different backgrounds and have attended schools with different grading systems. The test is administered in English and costs $250 globally.

The GMAT score is only one of several factors that business schools use to make admissions decisions. Given the intense work required to prepare a business school application, it is a good idea to reach your target GMAT score in as little time as possible so that you can focus on your extracurricular activities and essays.

TEST STRUCTURE

Part I: Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) – [2 Essays, 60 minutes]
A. Analysis of an Argument (30 minutes)
B. Analysis of an Issue (30 minutes)

5 min break

Part II: Quantitative Section (37 questions, 75 minutes)
A. Problem Solving (23 or 24)
B. Data Sufficiency (13 or 14)

5 min break

Part III: Verbal Section (41 questions, 75 minutes)
A. Critical Reasoning (14 or 15)
B. Reading Comprehension(4 passages, 12-14)
C. Sentence Correction (14 or 15)

How does the Computer-Adaptive Format of the test work for the Verbal and Quant sections?

The Computer-Adaptive Test (CAT) is new to most people. It helps to understand how it works, but don’t get too bogged down on the details.  The test is administered at testing centers throughout the world. Just visit www.mba.com to register for the one nearest you at your earliest convenience.

• The Verbal and Quant sections are multiple choice
• Each section starts with a medium-level question
  • If you answer correctly, your next question is harder
  • If you answer incorrectlym, your next question is easier
• The computer will keep adjusting to find an accurate assessment of your ability level in that subject area
• Every test contains trial multiple-choice questions that are being pretested. Technically, they do not count in your scoring. However, it is impossible to identify them.

Many students panic when they see an “easy” question on the GMAT exam, indicating they probably just got the previous question wrong. You should not be focusing on these little details because they can detract from your psychological stamina during the exam. What you should be focused on is getting whatever question is thrown at you correct and moving on to the next one in a timely manner.

The # of questions you answer correctly out of 37 Q questions is translated onto a Quant raw score of 51, weighted on level of difficulty and other statistical characteristics of each question.

Likewise, the # of questions you answer correctly out of 41 V questions is translated onto a Verbal raw score of 51, weighted on level of difficulty and other statistical characteristics of each question.

Is the essay handwritten or typed?
The essays are typed. And yes, you can cut-and-paste.

How long is the GMAT score valid?
The score is valid for 5 years from the day you take the test.   So even if you are not sure about business school in the next year or two, it might be a good idea to take it earlier when you are more familiar with the test-taking process. If you take the exam multiple times, business schools will see all of your scores for the last 5 years.

How should I prepare?
You should first take a look at the GMATPrep Free Software. Sign up for a login and download the program, which consists of used GMAT questions that are about as close to the real thing as you can get!

There are a variety of prep programs around. Many of them charge rates of $1,500+. However, don’t be fooled. High prices don’t necessarily equate to a better prep resource for you. You should evaluate how best you learn. If you you don’t feel like paying the premium for somebody’s time (as in tutoring or a prep course) then these options may not be for you.

The GMAT preparation experience does not have to be a stressful one. Find the method that works for you and you’ll be glad you did because you’ve got plenty to work on for your extracurricular activities!

To sign up for the GMAT and more details on that process, read my GMAT Test Date article.

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GMAT Vs. SAT

What is the difference between the GMAT and SAT?

Both are standardized tests. SAT is for college admission and GMAT is for business school admission (MBA).  Both exams are multiple choice and have a math/quant section and a verbal/writing section.

But there are significant differences:

Question Content/Format

• The GMAT Math is much more about logic than the SAT Math, whereas the SAT Math is more about calculation and “plug and chug” questions.
• The GMAT Verbal is also more about argumentative logic while the SAT Verbal is more about vocabulary.
• The GMAT is a computerized adaptive test. Questions are dynamically generated based on whether you get the question right or wrong.
• The SAT is a set test and every test taker on a given day will see the same set of questions.

Price

• The GMAT costs $250 globally.
• The SAT costs $45.

Test Takers

• Nearly every high school junior/senior ~ages 16/17 in the US takes the SAT
• Self-selected students ranging from age 21-45 with ambitions of business school take the GMAT exam

GMAT Test Availability

• GMAT: Virtually any time opening that your local test center has during the typical 5 business days of the week in front of a computer. I go into more details of the GMAT signup process in my article “GMAT Test Dates and Registration.”
• SAT: Administered 7 times per year in classroom settings–pencil and paper.

The SAT was quite well known in high school Remember wayback in high school when everybody freaked out about the SAT?  Guidance counselors would remind you every other day and teachers would constantly bring it up. There was much more AWARENESS about the exam.

The GMAT, on the other hand, requires much more self initative. Your employer will not ask you “you need to get your act together and study for the GMAT”–like your guidance counselor would do. Your friends probably won’t remind you either, because not all of them will be taking the exam around the same time you will be taking the exam. Instead of competing against every other high school kid around the age of 16 or 17, you will be competing against working professionals roughly in the age range of 21-40 who are a self-selected group of ambitious and goal-oriented individuals. No slackers will take the GMAT whereas there are plenty of slackers who take the SAT “just because” the school makes them.

The GMAT exam is much more competitive than the SAT exam and often has less awareness. This is more the reason to make sure that you ARE prepared.

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