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About

About the GMAT

The GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) is a computer-based test taken by students seeking a degree in graduate-level management studies. The test is divided into four sections: Analytical Writing, Integrated Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Quantitative Reasoning. The GMAT is an adaptive exam, which means the question difficulty level is adjusted based on your performance. Therefore, your score is not only based on how many questions you answer correctly, but also on the difficulty of those questions. You have the option of taking the test online or at a test center, and you can take the test on multiple occasions to improve your score. You will need to create an account and register for the test by going to the official GMAT website. There you will find additional information about the test and plenty of resources, including free practice tests as well as the option to purchase additional practice tests and study materials.

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Scoring

The most important score you receive is your Total GMAT score, which is from 200-800. Your Total GMAT score is based only on your Quantitative Reasoning and Verbal Reasoning sections, each of which is scored on a scale from 6-51. As a point of reference, the average GMAT score is 570. However, the average score for the top ten business schools is 730. So, the score you want to target is largely based on the caliber of school you want to attend.

The Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) is scored from 0-6 and the Integrated Reasoning section is scored from 1-8.

Section Breakdown

Verbal Reasoning
This is a 65 minute section with 36 questions. There are three question types: (1) reading comprehension, (2) critical reasoning, and (3) sentence corrections. Reading comprehension includes passages followed by a series of questions based on the content. Passage topics include social science, history, and natural science. The critical reasoning section includes shorter passages that test your logical reasoning. Sentence corrections test your ability to recognize sentences that are clear, logical, and grammatically correct. All questions in the verbal reasoning section are 5-choice multiple choice format.
Quantitative Reasoning
This is a 62 minute section with 31 questions. You will face two distinct question types: traditional problem solving and data sufficiency. Both are 5-choice multiple choice format. It is important to become familiar with the data sufficiency questions since they have a unique flavor to them. No calculator is provided or allowed in this section. So, if your math is a bit rusty, the first thing you should do is start practicing basic calculations by hand! Content tested includes pre-algebra, algebra, geometry, coordinate geometry, functions, number theory, probability and statistics. None of the questions require any advanced math courses - you have probably seen most of the material in high school.
Integrated Reasoning (IR)
This is a 30 minute section with 12 questions. As the name suggests, integrated reasoning combines quantitative and verbal reasoning skills. A calculator is allowed on this section and will be provided on-screen. The material tested is presented in a wide array of formats, including table analysis, graphical analysis, multi-source reasoning, and two-part analysis. Answer choices have a variety of formats, including 5-choice multiple choice, true/false, and yes/no.
Analytical Writing Assignment (AWA)
This is a 30 minute section. You are asked to write a critique of an argument presented. In other words, how well reasoned do you find the argument? You are not, however, asked to provide your own views on the subject. You will type your response and have access to basic word-processing tools, including cut, copy, paste, undo, and redo.

Sample Question:
“All dog trainers at Cooperative Canines Training Center (CCTC) will be required to read one assigned book each month, to be selected by CCTC’s management team. These books will focus on various training methods and techniques. During CCTC’s monthly staff meeting, each trainer will be encouraged to provide her unique perspective on the book, as well as the pros and cons of the training methods discussed in the book. This feedback will ensure that all CCTC trainers are using consistent training methods with their clients.”
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The Cornerstone Approach

There are a host of strategies that can be used to attack even the hardest GMAT questions. And these strategies are extremely effective! But strategies can only get you so far. That’s why I balance the lessons with just the right blend of strategies, test-taking techniques, and content. The lessons are always fine-tuned to address YOUR specific needs - no one else’s! At the outset of the program, I’ll already have done a thorough analysis of your previous GMAT score report, or an intake diagnostic GMAT. Based on that analysis, I’ll know what specific areas we need to focus on so that we can maximize your score and not waste time reviewing stuff you already know!

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