GMAT: The Complete Guide
GMAT, Complete Guide | LoSimplifica← Exam guides
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By LoSimplifica · Updated June 2026 · 10 min read
⚠️
Always verify with your test center. Exam formats, dates, fees, and requirements change regularly. This guide is for reference only — confirm current details directly with the official exam body before registering.
Cost
$275–300 USD
Center $275 · Online $300
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In this guide
- What is the GMAT?
- GMAT vs. GRE, which one to take
- Format and sections
- Scoring explained
- What top business schools require
- Test dates and scheduling
- Planning around your application deadline
- Cost and registration
- Official and third-party prep resources
1. What is the GMAT?
The GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) is a standardized exam administered by GMAC (Graduate Management Admission Council) designed specifically for admission to MBA and other graduate business programs worldwide.
Since February 2024, the GMAT has been replaced by the GMAT Focus Edition, a shorter, more streamlined version that runs 2 hours 15 minutes instead of the old 3.5 hours. The Focus Edition has three sections: Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and a new Data Insights section.
GMAT scores are accepted by 7,000+ graduate business programs across 110 countries, making it the most widely accepted MBA entrance exam globally. Scores are valid for 5 years.
Focus Edition only. The old GMAT format was retired in January 2024. All GMAT exams taken from February 2024 onward use the new Focus Edition format. If you took the old GMAT, your score is still valid for 5 years from your test date.
2. GMAT vs. GRE, which one to take
Both the GMAT and the GRE are accepted by most MBA programs today. Choosing between them comes down to your strengths and target programs.
| GMAT Focus Edition | GRE General Test | |
|---|---|---|
| Primary use | MBA and business school | Most graduate programs incl. MBA |
| Duration | 2 hours 15 minutes | 1 hour 58 minutes |
| Sections | Quant, Verbal, Data Insights | Verbal, Quant, Analytical Writing |
| Score range | 205–805 | 260–340 (V+Q) |
| Writing section | No essay | Yes (30 min essay) |
| Cost (US) | $275 (center) / $300 (online) | $220 |
| Retake wait | 16 days | 21 days |
| Accepted by | Business schools (all M7) | Most graduate programs incl. all M7 MBAs |
Take the GMAT if…
You are applying exclusively to MBA programs and prefer a business-focused exam without an essay. Strong analytical and data reasoning skills.
Take the GRE if…
You are applying to a mix of MBA and other graduate programs, or if your verbal skills are stronger than your quantitative skills, GRE Verbal tends to be more accessible.
3. Format and sections
The GMAT Focus Edition has three sections, each 45 minutes long. You choose the order you take them in, a flexibility the old GMAT did not offer. See the official GMAT format page for full details.
| Section | Questions | Time | Score range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quantitative Reasoning | 21 questions | 45 minutes | 60–90 |
| Verbal Reasoning | 23 questions | 45 minutes | 60–90 |
| Data Insights | 20 questions | 45 minutes | 60–90 |
Total: 64 questions in 2 hours 15 minutes. One optional 10-minute break is available between sections.
What each section tests
- Quantitative Reasoning: Problem solving using arithmetic, algebra, and data analysis. An on-screen calculator is available. Focuses on logic and reasoning, not advanced math.
- Verbal Reasoning: Reading comprehension and critical reasoning. Sentence correction has been removed from the Focus Edition. Strong reading skills matter more than grammar rules.
- Data Insights: The new section unique to the Focus Edition. Tests your ability to analyze data from multiple sources, graphs, tables, multi-source reasoning, and data sufficiency questions. This is the most distinctive section compared to the GRE.
For non-native English speakers: The Verbal section is less grammar-focused than the old GMAT, which benefits non-native speakers. The Data Insights section rewards analytical thinking over language skills, practice interpreting charts and tables in English to build confidence.
The GMAT is section-adaptive: within each section, difficulty adjusts based on your performance. You can review and edit your answers within each section before time runs out, another new feature of the Focus Edition.
4. Scoring explained
| Section | Score range | Total score contribution |
|---|---|---|
| Quantitative Reasoning | 60–90 | Equal weight |
| Verbal Reasoning | 60–90 | Equal weight |
| Data Insights | 60–90 | Equal weight |
| Total (composite) | 205–805 | 10-point increments |
All three sections contribute equally to your total score. There is no essay score, the Analytical Writing Assessment was removed in the Focus Edition.
Your unofficial score appears on screen immediately after the exam. Official score reports are available in your mba.com account within 3–5 business days. In rare cases, quality reviews can extend this to 20 business days, another reason not to cut it close on deadlines.
Score Select
During registration, you can designate up to 5 programs to receive your scores for free. Within 48 hours of receiving your official score, you can send to additional programs. Once sent, scores cannot be withdrawn, choose your recipients carefully.
Most schools take your highest score. Business schools generally consider your best GMAT score if you've taken the exam multiple times. Some schools consider all scores, so check each program's policy before retaking.
5. What top business schools require
All M7 MBA programs accept both the GMAT and the GRE equally. The GMAT remains the dominant choice, most admitted students at top programs submit GMAT scores, but submitting a GRE score carries no disadvantage.
| School | Median GMAT | GRE accepted? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Harvard Business School | ~740 | Yes | No score required for some waivers |
| Stanford GSB | ~740 | Yes | Holistic review; no minimum score |
| Wharton (Penn) | ~733 | Yes | Strong quant expected |
| Chicago Booth | ~729 | Yes | Quant-heavy program |
| Kellogg (Northwestern) | ~727 | Yes | Leadership emphasis alongside scores |
| MIT Sloan | ~730 | Yes | Strong STEM and analytics focus |
| Columbia Business School | ~729 | Yes | Finance-focused; NYC location |
Scores are a threshold, not the whole story. Getting above the median doesn't guarantee admission; falling below it doesn't disqualify you. Work experience, essays, and recommendations carry significant weight at all top programs.
6. Test dates and scheduling
The GMAT Focus Edition is available year-round with no fixed national test dates. Register at mba.com to find available slots.
- Online (at home): Available 24/7, 365 days a year. Requires a webcam, stable internet, and a quiet private room. Can be booked as soon as 24 hours before. Costs $300.
- At a Pearson VUE test center: Available 7 days a week at centers worldwide. Costs $275. Book 2–3 months ahead during peak season (May–October).
You can take the GMAT once every 16 days, up to 5 times in any rolling 12-month period, and up to 8 times in your lifetime. You can register up to 6 months in advance.
Peak season: May through October sees the highest demand for slots, as applicants target Round 1 and Round 2 MBA deadlines (typically September and January). Book early, popular time slots fill weeks in advance.
7. Planning around your application deadline
The rule of thumb: Take the GMAT 3–4 months before your earliest application deadline. This allows time to prepare, retake if needed (minimum 16-day wait), and have official scores arrive well before deadlines close.
Know your MBA rounds
Most top MBA programs have 3 rounds. Round 1 deadlines typically fall in September, Round 2 in January, Round 3 in April. Round 1 and 2 are most competitive for scholarships and yield.
Allow 8–12 weeks for preparation
Most test-takers need 2–3 months. The Data Insights section is new and often requires specific practice, don't underestimate it.
Account for score delivery
Official scores arrive in 3–5 business days typically, but allow up to 20 days in worst case. Don't submit applications before scores are confirmed.
Leave room for a retake
You must wait 16 days between attempts. If your score falls short, you want a retake window before your deadline.
Ideal window
For Round 1 (September deadlines) → take the GMAT by early July, first attempt ideally in May–June. For Round 2 (January deadlines) → take by October–November.
| MBA Round | Typical deadline | Latest test date | Ideal first attempt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Round 1 | September | Early July | May – June |
| Round 2 | January | Late October | August – September |
| Round 3 | April | February | November – December |
8. Cost and registration
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| GMAT at test center (most countries) | $275 USD |
| GMAT online (at home) | $300 USD |
| GMAT at test center (India) | ~₹23,200 + GST |
| 5 free score reports (sent within 48hrs of results) | Free |
| Additional score reports | $35 each |
| Rescheduling (60+ days before) | $55 |
| Rescheduling (15–60 days before) | $110 |
| Rescheduling (less than 15 days) | $165 |
| Cancellation refund (within 60+ days) | $165 refund of $275 |
How to register
- Create an account at mba.com. Use the exact name on the ID you'll present at the exam.
- Select "Register for the GMAT Exam" and choose online or test center.
- Pick your date, time, and location (or online slot).
- Upload your ID proof (passport required for most international test-takers).
- Select up to 5 programs to receive your scores for free.
- Pay by credit/debit card. Registration takes less than 15 minutes.
9. Prep resources: official and third-party
Official GMAC resources
Official · Free
GMAT Official Starter Kit
Two free full-length practice tests from GMAC, plus sample questions for all three sections. Start here before anything else.
Official · Paid
GMAT Official Practice Exams (×4–6)
Additional full-length computer-adaptive practice tests from GMAC. The most realistic simulation of the actual exam available.
Third-party prep resources
Paid
Manhattan Prep GMAT
One of the most respected GMAT prep providers. Strong on strategy and high-difficulty practice. Good for students targeting 700+ scores.
Paid
Magoosh GMAT
Video lessons and practice questions at a lower price point than full courses. Good for self-study learners on a budget.
Paid
Target Test Prep (TTP)
Highly regarded for Quantitative and Data Insights preparation. Particularly strong for non-native speakers who need to build confidence in the math sections.
Free
r/GMAT (Reddit)
Active community of test-takers sharing score reports, study plans, and resource reviews. Useful for candid, up-to-date advice from recent test-takers.
Free
GMAT Club
The largest GMAT community online. Thousands of practice problems, school-specific discussion forums, and verified score reports from admitted students.
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