How hard is the GMAT exam?

The GMAT is taken by over 100,000 people annually, but only a little above 5% score 720 or higher. This data shows that the GMAT is a difficult exam and that scoring 700 or more requires effort. But, what makes the GMAT so difficult to crack?

This article addresses these issues. So we are going to see how hard the GMAT exam is and how you can still score your way through amidst all the difficulty.

So let’s get started!

Why is the GMAT difficult?

Before we answer the question, let’s look at some statistics, hopefully, it will give us some foundation:

Every year, almost 200,000 people take the exam. The top ten business schools have an average test score of 720 or higher. Only 6% of exam takers achieve 720 or higher.

As a result of the foregoing information, the answer to the question may appear obvious: sure, the GMAT is difficult. Nonetheless, it is worth investigating why this is the case.

The GMAT is primarily a test of higher-order reasoning ability. Both the GMAC and business schools agree that these reasoning skills are critical to success in business school as well as in today’s more competitive corporate environments around the world. Furthermore, numerous studies have repeatedly proven that test scores are good predictors of success in business school.

As a result, in order for the GMAT to be useful to business schools, it must be difficult. If scoring in the 700+ level were easy, the exam would lose its utility as a filtering/separation tool for the herd of previously successful applicants who take the test.

If you don’t do well on standardized examinations, the exam will be difficult for you. Similarly, if you have been away from studying and academics for a long time, the exam may be difficult. The GMAT becomes easier to pass with proper preparation and test strategy. It’s similar to what Abraham Lincoln said: “Give me six hours to chop down a tree, and I’ll spend the first four sharpening the ax.”

In the following section, we’ll look at the precise reasons why the exam may appear difficult.

Related: GRE to LSAT Conversion in 2022: How it Works

What makes the GMAT difficult?

The following are some of the reasons why aspirants may find the exam difficult:

• Nature of the exam
• Timing constraints
• Content
• Being away from academics for too long
• Test-taking anxiety

Nature of the exam

The GMAT is a computer-adaptive examination. That is, it adjusts to your performance after each question. Many pupils are perplexed about what this entails. Simply said, “the difficulty level of your next question is determined by how you answered the preceding questions.” As a result, if you correctly answer a question, the next question will be harder. If you answer a question poorly, the next question is of a lower or comparable difficulty level.

As a result, your score is determined not only by the number of questions successfully answered but also by the difficulty level of the questions. Due to the adaptive nature of the system, you cannot return to the previous question once you have indicated your response.

Time Constraints

The information being tested is of high school difficulty. This is done on purpose in order to deliver a consistent and fair testing experience to a diverse audience. When the information being tested on is of high school difficulty, adding timing pressure to the mix is one approach to make a standardized test tough.

First and foremost, the exam lasts slightly more than three hours. This in and of itself necessitates a certain amount of endurance and stamina.

Second, you have 2 minutes for each question in the quantitative segment and 1.8 minutes for each question in the verbal section. The timed aspect of the exam adds an extra layer of difficulty. Consider this: if time were not a concern, the test would not be as difficult as it is now. As a result, if you want to score well in the GMAT exam, you must also learn time management.

Content

The GMAT content is the same as what a high school student would study. Basic geometry, algebra, number properties, and statistics are covered in the quantitative section, whereas basic grammar, inference, and reading comprehension are covered in the verbal section.

Thus, it is the traps used in the questions rather than the material that makes the exam tough. GMAT questions will attempt to mislead or manipulate you into focusing on the incorrect topics. And if you fall into such a trap, you will waste time, which is a valuable resource on a timed test.

Format

The GMAT consists of 4 different sections:

1. Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA)
2. Integrated Reasoning (IR)
3. Quantitative Reasoning
4. Verbal Reasoning

Each section features different question types which test different skills and abilities. Thus, on test day you have to be on top of your game in all sections to receive a good score.

Also Read: MCAT vs GRE in 2022: Overview, Similarities, Differences

How can I make the GMAT easier?

Here are some pointers to help you prepare for the GMAT.

Understanding the Format and Pattern

Knowing the format and pattern of the test is nearly like winning half the battle. Yeah, this will help you know what exactly to prepare for and how to prepare for it.

Making and Sticking to a Personalized Study Plan

Creating an efficient and successful study strategy to save 60+ hours of preparation time is another way to beat the GMAT exam. A study plan allows you to keep track of your preparation and track your progress toward a 700+ GMAT score.

With a Personalized Study Plan, you can construct your own GMAT study plan in less than 5 minutes. The plan gives you a day-by-day breakdown of what you need to study to achieve your goal score. It also displays the milestones you must pass in order to reach your goal score.

According to experience, a milestone-driven study plan not only cuts preparation time by 25% but also boosts your chances of meeting your target score by 2X.

Choosing the Best Preparation Resources

Choosing the correct materials for your preparation can mean the difference between getting a 700+ on your first try or having to retake the test. Data-driven online courses will dramatically cut preparation time. To assist you in learning how to amass a high GMAT score, read our post on the GMAT percentile.

Improve your test-taking time management skills.

If you believe that poor time management is the cause of your GMAT difficulty, it would be nice if you tackled any sort of time mismanagement.

For good measure, read this post on GMAT time management common myths, in which we refute some of the most popular GMAT time management myths.

Discover how to Analyze Mock Tests

Mock tests are useful for practice for two reasons: they help you build test-taking stamina and they provide insight into the potential for score improvement. In this article, we will show you how to examine mock tests in order to increase your score the most.

Also Read: MCAT vs GRE in 2022: Overview, Similarities, Differences

How hard is the GMAT exam: Frequently Asked Questions

It depends on your current level and what is your target score. Ideally, it would take 3-4 months to prepare well for the GMAT. 

There are 70+ topics asked on the GMAT on Quant and Verbal. 

Conclusion

We hope this article helps pacify your fears about the difficulty of the GMAT and gives you the insights required to answer the question, “How hard is the GMAT?”. If you have any other queries related to GMAT preparation and strategy, please write to us in the comment section.

Reference

• e-gmat.com