In an online chat with readers on January 9, 2012, Vimal Gopinathan and Naveenan Ramachandran, experts from 4GMAT addressed reader queries related to the GMAT examination.
The Graduate Management Admission Test is a an important requisite for admission to MBA programmes in the USA, Canadian, and European business schools.
For those who missed the live chat, here's the unedited transcript.
Naveenan says, Hi All ... Good Evening to one & all ... This is a forum wherein you could ask any questions about GMAT. It could be on the question pattern, on the composition of questions, on the topics to prepare, on the topics NOT to prepare etc. Vimal & I, on behalf of 4GMAT, shall answer to the best of our abilities.
gmatcracker asked, can u tell me which MBA schools in the country accept GMAT scores?
Vimal G answers, at 2012-01-09 14:51:13Hi, Several B-schools in India have started accepting the GMAT. You can find a comprehensive list at http://www.mba.com/schools-and-programs/programs-that-accept-the-gmat.aspx
nimish asked, in how many days can gmat b ecracked??
Vimal G answers, Hi Nimish, GMAT preparation usually takes about 300-400 hours. Most people find it convenient to do it with about 3 - 4 months of regular study. What works for you depends a lot on your schedule / work / lifestyle etc. If you do about 2 hours of GMAT preparation a day, you can take the exam in about 3 months.
Jayesh asked, How to get study material for preparation, if one is not planning to join any coaching or study center?
Vimal G answers, Hi Jayesh, You can buy the Official Guide for the GMAT - 12th edition. However, if you are well prepared, you will find it easy. You can also buy the supplementary guide for Verbal & Quant. Additional material can also be bought off the shelf. Most books these days are pretty standardised. A lot depends on your own learning.
Jayesh asked, How to start preparing for GMAT?
Vimal G answers, You can start at the official website, mba.com, and get familiarised with the test structure, pattern etc. You can then start preparing for individual sections on the GMAT - Quant and Verbal. Quant tests basic skills in areas such as Arithmetic, Algebra and Geometry. Verbal questions are of three types - Critical Reasoning, Sentence Correction, and Reading comprehension. Do a bit of Quant and Verbal everyday.
Jayesh asked, There were some news that GMAT pattern will change this year? If right, then how does it change the way one prepare for exam?
Vimal G answers, Yes, the GMAT pattern is changing this year. From the month of June, a new section is going to be added - Integrated Reasoning. This section will be a lot like the Data Interpretation on CAT and some other Indian entrance tests. You will have to prepare for the IR section if you are planning to write the GMAT after June. However, it is advisable to start early and finish your preparation before the format changes.
gmatcracker asked, thank you vimal. also can you tell me what is a fairly good score for GMAT if i am also considering to apply for one of these institutes? do u think it is better 2 give GMAT over CAT or other exams?
Vimal G answers, The decision of GMAT / CAT depends on what your ultimate targets are. If you wuold like to apply to Indian 2 year MBA programs, you have to write the CAT. If you are targeting global MBA programs, and also the 1 year programs in India, you have to write the GMAT. A score of 700+ is good in most cases. If you dont have enough work experience and / or if you are targeting the top 5-10 B-schools in the world, a score of 730 will give you really good chances.
Jayesh asked, There were some news that GMAT pattern will change this year? If right, then how does it change the way one prepare for exam?
Naveenan answers, Hi Jayesh ... Yes - there is a new section called Integrated Reasoning (IR) which is replacing the issue essay ... One just has to practice the "Data Intepretation" kind of sums that have been coming in CAT. Pie charts, data tables, using information from multiples charts etc.
'Your score depends on your preparation and state of mind'
FLOORMAT asked, How to start preparing for GMAT?
Naveenan answers, Hi Floormat ... Start with the basics. Maths: Number system, inequalities and geometry are your starting points. GMAT Maths is really only school level CBSE questions ... Get comfortable in fundamentals - the larger picture will fall in place. Verbal: Brush up your grammar and align it to American English. RC and CR are actually "thinking abilities" rather than "language abilities" ... Practice will definitely improve things in these fronts. All the best with the prep. It is just "back to basics" with GMAT ... Only school level questions are tested at GMAT.
gmatcracker asked, is there a way to get the best of both worlds? what kind of a programme should one choose?
Vimal G answers, If you mean India Vs Abroad, I'm afraid there is no straight answer. Your answer depends on a lot of factors, such as the cost involved, ranking / reputation of the B-school, placement, desired specialisation, and personal considerations. My answer would be different for different people!
Pankaj asked, Hi Naveenan,in ur view..is it better to appear for the exam before June or post the changes?
Naveenan answers, Hi Pankaj ... It would be better to write the exam before June 5th if one is not strong in math. If somebody can put in the requite +/- 300 hours before May, it would be better to take the test before the format changes. Thanks.
Police asked, Where (read which institution) should one aim for after cracking GMAT, to bring justice to the score on GMAT.?
Naveenan answers, Most of the institutes have an average GMAT posted on their website. It will one of the factors which mainly decides this. Other factors like work experience, UG scores, "spikes" - the so-called X - factor that the admission committee looks for in the CV - will also determine the school. There is no single universal list which draws a correspondence between the GMAT score and the school to apply to. Thanks.
Police1 asked, What is the best college in world to enter thru GMAT?
Vimal G answers, Hi, Most people consider the Harvard / Wharton and Stanford MBA programs ot be the best 2 year programs in the world. Among the 1 year programs, the ones at INSEAD and LBS are considered to be the top
Police1 asked, And what is the best college in India to enter through GMAT?
Vimal G answers, As far as Indian B schools are concerned, the one year programs offered by the IIMs is seen as the best option for candidates with work experience.
GMAT asked, what are the risks of taking the exam after June. Where can i find preparatory questions for IR section?
Naveenan answers, There is no "risk" as such - considering that GMAC has not even announced as to how they will use the score. At the moment, the questions closest to IR can be found in the Data Interpretation booklets of CAT courses. I am sure that the GMAT test prep companies will have prepared their IR booklets by March or so ... All the best
lakshmanankb asked, Hi, Thanks for the oppurtunity My profile- 5 + yrs exp in IT with B.E,M.B.A qualification planning for specialized course in 2014,shortlisted few institiutes my queries 1) How much of GMAT score plays a role 2) what all the factors goes in to admisiion process 3) Which book to use to start GMAT prep?
Vimal G answers, Hi Lakshman, If you are looking for a specialised course which is relevant to your work experience, the GMAT will play a slightly lesser role than it would otherwise. That said, a good B-schools WILL demand a good GMAT score. The admission decision depends on a lot of factors: 1. GMAT score 2. Work Exp - Duration & Quality 3. Application Essays 4. References 5. Interview. In addition to this list, factors like the undergrad scores, extracurriculars etc are also given a small weightage. Please start with the Official Guide (12th Edn) for GMAT preparation. I hope this helps
GMAT asked, what factors should one bear in mind while applying for an international MBA programme?
Naveenan answers, (1) Ability to finance yourself through the course (own funds, borrowed funds, scholarships, grants) etc. (2) Ability to provide documents reflecting these to the visa officers, (3) Clarity about the deadlines to these colleges, (4) try to apply in R1 as that is referred to as the "early bird" round - indicating your strong preference to the college and (5) Start preparing essays really early and get it reviewed with as many mentors as possible, (6) prepare your transcrips and get them from colleges where you did your UG (7) talk to as many alumni of the institute to have a good understand of what to expect and what not to. Of course, a cool 720+ GMAT score always helps ! All the best !
GMAT asked, what is the key to writing a winning essay or SOP? what all should i include and what should one avoid?
Vimal G answers, That depends largely on the content and scope of the essay. Regardless of the topic, your essay should demonstrate clarity of thought and intent, logical and rational structuring, and decent grammar and construction. Always stick to the word limit, and make sure that the question of the essay is addressed adequately. Also be prepared to face questions in the interview based on what you have written in the essay.
phani asked, Can you please suggest a study plan to crack GMAT in one month? and how to deal with AWA?
Vimal G answers, Hi Phani, You will have to put in full-time preparation if you are starting fresh. Please get used to the various question types very quickly and start laying a strong foundation by doing a lot of problems / practice questions from each area. The AWA doesnt require much preparation if you have decent writing skills. That said, please put in a day's worth preparation for AWA.
Naveenan answers, Math: Start with number theory (3 days), inequalities (3 days) & ratios and its applications (5 days), geometry and related areas (5 days), combination of all these problems (10 days), data sufficiency (10 days); Verbal: Grammar (5 days), SC (10 days), RC (10 days) and CR (12 days), combined practice of these areas (10 days), mock GMATs (about 12 tests; spaced every other day). Overall 3 months. Bingo ! Crack the GMAT. All the best !
davesh asked, sir what are the ratios of success for a candidate who is first timer
Vimal G answers, Hi Davesh, Success in GMAT doesnt depend on whether you are a first-timer or you're taking the test for the second or third time. Your score depends purely on your preparation and state of mind. Best of luck!
phani asked, I am going to write GMAT on feb 14 next month? I think by that time all admissions of the top colleges might over, So do I need wait for one year to get into B Schools in US?
Naveenan answers, B-Schools in US - yes, am afraid you will have to wait until Aug of 2013 to be able to start your course. Very few colleges have intakes in Jan 2013 - you could apply to them. But, there are not many such good quality ones. All the best !
Naveenan says, Thanks a lot for participating in this session. We also thank Rediff for hosting this. Thanks to all.
Vimal G says, Thanks a lot for your participation. Wish you all the best. If you need any further information, you can find us at www.4gmat.com
Illustration: Uttam Ghosh
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