The GMAT Analytical Writing Assessment, commonly referred to as the AWA section, is the essay portion of the Graduate Management Admission Test. Although it constitutes a small part of the overall GMAT experience, it serves a unique and valuable role in your application. A strong AWA score demonstrates your ability to think critically and communicate effectively—two essential skills in business school and beyond. In this part of our three-part series, we’ll dive deep into what the AWA section entails, why it matters to MBA admissions, how it’s scored, and what…

Preparing for the GMAT is not a one-size-fits-all journey. While some test takers feel ready in six weeks, others may need six months or more. The ideal preparation time varies widely depending on a candidate’s baseline skills, target score, and study schedule. The purpose of this guide is to help you estimate how long it will take for you to prepare for the GMAT, based on realistic timelines and tailored strategies. Factors That Determine How Long You’ll Need to Study Before you begin studying for the GMAT, it’s important to…

Choosing the right time to take the GMAT is one of the most important decisions you’ll make in your business school admissions journey. With rolling admissions, evolving application deadlines, and now the GMAT Focus Edition in full swing, it’s more essential than ever to understand how and when to schedule your test. This article will walk you through how GMAT test availability works in 2025, your testing options, what influences appointment availability, and how to align your test schedule with your overall business school goals. Whether you’re applying in Round…

When the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted global education and professional assessments, test providers were forced to innovate rapidly. Among them, the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) responded by launching the GMAT Online Exam—an at-home alternative to the traditional in-person GMAT. Initially intended as a temporary solution, the GMAT Online version has since evolved into a permanent fixture in business school admissions, thanks to its convenience, accessibility, and alignment with global test-taker needs. This article explores the timeline, rationale, and enhancements of the GMAT Online Exam leading up to its 2023 version….

Preparing for the GMAT exam in 2024 requires more than just hard work; it demands a thorough understanding of the test’s structure, content, and the skills it assesses. Many aspirants underestimate the importance of grasping the exam format and setting clear goals before diving into preparation. This first part of the series will guide you through what the GMAT entails, how to establish your baseline, and how to organize an effective study schedule. What Is the GMAT and Why Does It Matter? The Graduate Management Admission Test, or GMAT, is…

The Graduate Management Admission Test, widely known as the GMAT, stands as a critical milestone for many aspiring business school candidates. As the landscape of graduate management education evolves, the GMAT continues to serve as a reliable metric for assessing a candidate’s readiness to tackle the rigorous curriculum and challenges of top business programs worldwide. The GMAT 2025 iteration introduces some subtle but meaningful changes that every test-taker should understand before embarking on their preparation journey. This article delves into the format of the exam, the scoring system, registration process,…

When considering an MBA, many applicants wonder about the role the GMAT plays and what score is necessary to gain admission into top business schools. The Graduate Management Admission Test, or GMAT, is a standardized exam widely used by business schools worldwide to assess candidates’ readiness for rigorous graduate management programs. In the United States, where competition for the most prestigious MBA programs is fierce, understanding the GMAT’s significance and the average scores at leading institutions is essential for a successful application strategy. This article will provide a comprehensive overview…

The Graduate Management Admission Test, widely known as the GMAT, has long been a critical stepping stone for business school aspirants worldwide. In recent years, the GMAT has undergone a significant transformation with the introduction of the GMAT Focus exam. This new format, launched in late 2023 and set to be the primary version in 2024, reflects a shift in testing philosophy and content to better measure skills relevant to modern business environments. As a result, the preparation landscape has also evolved, making it essential for candidates to understand the…

The Graduate Management Admission Test, commonly known as the GMAT, plays a critical role in the admissions process of many top business schools around the world. But just how difficult is this exam? Is it an insurmountable challenge or a manageable hurdle with the right preparation? This first part of our three-part series dives deep into what makes the GMAT a rigorous exam, helping you understand its format, content, and the reasons why many find it tough to master. The GMAT’s Role in Business School Admissions The GMAT is more…

The Graduate Management Admission Test, commonly known as the GMAT, is a standardized exam used primarily for admission to graduate business programs worldwide. This test assesses your analytical writing, quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning, and integrated reasoning skills — all essential for success in business school and beyond. But with so many applicants taking the GMAT every year, understanding what constitutes a “good” score is crucial to positioning yourself effectively in the admissions process. Your GMAT score can influence the schools you apply to, your chances of scholarship awards, and even…