GMAT test takers should be familiar with the format of the test and the kinds
of questions asked on the test before they take the exam. Graduate Management
Admission Council (GMAC) offers the GMATPrep software at no charge to all
prospective test takers. The complete GMATPrep software can be downloaded
for free when you sign up as a user on www.mba.com
. A free CD-ROM version
of the GMATPrep software is also offered to those scheduling their first appointment
to take the GMAT exam.
GMATPrep software features two full-length, timed, Computer-Adaptive GMAT
tests whose delivery simulates that of the actual exam. It includes a set
of practice questions for each type of question asked on the exam, answers
and explanations, as well as a comprehensive math review and real-time scoring
of the multiple-choice sections.
The candidate can also practice taking the GMAT exam with the GMAT Paper
Tests available in the website. Each set of three retired tests include the
multiple choice sections of the exam, an answer sheet, and instructions for
converting your raw score to the equivalent GMAT score.
The Computer Adaptive Test as the name suggests picks the questions based
on the test taker's response to the given question. The first question is
always of medium difficulty level and from then on the score graph starts
to move upward or downward as per the performance of the candidate. A test-taker
of higher caliber will get tougher questions than a test-taker of a lower caliber. As the test progresses, the score graph begin to narrow down to a
range and that range will determine the final score.
The GMAT CAT does not allow you to skip any Verbal or Quantitative questions;
you must confirm your response to each question presented before the test
allows you to proceed to the next one. Nor does the CAT allow you to return
to a previous question. The difficulty level of questions presented to you
depends on how you responded to earlier questions. If the CAT were to permit
you to skip or return to questions the process by which the CAT builds your
test and determines your score would be undermined.
