Computer Adaptive Format

The Graduate Management Admission TestÆ (GMATÆ) consists of four separately timed sections. Each of the first two sections consists of an analytical writing task; the remaining two sections (Quantitative and Verbal) consist of multiple-choice questions delivered in a computer-adaptive format. Questions in these sections are dynamically selected as you take the test. Therefore, your test will be unique, and the multiple-choice questions will adjust to your ability level.

For each multiple-choice section of the GMATÆ, there is a large pool of potential questions ranging from a low to high level of difficulty. Each section of the test starts with a question of moderate difficulty. If you answer the first question correctly, the computer will give you a harder question next. If you answer the first question incorrectly, your next question will be easier. This process will continue until you complete the section, at which point the computer will have an accurate assessment of your ability level in that subject area.

In a computer-adaptive test, only one question at a time is presented. Because the computer scores each question before selecting the next one, you may not skip, return to, or change your responses to previous questions.

If you answer a question incorrectly by mistake or correctly by randomly guessing, your answers to subsequent questions will lead you back to questions that are at the appropriate level of difficulty for you.

Random guessing can significantly lower your scores. So, if you do not know the answer to a question, you should try to eliminate as many answer choices as possible and then select the answer you think is best. For more testing strategies, see Test-Taking Strategies.

Your score is determined by:

• the number of questions you answer
• whether you answer the questions correctly or incorrectly
• the level of difficulty and other statistical characteristics of each question

The questions in an adaptive test are weighted according to their difficulty and other statistical properties, not according to their position in the test.

Every test contains trial multiple-choice questions needed for pretesting of GMATÆ questions prior to their actual use in a real examination. These questions are not identified and appear in different locations within the test. You should, therefore, do your best on all questions. Answers to trial questions are not counted in the scoring of your test.

You need only minimal computer skills to complete the GMATÆ. You can download Free GMAT Tutorials Software to familiarize yourself with the mechanics of taking a computer-adaptive test. The tutorials cover such topics as:

• using a mouse
• entering responses
• moving on to the next question
• using the word processor
• accessing the Help function

Before the day of your test, review the testing tools covered in the tutorials. Although you will be able to use a Help function during the test, the time spent doing so will count against the time allotted for completing a test section.