GMAT Sections and Exam Format Explained

The Graduate Management Admission Test isn’t like the SAT or ACT or any test you’ve taken before. The GMAT sections have a unique structure and require intense study and mastery — not just of ideas but of the ability to analyze and dive deeper into conceptual frameworks. 

All that adds up to some serious challenge. 

The best way to wrap your mind around this test is to segment it out and better understand all of the GMAT sections and exam format.

Here are a few facts to keep in mind as you put together your GMAT study plan:

• Most MBA programs require a GMAT score for admission
• GMAT is a computer adaptive test: questions get harder or easier as you go, based on performance)
• The GMAT is a four-part test
• The GMAT takes a little over three hours, including short breaks between sections
• The GMAT is scored (in total) from 200-800

To dive deeper, let’s start with GMAT structure.

Structure of the GMAT

Going in, it will be important to understand how the GMAT is structured. There are a few question types and skills you’ll be required to display. One of the most important GMAT tips is to get very familiar with this structure.

Here’s a broad overview of what the GMAT test is composed of:

You’ll see that there are really only two GMAT question types: one written and the rest multiple-choice. However, each section of the GMAT has its own unique features and challenges.

Scoring is not as simple as adding up how many right answers you got. You’ll need a GMAT score calculator to estimate how your results will convert to a final score.

GMAT Sections

GMAT format includes these four sections:

1. Analytical Writing Assessment: test-takers will get an essay topic and have to provide analysis.
2. Integrated Reasoning: tests higher-level thinking and the ability to extract meaning and make inferences based on data.
3. Quantitative: general math knowledge (arithmetic, geometry, algebra)
4. Verbal: tests grammar, logic skills and reading comprehension.

It’s important to know that when you arrive at the test center, you can choose the order in which you take the GMAT sections. You may find, in practice, that doing sections in a certain order sets you up for a higher score. 

For example, many students find GMAT quant prep the most challenging part of their studies. It might be helpful to write this section first, while you’re fresh.

Analytical Writing Assessment

The analytical writing assessment (AWA) has one provided topic and gives you 30 minutes to provide a thoughtful, logical and well-written analysis. GMAT writing isn’t a gimme. You’ll need to think critically and write eloquently to get a good score.

AWA Exam Section Format

This section of the GMAT tests your ability to analyze, reason, critically reflect on arguments, and communicate. AWA is the one section of the GMAT that is rated by humans, not just machines. 

Electronically, your GMAT writing will be measured for linguistic aspects and structure. Your essay may be randomly chosen for human rating or evaluation. It is possible to request a rescore of your AWA test section. That must be done within six months of your test date.

Timing: 30 minutes

AWA Material Covered

In AWA, you will be directed to read a writing sample and then plan a response, organize and develop ideas, and provide supporting evidence or illustrations. What you write should make sense and have a clear development of ideas. The topics can be literally anything in any category. Your objective is to get to the bottom of thought development and provide analysis of the outlined arguments. 

GMAT analytical writing is an important part of your score. This part of test prep is commonly overlooked or dismissed but it is just as essential as any other section. Your practice should include writing essays and having them critiqued by GMAT tutors or GMAT test prep instructors. This valuable feedback will help you improve your writing before test day.

Integrated Reasoning

The integrated reasoning (IR) GMAT section has only been around since 2012. This section forces test takers to look at graphics, numbers, and text and evaluate the differently sourced information. There will be 12 questions. Each question may require a couple of steps or processes to answer.

IR Section Exam Format

36 multiple-choice questions

Tests grammar, logic skills, and your ability to answer questions about a reading passage

Timing: 30 minutes

IR Material Covered

IR has four different types of questions. These are:

1. Table Analysis: you’ll be presented with a spreadsheet or table of data and be asked to analyze or sort it, finding what is relevant.
2. Multi-Source Reasoning: you’ll be asked to look at texts, graphics or tables from multiple sources. Then, you’ll answer questions that require you to compare, contrast or analyze the data.
3. Two-Part Analysis: this section will give you verbal, quant, or combo questions that are intentionally broad in scope. Solving simultaneous equations, finding interrelationships, and evaluating the content will be how you answer one or more questions.

It’s especially important to remember during IR that no partial credit is given. You will be able to use a calculator and must solve every part of every problem for it to count toward your final score.

Quantitative Reasoning

Quantitative reasoning (QR), known as quant, is known to be a hard section of the GMAT. It tests basic mathematical skills but requires some higher-level application. It will be necessary to apply mathematical principles in real-world scenarios or in the context of a specific discipline. This application step is something that isn’t a part of your regular mathematics courses and requires special attention. 

Quant Exam Section Format

There are 31 GMAT quant questions. GMAT experts and GMAT study courses have developed numerous strategies for how you can attack these questions. You’ll have about two minutes to complete each question, so it’s important to go in with a plan.

Timing: 62 minutes

Quant Section Material Covered

The scope of math in quant includes algebra, geometry and data analysis. You do not get to use a calculator. There are also a few different types of questions. You may be served with questions that have only one answer, questions that have more than one answer, numeric entries or quantitative comparisons. 

Because quant is such a notoriously challenging section, there are some GMAT study materials and GMAT prep books that deal solely with quant subjects. Some online prep courses, like Target Test Prep GMAT also specialize in quant. It’s definitely worth it to focus a sufficient portion of study time on mastering quant concepts and test questions. 

Verbal Reasoning

GMAT Verbal Reasoning tests your ability to assess and analyze written text. Finding connections and relationships between ideas will be an important part of getting the right answers. 

Verbal Reason Exam Section Format

There are three basic kinds of questions you’ll encounter in verbal reasoning:

1. Reading comprehension questions
2. Sentence equivalence questions
3. Text completion questions

Drilling sample questions is a good way to get an idea of what kinds of questions you’ll encounter and how to find a strategy to answer them as quickly and accurately as possible. There will be 36 questions.

Timing: 65 minutes

Verbal Reasoning Material Covered

GMAT verbal reasoning is another section that isn’t as much about the subjects but about the concepts. In other words, you may be presented with text from any industry or subject matter. What you’ll have to do is analyze the foundational concepts, logical relationships, and summarial ideas present in the text. This is a high level of critical thinking and may represent a learning curve. Practice makes perfect.

FAQs

Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about the GMAT sections and exam format.

How Many Sections Are in GMAT?

There are four sections in the GMAT. They are:

1. Analytical Writing Assessment
2. Integrated Reasoning
3. Quantitative
4. Verbal

How Many Questions Are on the GMAT?

There are 80 questions on the GMAT. One of these is an essay prompt and the rest are multiple choice questions. Some require more than one step to answer. The questions are divided up between the four sections of the GMAT, which you’ll have about three hours to take.

How Many Questions Can You Miss on the GMAT to Get a 700?

There are a lot of different ways to approach the GMAT. Some students, knowing in advance they won’t get a perfect score, choose to “bomb” some questions in favor of speed. Any strategy you choose should be based on a reliable method and developed with expert advice. 

Going in, you should know that you may be able to miss about 10 questions and still get a 700. That is not a definite number and your score is not a guarantee. That’s because the GMAT is an adaptive test, so not every question is worth the same points.

Which GMAT Sections Get a Calculator?

There is only one section of the GMAT for which you can use a calculator. This is the integrated reasoning section. Notably, the quantitative reasoning section is the most mathematics-oriented, and you do not get a calculator for it.

What Order to Take the GMAT Sections

When you get to the test center on the day of your GMAT, you can select which order you want to take the GMAT sections. It will be important to think about this in advance. There are a few different schools of thought and recommended strategies.