Manhattan
Welcome Guide
Welcome to Manhattan GMAT!
You are about to begin your Manhattan GMAT course. You probably have a
lot of questions and concerns about what we will do together over the next
nine weeks. This Welcome Guide will explain what you can expect from your
course and instructor. Specifically, it will cover:
I.
Course Syllabus
II.
Materials
III.
Manhattan GMAT Online Resources
IV.
Manhattan GMAT Course Policies
V.
How to Get the Most from Your Course
VI.
The Structure and Content of the GMAT
VII.
The Testing Experience & Score Reporting
Updated: 11/06/06
I. Course Syllabus
SESSION 1:
DUE:
CLASS SESSION:
1. Full-length Exam
A. Introductions
(Note: If not completed for session 1,
B. Data Sufficiency: Methods
please complete by session 2.)
C. Course Overview
D. Sentence Correction: Methods
E. Preparing to Face the GMAT I
SESSION 2:
DUE:
CLASS SESSION:
1. Complete DS – Quick Elimination Lab
A. Sentence Correction: Subject - Verb
2. Number Properties Guide (Complete,
B. Critical Reasoning: Argument Structure
except Official Guide Problems)
C. Math: Number Properties
3. Sentence Correction Guide: 3 C’s
D. Preparing to Face the GMAT II
SESSION 3:
DUE:
CLASS SESSION:
1. Complete DS – Yes/No Testing Lab
A. Sentence Correction: Verbs
2. Official Guide Problems: Number
B. Critical Reasoning: Diagramming
Properties
C. Math: Equations, Inequalities, & VIC
3. Sentence Correction Guide: Subject -
D. Preparing to Face the GMAT III
Verb
4. Official Guide Problems: Subject - Verb
5. Equations, Inequalities, VIC Guide
(Complete, except Official Guide Problems)
6. Critical Reasoning Guide: Argument
Structure
SESSION 4:
DUE:
CLASS SESSION:
1. Complete CR – Diagramming Lab
A. Reading Comprehension
2. Official Guide Problems:
B. Data Sufficiency: Manipulations
Equations/Ineq/VIC
3. Word Translations Strategy Guide
(Partial)
4. Reading Comprehension Guide: Sec. 1 -
3
5. Sentence Correction Guide: Verbs
6. Official Guide Problems: Verbs
7. Critical Reasoning Guide: Diagramming
2
SESSION 5:
DUE:
CLASS SESSION:
1. Complete RC – Prove It Lab
A. Sentence Correction: Pronouns
2. Word Translations Strategy Guide
B. Math: Word Translations
(Complete, except Official Guide Problems)
3. Reading Comprehension Guide
(Complete)
4. Official Guide Problems: Reading
Comprehension (Partial)
5. Full-length Exam #2
SESSION 6:
DUE:
CLASS SESSION:
1. Complete Timing Strategy Lab
A. Sentence Correction: Modifiers
2. Read Official Guide Chapter 10: AWA
B. Critical Reasoning: Find Assumption
3. Official Guide Problems: Word
C. The AWA Essays
Translations
4. Sentence Correction Guide: Pronouns
5. Official Guide Problems: Pronouns
6. Official Guide Problems: Reading
Comprehension (Complete)
SESSION 7:
DUE:
CLASS SESSION:
1. Complete Writing Essays Lab
A. Math: Fractions, Decimals, & Percents
2. FDP's Strategy Guide (Complete, except
B. Sentence Correction: Parallelism
Official Guide Problems)
C. Critical Reasoning: Draw A Conclusion
3. Sentence Correction Guide: Modifiers
4. Official Guide Problems: Modifiers
5. Critical Reasoning Guide: Find
Assumption
6. Official Guide Problems: Find
Assumption
SESSION 8:
DUE:
CLASS SESSION:
1. Complete DS – Rephrasing Lab
A. Math: Geometry
2. Official Guide Problems: FDPs
B. Critical Reasoning: Strengthen/Weaken
3. Geometry Strategy Guide (Complete,
C. Sentence Correction: Comparisons
except Official Guide Problems)
4. Sentence Correction Guide: Parallelism
5. Official Guide Problems: Parallelism
6. Critical Reasoning Guide: Draw
Conclusion
7. Official Guide Problems: Draw
Conclusion
3
SESSION 9:
DUE:
CLASS SESSION:
1. Complete PS – Strategic Speed
A. Sentence Correction: Idioms & Odds/Ends
Guessing Lab
B. Program Evaluation
2. Official Guide Problems: Geometry
C. Critical Reasoning: Analyze Structure
3. Sentence Correction Guide (Complete)
D. Preparing to Face the GMAT IV
4. Official Guide Problems: Comparisons
E. Sample Problem Set (from entire
5. Critical Reasoning Guide:
Curriculum)
Strengthen/Weaken
6. Official Guide Problems:
Strengthen/Weaken
7. Full-length Exam #3
1. Complete SC: Split & Resplit Lab
Practice for Test:
POST
2. Official Guide Problems: Idioms &
A. Timed Drills
COURSE:
Odds/Ends
B. Customized Problem Sets
3. Critical Reasoning Guide: Analyze
C. Practice Exams #4 and up
Argument
4. Critical Reasoning Guide: Minor
Question Types
5. Official Guide Problems: Analyze
Argument
6. Official Guide Problems: CR Minor
Question Types
4
II. Materials
Please check to make sure that you have received (either by mail or upon arrival
at Manhattan GMAT) the following materials:
The Eight ManhattanGMAT Strategy Guides:
1. Number Properties
2. Equations, Inequalities, & VIC's
3. Word Translations
4. Fractions, Decimals, & Percents
5. Geometry
6. Critical Reasoning
7. Reading Comprehension
8. Sentence Correction
The Official Guide for GMAT Review, 11th Edition
The Official Guide for GMAT Quantitative Review
The Official Guide for GMAT Verbal Review
If you are missing any of these materials, please let us know ASAP.
The only materials you need for class are a NOTEBOOK and a PEN/PENCIL. All
other materials are for your home study.
III. Manhattan GMAT Online Resources
In addition to the homework that you will do within your seven ManhattanGMAT
Strategy Guides and three Official Guide books, there are several online
resources that are vital to success in your preparation program:
1. ManhattanGMAT Computer Adaptive Practice Exams (six full-length tests)
2. Eight ManhattanGMAT Question Banks
3. Online labs, which are assigned as homework each week
4. Pre-recorded versions of all nine classroom sessions
5. Free homework help (Office Hours)
6. The Challenge Problem Archives, advanced math questions written for the
Challenge Problem of the Week series
Note: ManhattanGMAT also recommends that you download the GMATPrep
software from GMAC, which contains two free full-length adaptive exams.
As a ManhattanGMAT student, you have access to all online resources for three
months after the last class. In addition, you may purchase extensions for
access after the three months if you need more time. Please make yourself
familiar with each of these resources and how to access them. If you have
questions, contact the office (212-721-7400 or 800-576-4628) so that someone
may assist you.
5
Resource Description
How to Access
ManhattanGMAT Computer Adaptive Practice Exams
1) Go to ‘My Practice
(six full-length tests)
Center’ located in the
STUDENT CENTER
Six full-length computer adaptive practice exams are
dropdown menu on the
delivered online using ManhattanGMAT's proprietary
ManhattanGMAT website.
computer adaptive online test engine. The exams adapt to
your ability level by drawing from a bank of more than 1200
2) Log in using your
unique questions of varying difficulty levels written by
ManhattanGMAT username
ManhattanGMAT's expert instructors, all of whom have
and password.
scored in the 99th percentile on the Official GMAT. All
questions reflect the most up-to-date GMAT content,
3) Click on the start link
including newly emphasized quantitative and verbal topics.
next to New Computer
Adaptive Practice Exam.
You may choose to take the exams timed or untimed. Set the
time by section (e.g., 75 minutes for the whole section), by
Our proprietary exam
question (e.g., 120 seconds per question) or take as long as
platform runs through
you need.
your web browser so there
is nothing to install or
Receive a score at the end of your exam - including a total
download. We explicitly
score, scaled scores, and percentiles. Our scoring algorithm
support the Internet
is carefully calibrated and continually refined by comparing
Explorer web browser,
students’ scores on ManhattanGMAT exams with their results
though most other web
on Official GMAT exams. Our scoring algorithm does not
browsers should work as
artificially produce scores that are intentionally too low (or
well.
high), as other prep companies do. Our aim is to provide you
with practice exams and scores that are as accurate as
possible.
At the end of each exam, you will also be provided with an
in-depth review: explanations to each question, time spent
on each question, approximate difficulty level of each
question (e.g., 600 - 700), the topic(s) tested by each
question, and more. Our sophisticated reports enable you to
hone in on your particular strengths and weaknesses.
Retake the exams as often as you wish. After completing
your 6 adaptive exams, you may reset the question pool and
take additional exams. As such, retaking exams is a good
way to gauge your improvement.
Eight ManhattanGMAT Question Banks
1) Go to ‘My Practice
Center’ located in the
ManhattanGMAT Question Banks consist of 25 extra practice
STUDENT CENTER
questions (with detailed explanations) that test the eight
dropdown menu on the
main topics covered in our Strategy Guides. You may use
ManhattanGMAT website.
our online timer to practice your pacing by setting time limits
for each question in the bank.
2) Log in using your
ManhattanGMAT username
6
All questions included in this resource are unique and not
and password.
included anywhere else in our curricular materials.
3) Click on the start link
next to the desired
Question Bank.
Online Labs
1) Go to ‘Online Labs’ in
the STUDENT CENTER
ManhattanGMAT has created nine computer-based
dropdown menu on the
exercises designed to build speed skills for each question
ManhattanGMAT website.
type. Each lab is roughly 60 to 90 minutes long, and your
course syllabus includes the lab schedule.
2) Log in using your
ManhattanGMAT username
Important: The LABS are a vital part of the course! Each lab
and password.
includes important material that is NOT covered by your
instructor! We strongly recommend that you complete the
3) Select the desired lab.
practice LAB before you begin on any of the week’s other
assigned homework.
Recorded Versions of all Nine Classroom Sessions
(1) Log in to the
Elluminate platform:
Each of your nine sessions is recorded and accessible
http://elluminate.com/member.jsp.
through the virtual classroom platform. Use this resource for
(2) Click on the Utilities
missed classes and review of previously attended classes.
tab on the top menu.
To view the complete pre-recorded 9-session class, visit:
(3) Click on the option to
http://www.manhattangmat.com/ClassRecordings/ClassRecor
Playback Recorded
dings.cfm
Sessions.
(4) Select the date of the
recorded session you
would like to watch.
(5) Select the name of the
session you would like to
watch and hit the playback
button!
Online Homework Help (Office Hours)
1) Go to ‘Office Hours’ in
the STUDENT CENTER
As a registered ManhattanGMAT student, you are entitled to
dropdown menu on the
our FREE homework help—a service in which you work live
ManhattanGMAT website.
with one of our expert tutors from your own home or office.
2) Log in using your
You can schedule one appointment (30 minutes) per
ManhattanGMAT username
week. Note: Only one appointment can be scheduled at a
and password.
time.
3) Select the desired date
At your meeting, your tutor will discuss problems with you
and time. You will then be
over the phone and will diagram them on the whiteboard that
asked to specify problems
appears on your computer screen. You are able to save the
that you would like to
7
drawings and diagrams on your computer for future
review and a phone
reference.
number for the call. A
confirmation email is sent
If you need additional help beyond your 30 minutes per
as a reminder, and at the
week, you may sign up for tutoring, either live online tutoring
scheduled meeting time, a
or in-person. Call us at 212-721-7400 or 800-576-4628 for
tutor will call you to begin
details.
the session.
Note: Unused office hours do NOT roll-over to subsequent
You should be ready with:
weeks. If you do not use it, you lose it!
(1) A computer connected
to the Internet (note that
it must be connected on a
separate phone line).
Login to “MGMAT
Whiteboard” located in the
‘Student Center’ menu.
(2) Your curricular books.
Have these books open to
the problems for which
you have requested help.
The Challenge Problem Archives
1) Go to ‘Class Recordings’
in the STUDENT CENTER
As a ManhattanGMAT student, you have access to our archive
dropdown menu on the
of Challenge Problems. These problems test quantitative
ManhattanGMAT website.
concepts at the very high end of the difficulty scale. Every
week, we add a new problem. We have over 170 problems
2) Log in using your
in the Archive, each complete with a clear, detailed
ManhattanGMAT username
explanation.
and password.
3) Select from the
hundreds of provided
questions.
GMATPrep – free exams available from GMAC
Go to www.mba.com to
download.
Free practice exam software is available from GMAC,
publishers of the GMAT and the Official Guide for GMAT
Review books.
8
IV. Manhattan GMAT Course Policies
Score Guarantees
Manhattan GMAT does NOT make ANY score guarantees. One of the principles
guiding Manhattan GMAT is the belief that, while we provide you with the
structure for success, including a rigorous curriculum and outstanding teachers,
most of the work must come from you. We are confident that if you apply
yourself by completing all the assigned homework, coming prepared to every
class, and taking advantage of the additional resources which we provide, you
will meet your GMAT goals.
Refunds/Cancellations
All payments made to Manhattan GMAT are nonrefundable. Due both to the
proprietary nature of our materials and our limited class size, we are not able to
provide refunds to students for any reason. This applies both to deposits and any
other tuition payments.
Retaking the Course/Switching into Another Class
You may switch from your current course into any other LIVE Online Manhattan
GMAT course that has available seats by paying a $300 change fee. If you wish
to retake the course completely, you can do so by paying a retake fee. The fee is
$300 to retake the course in a section that has open seats or $800 to retake the
course in any section (of your choosing). If you do not want to retake the course
but want to review topic areas covered in class, you may review the class
recordings online for up to 3 months following the end of your course—free
of charge.
9
V. How To Get The Most From Your Manhattan GMAT Course
Attend Class (no matter what!)
Come to every Manhattan GMAT class and come prepared. Classroom instruction
is the single most important factor leading to GMAT success, principally because
of our outstanding teachers. It is imperative that you come to EVERY class as the
material is taught in a way that is NOT covered in any book. Our instructors do
not simply review the material that you have practiced during the week; they
apply the concepts to real GMAT problems, teaching a variety of strategies for
you to use on test day.
You will get the most out of class and the course by completing the assigned
homework before coming to class. Our class presentations presuppose that you
have done the assigned reading and are already familiar with certain key
concepts. However, even if you do not complete the homework
assignment, come to class anyway as it will prove valuable. Don’t use the
“I didn’t feel prepared” excuse for missing class.
Each Manhattan GMAT class session typically covers 3 topic areas in depth. The
material is covered through instructor presentations and group exercises
designed to be both challenging and engaging. The focus of the sessions is
always on REAL GMAT problems that have actually appeared on past exams.
Each class session also includes a computer-based lab exercise designed to build
speed for particular question types. The following chart will give you a better
sense of how we cover each topic in class:
TOPIC
WHAT HAPPENS IN CLASS?
The presentation focuses on taking the knowledge and
5 Math Content Areas
skills you have gained in the homework and applying them
to real GMAT problems for the given content area.
The presentation focuses on specific strategies you can
Data Sufficiency
use to attack this particularly difficult type of math
problem.
The presentation previews the grammar topic which you
Sentence Correction
will be working on at home during the coming week.
The presentation previews the argument type which you
Critical Reasoning
will be working on at home during the coming week.
The presentation takes the reading strategy which you
Reading Comprehension
have learned in the homework and applies it to real GMAT
reading passages.
The presentation uses a four-step writing process to teach
Analytical Essays
effective GMAT essay writing. Students also write timed
essays, which are graded by Manhattan GMAT.
10
Prioritizing Your Homework
We do recognize that you have professional and personal obligations that will
sometimes prevent you from completing all your assigned work for a given week.
As such, use the following guide to help you prioritize your homework
assignments:
1. Complete the weekly LAB before doing anything else.
2. Then, work through the following:
A. READING in the Strategy Guides.
The Reading & The IN ACTION problem
sets serve to provide you with
B. IN ACTION problem sets in the
strategies and skills for attacking the
Strategy Guides (designed to build skills
Official Guide problems.
in each specific content area)
C. OFFICIAL GUIDE problem sets (real
Remember, these are the problems
problems that have appeared on past
you ultimately want to work
GMAT exams)
through.
For the assigned IN ACTION problems, it is not necessary to do every problem
in every problem set. Each 15-question problem set is designed to build up ONE
particular skill. If you have already mastered a particular skill, then don’t
bother doing the problem set. Do only as many problems as you need to master
the given skill.
Note that each IN ACTION problem set is arranged roughly in ascending order
of difficulty. Try to balance your time among all three types of work (A, B, C),
keeping in mind that the Official Guide problem sets (C) are, ultimately, the
most important. If you are pressed for time, try to do a little bit of each (as
opposed to spending all your time READING and no time working through
problems).
3. Take exams according to the schedule on the syllabus.
4. If you have extra time left over (unlikely), work through the problems in the
Challenge Archive (very difficult math problems) online or get a jump on the next
week’s homework.
Catching Up On Missed Work
If you fall behind in your work, do NOT try to catch up all at once. It is better for
you to do the work for the upcoming session and go back at a later point to
make up the work you were unable to finish for previous classes. For example, if
you were unable to complete the work for Session 4, you should complete the
work for Session 5 so that you can get the most from Session 5. Otherwise, you
will always be one step behind for the rest of the course.
Ultimately, you may need to play catch-up after the course. However, in terms
of maximizing your in-class experience, it is not advisable to play catch-up
during the course itself.
11
V. The Structure & Content of the GMAT
The chart below lays out the structure of the GMAT and the time allotted per
section:
The Format of the GMAT
# of Questions
Time
The AWA Essays
Analysis of an Argument
1
30 min.
Analysis of an Issue
1
30 min.
Optional Break
10 min.
Quantitative
Problem Solving (22)
37
75 min.
Data Sufficiency (15)
Optional Break
10 min.
Verbal
Sentence Correction (14-15)
41
75 min.
Critical Reasoning (13 -14)
Reading Comprehension (13-14)
3 hours 30 min.
Total Time
(plus breaks)
The following pages delve into each exam section in-depth. Each question type is
described in detail and accompanied by an annotated image that will help you
understand its particular format.
Please note that all images are taken from PowerPrep® software. PowerPrep is
free software published by Graduate Management Admission Council™, which is
not affiliated in any way with ManhattanGMAT.
The PowerPrep® interface is essentially identical to the interface that you will
see on the actual GMAT exam.
12
The AWA (Essay Section)
The AWA consists of two 30-minute essays: (1) Analysis of an Issue and
(2) Analysis of an Argument.
These essays do NOT count towards your overall score out of 800. Instead, they
are scored separately on a 6-point scale (0 = lowest / 6 = highest). Your essay
score will appear on the official score report sent by ETS to the schools to which
you apply.
There are 115+ potential essay topics for each essay type. Most of these topics
can be found in the back of The Official Guide for GMAT Review. The topics you
will see on test day will likely be taken from these lists.
We will discuss the essays in depth in Session 6, and you will have an
opportunity to write two essays under timed conditions. We will analyze your
essays and return them to you with a score and extensive written
feedback!
The To pic. (This is
the ISSUE essay).
Th e
Task.
Space to write
your essay.
Available c ommands.
Notice that spell-check
and grammar-check are
NOT available!
13
Problem Solving (Quantitative)
These are "classic" multiple-choice math problems. There are 5 choices – you
select one. There are approximately 22 of these problems in the quantitative
section (out of 37 total).
We divide all the quantitative questions into 5 general CONTENT areas:
(1) Number Properties (Session 2)
(2) Equations, Inequalities, and VIC's (Session 3)
(3) Word Translations (Session 5)
(4) Fractions, Decimals, and Percents (Session 7)
(5) Geometry (Session 8)
There is a Problem Solving lab exercise during week 8.
Our Problem Solving philosophy centers on identifying the concept being tested
in order to select the best strategy for solving the problem. Is it a probability
question? Is it a rate problem? Each type requires a different approach and we
will show you how to determine which approach is best.
The Problem. ( 22 of the 37
quantitative questions appear in
this Problem Solving format.)
5 answer choic es. When answer
choices are numbers, they are
listed in ascending order.
14
Data Sufficiency (Quantitative)
This math format is unique to the GMAT. You are given a question and two
pieces of information. Your task is to determine whether the information
provided is sufficient to answer the question asked. Approximately 15 of the 37
math questions are in this format.
Because it is unfamiliar to most students, Data Sufficiency problems usually
present a greater challenge than Problem Solving problems. In fact, students
who are "good" at Data Sufficiency are usually "good" at Problem Solving, but
the reverse is not always the case!
As a result, you should make sure to allot ample time to studying and practicing
Data Sufficiency. It is not a skill you can pick up on the fly. In fact, if you have
time to work on only 3 math questions tomorrow, 2 of them should be Data
Sufficiency.
There are 2 Data Sufficiency lessons in the course (Session 1 DS Rephrasing and
Session 4 DS Manipulations). There are also 3 Data Sufficiency labs (weeks 1, 2,
and 7). Finally, there are special Data Sufficiency sections in each math Strategy
Guide.
The Question Stem. (15 of the 37 quantitative
questions appear in this Data Sufficiency format.)
The T
WO
statements (or
clues) provide
information.
Thes e
same 5
answer
choices
appear in
this exact
order for
EVERY
Data
Sufficiency
problem.)
15
Critical Reasoning
These questions test your ability to analyze the logic of an argument. You will be
given a short argument and asked a question about its logic. You will have to
select the best of five potential answers. Roughly 13 or 14 of the 41 verbal
questions will be in this format.
Our Critical Reasoning philosophy centers on understanding the underlying
structure of each argument and developing the ability to diagram each argument
quickly and effectively. A diagram is a list of numbered and labeled points that
you write on your scrap paper. Writing is the key to unpacking each CR
argument.
In Session 2, you will learn about Argument Structure. In Session 3, you will
learn how to Diagram. In Sessions 6, 7, 8, and 9, you will learn about each of
the major CR question types: Find the Assumption, Draw A Conclusion,
Strengthen or Weaken the Conclusion, and Analyze Argument Structure.
There is also a Critical Reasoning lab exercise during week 3.
The Argument, which is
usually 2 to 4 se
ntences long.
The Question.
The five
ans
wer
choices.
Each
choice is
one
sentence.
16
Sentence Correction
A complete sentence is presented with a portion of the sentence underlined. 5
answer choices follow (1 presenting the underlined portion as written and 4
presenting alternative versions), and you are asked to pick the grammatically
correct answer. Approximately 14-15 of the 41 verbal questions are in this
format.
Our Sentence Correction philosophy centers on learning the rules for every
grammatical principle tested on the exam. We want you to get away from total
reliance on your ear, since your ear ("it sounds better") is not as much of a
stickler as your brain. For homework after session 1, you will read about the 3
C's of Sentence Correction: Correctness, Concision, & Clarity of Meaning. Each
classroom lesson and subsequent homework assignments will delve into one
major grammatical topic in the following sessions as numbered:
1) Basics
2) Subject Verb Agreement
3) Verbs (Tense, Voice, and More)
5) Pronouns
6) Modifiers
7) Parallelism
8) Comparisons
9) Idioms and Odds & Ends
There is also a Sentence Correction lab exercise during week 9 of the course.
You are asked to e valuate the
UNDERLINED portion of the sentence.
The 2nd
through 5th
answer
choices
present
alternate
versions of
the
underlined
portion of
the
The FIRST
sentence.
answ
er
choice is
always the
same as the
original
sentence.
17
Reading Comprehension
A "thrilling" reading passage (some long, some short), several questions relating
to the passage, 5 answer choices for each question, you pick the best answer.
You will see 4 passages, each followed by approximately 3 – 4 questions. Thus, a
total of 13-14 of the 41 verbal questions are in this format.
The passage remains on the left side of your test screen throughout, while the
questions appear – only one at a time – on the right side of the screen. You do
not see all the questions at once. You have to answer the first question before
seeing the second question, and so forth. You do NOT need to memorize any of
the text.
Our READING COMPREHENSION philosophy centers on understanding the
underlying structure of the passage without getting lost in the nitty-gritty details.
Two writing strategies form the core of our approach: The Skeletal Sketch for
long passages and the Detail Map for short passages. By effectively sketching
passages, you are able to focus your reading on key structural points. These
points provide you with the structure to return to the passage to find "proof-
texts" that contain the answers to challenging detail questions.
Session 4 attacks the Reading Comprehension beast. In addition to an extended
strategy lesson, there is an in-depth Reading Comp lab.
You will o nly see one
question at a time!
The
passage
will remain
on the left
side of the
screen
during all
of the
questions.
Use the scr oll bar to see
the rest of the passage.
18
VI. The Testing Experience & Score Reporting
Though you have just begun your GMAT preparation and the road ahead may
seem long, you should give some thought to the final step in your GMAT
journey: taking the official exam!
Scheduling Your GMAT Exam
You may schedule to take the GMAT on any day of the year except Sundays and
holidays. In general you should schedule the exam several weeks before you
want to take it, in order to be assured a spot. We generally recommend that you
take the GMAT shortly after the completion of your ManhattanGMAT course—
within several weeks of your last class. Of course, it is important that YOU feel
confident and prepared, so if you feel that you need additional study time, then
wait until you are ready. Note that you are permitted to take the GMAT
only once every 31 days and only a total of five times in a 12-month
period.
You should leave yourself enough time to take the exam twice. The first time
can be considered a "warm up" if you do not receive a score you are happy with.
Keep in mind that business schools do not frown upon retakes – almost every
business school only considers your BEST score. In fact, business schools will
expect you to retake the exam if your first attempt does not yield a score that
will make you realistically competitive for their programs.
The GMAT Testing Experience
Register for the exam at www.mba.com. The fee is $250 in the U.S. Try to
register at least one month in advance, to help ensure that you get the date and
test center of your choice.
You may not bring anything into the testing room. This includes paper, writing
utensils, stopwatches, calculators, etc.
You will be given small dry-erase whiteboards and markers when you enter the
testing room These serve as your scratch boards during the exam. If you fill up
your dry-erase boards, raise your hand and the proctor will bring new boards.
Try to turn in your whiteboards (if allowed) during the breaks so that you begin
each section with fresh boards.
Score Reporting
At the end of the exam, you will be asked by the computer whether you want to
see or cancel your score. If you choose to see your score, you will be shown
your score onscreen and it will become a permanent part of your GMAT record.
If you decide that you do not wish to keep your score (i.e., "cancel" your score),
you will NOT be shown your score and you will NOT know what score you would
have received. (In fact, the computer does not even bother to calculate your
score.)
19
You should cancel your score only if you have objective reasons for believing that
you did not perform well (running out of time in the middle of a section, for
example). Do not cancel your score simply because you felt the exam was hard.
The adaptive nature of the exam serves to make the exam feel difficult for
everyone. Even if you did not perform as well as you would have liked, it is
important to know where you stand relative to your goal so that you can focus
your preparation for your second attempt. Also, by choosing to view your score,
you will – at the very least – be able to gauge your relative strength in each
section, since you will see separate raw scores and percentiles for the
quantitative and verbal sections.
Prior to beginning the exam, you may select up to 5 schools to receive score
reports for free. Additional schools may be selected after the exam for a fee of
$28 per school.
Your official score report will be available online approximately 2 – 3 weeks after
your test date. At the test center, however, you will receive an "unofficial"
report listing your quantitative and verbal subscores and percentiles and your
overall score and percentile. Your AWA (essay) score does NOT appear on your
unofficial report but will be included on your official report.
Your official score report will list all your valid GMAT scores—those from exams
that you have taken within the last 5 years. If you cancel your exam, the word
“cancelled” will appear on the score report.
20
