What is the GMAT and how is it structured?
The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a multiple-choice test for applicants to business schools. The test is administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS), under the sponsorship of the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC). The GMAT is a computer-adaptive test (CAT). Here is what you’ll find on the GMAT:

An interactive tutorial during which you will get a chance to familiarize yourself with the conventions of computerized testing and practice entering answers. You can spend as much time as you like on this tutorial

What is a CAT and how does it work?
A CAT is a computer-adaptive test, whose software calculates your score based on the number of questions you answer correctly, the difficulty of the questions you answer, and the number of questions you complete.

When you take the GMAT CAT, you'll begin each section with a medium-level question and an average score. If you answer the question correctly, the computer will raise your score and then give you a more difficult question. If you answer the question incorrectly, your score will decrease and you'll be given an easier question. The process repeats for each question in the section, to arrive at your final score for that section.

How is the GMAT scored?
As soon as you’ve finished taking the GMAT, your computer will calculate and display your unofficial results. Several weeks later, you’ll receive a written report from ETS in the mail confirming those results. Most people think of the GMAT score as a single number, but in fact there are four separate numbers:

• Your total score (This is reported on a scale that runs from 200 to 800.
• Your verbal score (This is reported on a scale that runs from 0 to 60.)

• Your math score (This is reported on a scale that runs from 0 to 60.)

• Your Writing Assessment score (This is reported on a scale of 1-6, in half-point increments; 6 is the highest score.)

Your Analytic Writing Assessment (AWA) essays are graded on a scale of 0 to 6. There are two essays, each evaluated by two readers (one human and one computer). ETS averages the four scores, and rounds to the nearest half point. Your AWA score does not count toward your composite score.

How important are my GMAT scores?
GMAT scores vary in importance at different schools. However, competitive programs tend to weight your GMAT score more heavily. In addition to your GMAT score, schools consider your age, work experience, undergraduate GPA, letters of recommendation, and essays. Be sure to contact the specific programs to which you are applying in order to determine their unique requirements.

How many times can I take the GMAT?
You may take the GMAT no more than once in any calendar month and no more than five times within a 12-month period.

How do I pick a test date?
First, find out the application deadlines for the business schools to which you are applying, then work backwards from your earliest deadline. Build some extra time into your planning process for unexpected delays because you can only take the GMAT once per calendar month (including tests for which you cancel your scores). And remember that it can take as long as four weeks for your official scores to arrive at your designated schools.

When the GMAT is conducted in Pakistan?
The GMAT is offered at testing centers almost every day in Pakistan. Call your local center for details and to book your test. While in theory you could sign up for the GMAT with only two days' notice, don't depend upon this luxury. Call at least one month prior to your desired test date.

Where the GMAT is conducted in Pakistan?
There are two local offices that conduct the GMAT in Pakistan. One is in Karachi and the other is Lahore. The contact numbers of the two are as follows.

Global Education Center                     LUMS(Lahore University of Management Sciences)
Ph:021-5823671                                    Ph:042-5722670-79

What fees are associated with the GMAT?
The fee to take the GMAT is $225 worldwide.

Where can I get more information about the GMAT?
You can contact GMAC by phone at (703) 749-0131 or on their website, www.mba.com.

GMAT SAMPLE TEST:
 If you want to practice the sample questions or the test, you can download free GMAT PowerPrep software from the site www.mba.com

GMAT PowerPrep Software: (FREE) – Includes two computer-based GMAT Tests, sample analytical writing topics, scored sample essays and reader commentary, test-taking strategies, a math review, and test tutorials.