General GMAT questions (score, process, etc.)

This topic has expert replies
Junior | Next Rank: 30 Posts
Posts: 15
Joined: Fri Nov 09, 2012 3:48 am
Thanked: 1 times
I hope this is the correct forum to post in for some general questions regarding the GMAT that popped up while studying:

1. GMAT score:
1a. IR and AWA Importance: In the official GMAT book it is said that the GMAT score consists of only the Verbal and the Numerical parts, not the IR and AWA. Is that correct? Am I right assuming that business schools nevertheless look on the IR and AWA results so it wouldn't be a good idea to neglect these parts?
2b. Speed etc.: In the official GMAT book it is said that the GMAT score considers correctness of answers, number of questions answered, difficulty of questions, and "other statistical information". What is the latter exactly? Is it the speed of answering the questions, ie. will I get (ceteris paribus) a better score if answering faster?

2. On the actual day:
2a. Assigning Schools: I read in the prep-software that I have to name up to five business schools for my results. What is that for? Are these the schools I want to apply for? If I am not planning to apply for business school now (but taking the GMAT early in advance or for some other reason) do I still have to name schools there? I am merely interested in getting the certificate that says "Your GMAT score is n"
2b. Breaks: During the optional break, do I have to leave the room? If I can stay in the room, am I allowed to use the paper and pen during the break?

3. Number of Questions:
3a. Speed of Answering: The official GMAT books says the GMAT exam has a fixed number of questions for each sections. What happens if I answer the questions under the allotted time? Will I get more questions then and can score higher than someone else?
3b. Experimental Questions: In the GMAT prep software it is mentioned that some of the questions are new questions being tested for future GMAT exams and that these won't count towards the final score. Does that mean the number of questions actually is lower (due to some being experimental questions) or will there be more questions added (to make up for those experimental questions)?

Thanks for your help!

User avatar
GMAT Instructor
Posts: 646
Joined: Mon May 21, 2012 7:08 am
Thanked: 322 times
Followed by:143 members

by Kasia@EconomistGMAT » Fri Nov 09, 2012 6:02 am
I will try to answer questions from point no 3.
The number of questions is fixed so the faster you answer, the earlier you will finish the exam. You can score higher by answering more difficult questions within the allotted time.
A few questions will probably be the experimental ones so they will not be taken into consideration when calculating your score. The answers to remaining questions will decide about your result. You will not see more questions - the number is always the same regardless of how many questions are experimental.
Kasia
Senior Instructor
Master GMAT - the #1 rated GMAT course

"¢ If you found my post helpful, please click the "thank" button and/or follow me.

"¢ Take a 7 day free trial and find out why Economist GMAT is the highest rated GMAT course - https://gmat.economist.com/

"¢ Read GMAT Economist reviews - https://reviews.beatthegmat.com/economis ... mat-course

Junior | Next Rank: 30 Posts
Posts: 17
Joined: Fri Nov 02, 2012 3:52 am
Thanked: 7 times
Followed by:4 members

by FredT » Sat Nov 17, 2012 9:39 pm
With respect to your question no. 2, you have to select five schools where you will be able to send your GMAT score free of cost. You will be able to send your scores later also(anytime in the 5 year window from the time you take the test) but you will be charged around $29 for sending per school.