This article stresses on the important facts about the Computer Based GMAT and the there are few important points in article which is worth mentioning and quite helpful. Read on to know the complete information on computer based GMAT.

Computer Based GMAT

Computer Based Test or E-Assessment is the latest trend in examination genre and it comes with many advantages such as increased scoring efficiency, and reduced costs. Computer Based GMAT is a tailor made test for aspiring MBAs, who are aiming for a bright future abroad. This online exam is conducted round the year and the test centers are available in more than 500 locations. The fee for this entrance test is $250. Total marks are 800, hence a score of 750 is considered an outstanding score and a score of 400-600 an average score. The best part is since computer based tests are electronically recorded the scores can be known immediately after the test. The uniqueness of the computer based test is, the questions are picked randomly from thousands of questions whereas in the paper based test, the questions printed are same in all the centers. Most importantly such a test assesses an examinees accuracy and capability immediately. The question that appears in the beginning of the test are so tailored as to match your performance ability. Hence if you have answered wrongly it is very difficult to raise your score as the level of toughness will be immediately decreased. So it is crucial to answer the first few questions with patience and care. Read on for more tips on how to tackle this E test.

Computer Based GMAT

As the name suggests, the computer based GMAT is a test conducted entirely on computer.

Test Structure

The entire test can be divided into three major sections: quantitative, verbal and analytical writing.

Quantitative and verbal tests are multiple choice questions.

However in analytical writing test your writing and analyzing skills are put into test. An argument and a current issue will be given as two different topics and your opinion is to be expressed in the form of essay.

Test Schedule

The whole test should be completed in 3hours 30minutes. 5mins break is given after every test and you will have to take all the tests on the same day.

Level of Difficulty

The test starts with a not so difficult question and the level of difficulty increases depending on your answer. If your answer is right then the next question will be more difficult and will be easier if your answer is wrong. So the trick is to answer correctly the tougher questions and voila your performance level and score is automatically raised.

Grade Assessed for Analytical Writing

This section requires you to write essays on two topics, one is analysis on an argument and the other is analysis of an issue. The grade for the essays is provided by two departments, one is a committee of members and other is computer program “E-Rater”. E-Rater has a database of hundreds of essays and your essay will be related to these for evaluation. This program rates your essays on a scale of 0-6. The E-Rater is not programmed to appreciate your uniqueness so make sure you write the essays in an organized way, i.e. it should have an introductory paragraph, followed by three paragraphs of content and a conclusion. If you try to be more creative in structuring your essay it is sure to boomerang. So pay attention to structure.

Accessibility to previous questions

Think twice before you answer because you won’t have the access to change or review your previous questions once you have answered it.

Advantages of taking Computer Based GMAT

Time Limit 

Computer Based GMAT allows more time per question, because the questions are less when compared to paper based test.

Instant Results

In computer based test you get your score immediately after the test is completed so you do not have to wait endlessly for results.

Cancelling the Score

Another good option in this test is that you can cancel your scores. But the cancellation has to be done before the final score is put on the screen. If you choose to view the results then the score cannot be cancelled after viewing it.

Online Tutorials

There is an online tutorial which gives detailed instructions about how to navigate through the various buttons which indicates on the screen, how to answer and all the basic queries are answered.

Few Important Points:

• Computer experience is not a requirement, but brushing up your skills on usage of personal computer is very important.
• Scoring in analytical writing test not only needs rational thinking but also good typing skills. So improving typing skills helps you in managing your time better to finish the essay writing.
• In test centres, separate cubicles are assigned to each examinee, and except proof for identification and admit card you are not supposed to take anything else, not even a pen. They will provide pencils and sheets for rough work.
• Skipping questions is not allowed in computer based GMAT, so you cannot eliminate any question unanswered, and the computer screen does not show the next question until you complete the first one.
• Unlike MS Word, the word document in which you type out essays won’t have spell checker. So double-check for errors in your essay.
• It is also advisable to time and practice typing essays.

With adequate practice and proper preparation, there is no stopping you from achieving an outstanding score and being the pick of world’s best Business schools. Like Henry Hartman said, “Success is when opportunity meets preparation”.

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