Thousands of universities worldwide use the Graduate Management Admission Test, or GMAT. This popular exam is one way schools assess students' potential for academic success. 

Most people who take the GMAT are students who want to earn a master's in business administration, or MBA degree. Students interested in other business-related degrees, like management, finance, or consulting, may also consider taking the GMAT. 

Some schools offer test waivers. Others don't require students to submit test scores. Higher education and student rights advocates say requiring standardized test scores can discourage or block students from pursuing their dreams. And they say test scores aren't a reliable indicator of ability or success. 

Still, taking the GMAT may offer an advantage. It can help you stand out in a competitive admissions process for top MBA programs. Read on to learn how to take the GMAT, the topics it covers, how it's scored, and more.

Key GMAT highlights

What skills does the GMAT test for?

The GMAT measures your knowledge and skills in four areas relevant in business education and careers:

Analytical writing

• Analyze the reasoning behind a persuasive statement 
• Write a critique of that persuasive statement 
• Demonstrate your ability to communicate your ideas in writing

Integrated reasoning

• Synthesize information from graphics and written passages 
• Organize information to solve interrelated problems
• Demonstrate your ability to solve problems using large amounts of data

Quantitative reasoning

• Use logic and analytical reasoning to solve problems
• Interpret graphic data
• Solve basic arithmetic, algebra, and geometry problems

Verbal reasoning

• Read and comprehend written material
• Write and evaluate persuasive content
• Demonstrate your knowledge of English spelling, grammar, and sentence structure

How is the GMAT scored?

The GMAT's quantitative and verbal reasoning sections are computer-adaptive. That means the difficulty of the test changes in real-time based on your answers. GMAC says computer-adaptivity "allows the exam to assess your potential with a higher degree of precision."

People who take the GMAT receive a five-part score. Here's how each section is scored:

• Analytical writing: 0 to 6 in half-point increments
• Integrated reasoning: 1 to 8 in 1-point increments
• Quantitative: 6 to 51 in 1-point increments
• Verbal: 6 to 51 in 1-point increments
• Total: 200 to 800 in 10-point increments.

The total score isn't just the sum of the other four parts; instead, it reflects each question's difficulty.

What's the average GMAT score?

The Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) is the nonprofit organization that owns and administers the test. According to GMAC, the average total score is 568. Two-thirds of test-takers score between 400 and 600.

Here's a look at average GMAT scores from 2018-20, according to GMAC: 

• Verbal: 27.26
• Quantitative: 40.7
• Integrated reasoning: 4.6
• Analytical writing: 4.43

You'll receive your quantitative, verbal, integrated reasoning, and total scores immediately after completing the exam. If you're at a testing center, you'll receive a paper copy of your unofficial score report. 

Your official scores are usually available within seven business days. However, allow up to 20 days for your score report. You may cancel your preliminary scores on your test day without a fee. You may also cancel your scores up to 72 hours after the test for a fee.

How do I take the GMAT?

You must register online to take the GMAT. GMAC suggests these three steps: 

• First, create an account at mba.com. 
• Next, review the score reporting timeline. Doing this allows you to choose a testing date that aligns with application deadlines. 
• Finally, if you request a disability accommodation, you'll need to wait for approval before scheduling your GMAT.

At a testing center, you'll have about three hours to complete the exam. For the online version, you'll have 15 minutes to check in and two hours and 45 minutes to take the test.

To take the GMAT at a testing center, you must present valid identification. You must also agree to follow all testing center rules. 

GMAC recommends the following preparation and test-taking strategies:

• Read each question carefully; eliminate wrong answers and select the best choice.
• Confirm your answer only when you're certain you're ready to move to the next question. Once you advance to the next question, you can't change previous answers.
• Watch the time