What is the GMAT?
The GMAT is administered by the Graduate Management Admission Council and is a test of general skills: quantitative (math), verbal (grammar, reading, logic), and analytical writing. The test uses a high level of English which is comparable to the level you will need to pursue a top MBA. Your final score will range from 200 to 800 and have individual scores for quantitative, verbal, and analytical writing.
Do I need the GMAT?
Most top MBA programs require the GMAT. They use your final score in two ways: 1) as a way to measure your overall academic ability, and 2) as a means of drastically reducing the number of applicants to their program. For example, say 6,000 students apply for 500 places, a convenient way to reduce the applicant pool is to eliminate all students who score less than 600. Some schools are beginning to eliminate the need for the GMAT, particularly those offering EMBAs (an Executive MBA designed for top managers who will pursue the degree while working full-time). Once you decide on your MBA program, check to see if the GMAT is a requirement.
What score do I need?
Check with the admissions requirements of the school of your choice to see what the minimum GMAT score required is. Some schools, such as INSEAD, do not have a minimum score. Therefore, to determine the score you should have, conduct a little research. A search on the internet reveals that applicants accepted at INSEAD score between 650 and 750. A general rule: If you want to attend one of the top European or American schools, your score should be around 700.
How do I prepare for the GMAT?
You have three options: 1) You can prepare on your own using resources at www.mba.com including their book, The Official GMAT Guide which is the only book on the market featuring real GMAT questions. 2) You can attend a GMAT preparation course at an academy in your area. Or, 3) You can contract with a private GMAT tutor. In our experience, the best solution for Spanish students is a combination of 1 and 3. Contact us for a list of experienced, top GMAT tutors in Spain.
Where do I take the GMAT?
The GMAT is offered in thousands of cities around the world every day. In Spain, Madrid and Barcelona are the two most popular testing centers, though it is also offered less frequently in other cities. You MUST register for the GMAT through www.mba.com. When you register you will be able to choose the city where you would like to be tested and you will be required to pay the registration fee of 250 USD. NOTE!!! Testing dates in Madrid and Barcelona fill up quickly. Register as early as possible or you may end up flying to Lisbon or Brussels to take the test.
What is the TOEFL?
The TOEFL (pronounced “toe-full”) is administered by the Educational Testing Service (www.toefl.org) and is a test of language ability in English including listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The most popular testing form in Spain is via internet, the TOEFL iBT, which is scored from 0 to 120. Occasionally, you will see information on the computer-based test, TOEFL cBT (scored from 0 to 300), and rarely, the old paper-based TOEFL (scored 310 to 677).
Do I need the TOEFL?
If your native language is not English, yes, you will need the TOEFL. Most MBA programs will waive the TOEFL requirement for students who received a degree from a university where English was the main language of instruction. Check with the business school’s admissions requirements to determine if you need the test or not.
What score do I need?
Most of the top MBA schools will have a minimum TOEFL requirement of between 100 and 105. Again, check with the school for the score required. These are not negotiable. If you expect to attend a top MBA, then take the time and effort to get the minimum TOEFL score required by your B-school of choice.
How do I prepare for the TOEFL?
You have three options: 1) You can prepare on your own using resources at www.toefl.org especially their free downloadable practice tests, or by purchasing other books on the market. 2) You can attend a TOEFL preparation course at an academy in your area. Or, 3) You can contract with a private TOEFL tutor. In our experience, the best solution for Spanish students is a combination of 1 and 3. Contact us for a list of experienced, top TOEFL tutors in Spain.
Where do I take the TOEFL?
The TOEFL is offered in thousands of cities around the world every day. In Spain, Madrid and Barcelona are the most popular testing centers. As with the GMAT, these centers do fill up quickly, so be sure to register as soon as possible.
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