GMAT SCORING
GMAT Test Scores are either scored section wise or are given composite scores. The Scores for each section of GMAT are as follows:
Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) score – on a range of 0 to 6
Total Scaled Score – on a range of 200 to 800
Quantitative Scaled Score – on a range of 0 to 60
Verbal Scaled Score – on a range of 0 to 60
The Composite Scores are calculated by combining quantitative and verbal scores. The AWA scores are not included in the composite scores. Though GMAT scores generally have a validity of five years, certain universities hold the scores to be valid for only two years. Hence the candidate should check this before applying. The score report will also contain any demographic information or contacts or digital photographs that was provided at the test center during registration. Every section will be presented with a percentile rank. This indicates the percentage of candidates who received lesser scores based on the overall GMAT test population during the last three years. This percentile rank is likely to change each year.
Total, Quantitative and Verbal Scoring
The total GMAT score is in the range of 200 to 800, and most average scores are in the range of 400 to 600. The quantitative and verbal scores are scored in the range of 0 to 9. Even if the candidate has not completed within the time limit, the candidate will still be given scores based on the number of questions that has been answered and with each unanswered question, the score will be significantly reduced.
Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) Score
The AWA score is the score based on the average ratings based on analysis of issue and analysis of argument sections. Each sub-section is given an independent rating and once each essay is scored, the scores are averaged for obtaining the overall score. The scores for AWA are given in a range of 0 to 6. Each essay is given two independent ratings, one of which is performed by an automated essay scoring engine. This automatic essay-scoring engine is an electronic system of scoring. In case there is a difference of more than a single point in the ratings, another expert may be required for resolving the discrepancy. The scores for this section are allotted based on the overall ability to develop, express and organize ideas, overall quality of ideas, the relevant supporting examples provided and reasons used for supporting them and the ability to control elements through written English.
The performance of AWA is not reflected on the total GMAT score (out of 800). The total, quantitative and verbal score will be given immediately after the test. Official GMAT scores, which include the AWA scores, are mailed after two weeks of taking up the test.
GMAT MBA Application Procedure
The candidates can make a list of colleges that they would like to apply for admissions and follow these guidelines for the application procedure.
- The candidate should collect the right email id and address of the colleges they wish to apply and they should be contacted on time (preferably between June and August) for any information regarding issuing of application forms, the financial aids etc
- Registration must be done for taking up all the necessary admission tests like ACT, SAT and TOEFL for an undergraduate study or a Bachelor’s programme. GRE, GMAT and TOEFL are required to be taken up for attaining the doctoral programme or the masters. The testing agencies can arrange to send the test scores directly to the universities and colleges that the candidate wishes to apply.
- For more information regarding test, the candidate can visit the college websites and clicking on Admission Tests.
- All academic records and transcripts (official credential evaluation of the marks cards) should be kept ready. Even certificates obtained for curricular and extra curricular activities can be kept ready.
- The candidate can approach at least three professors or school teachers for reference letters.
- The candidate can maintain a list of a minimum of four courses that the candidate would like to take up and check whether these courses are available in the colleges he wishes to apply. In case the courses are not available in Indian colleges, the candidate can try pursuing it abroad and it would be a good reason for convincing the VISA officer for a VISA.
- The candidate must keep his Passport ready or apply for one in case he does not possess it.
Application Forms
On receipt of application forms, the admission requirements and financial requirements must be scrutinized. Usually the admission forms may ask for details regarding the candidate’ personal information, the admission test scores, the transcripts, extra curricular activity certificates, reference letter from teachers and about the candidate’s education plan. The fee for application forms should be anywhere between $30 and $50 (non-refundable) and is payable by cheque. The completed application forms should be sent to the respective university or college much ahead of the deadlines mentioned in the forms. For most colleges late August could be the beginning of the academic year which ends during May/June.
Acceptance Letter
The University admission office will keep the candidate informed as to whether the application has been accepted or rejected. The letter of acceptance or rejection will be sent by around April/June. In case of acceptance, the candidate may be required to pay a full year’s tuition fee for reservation of the seat before a certain date.
Application Procedure for Pursuing education in USA
If the candidate is interested in pursuing education in USA for Graduate or Post Graduate programs, the kind of approach matters a lot. USA is one of the largest hubs of best schools for pursuing any kind of education. Every year plenty of students take up the GMAT, GRE and other exams for admissions to US Universities, B Schools or Colleges.
The admission procedure varies from one school to another. An incomplete knowledge of may lead to waste of time and money.
The candidate could look forward to any of the following schools in case he is planning to pursue education in the U.S.
State college/ University – A state school is run by a local or state government. Every state among the 50 U.S. States has many state colleges and atleast one State University.
Private College / University – As these schools are operated privately, the tuition fee may be a little higher than the state schools.
Two year college – A two year college generally admits high school graduates and provides an Associate’s Degree. The two year college graduates then move on to four year colleges/universities for completing Bachelor’s Degree in two or more additional years.
Community College – These colleges serve a local community which could be a particular county or city. A few such colleges even offer special services to international students like free tutoring or intensive English programs. But, the candidate should find out if a certificate from a community college would be sufficient for a job because certain governments do not accept these certificates.
Professional School – They train students in fields such as business, engineering, music and arts. Some are parts of universities while other are individual schools.
Technical Institute – They train students in industrial engineering and medical technology. However, the degree may not be equivalent to a university degree. Hence if the candidate is considering a technical institute, it is necessary to find out if the universities and governments accept the school degree.
Passport and Visa
The Passport and Visa formalities could differ from one course to another and from one country to another. The research based programs are given scholarships than the MBA and they increase the student’s chances of getting a Visa.
Passport – This is the most important document required for international travels. The passport should be issued to all Indian Citizens within a prescribed time limit on proper completion of formalities. The procedure for obtaining the Passport includes submission of proof of educational qualifications, proof of residence, photographs along with passport application.
Student Visa – The U.S.A issues different kinds of visas for temporary visiting. A full-time student is awarded an M-1 or F-1 Visa. Majority of students fall under F-1 category. The temporary visas are also known as immigrant visas. The spouse and children are given F-2 or M-2 Visa. The “F” visa is for academic studies and M is for vocational studies.