Q. WHEN IS THE CAT TAKEN?

A. The test is taken the year round during normal business hours except saturdays and sundays. Every month, there is a particular week during which no test is offered.

Q. HOW IMPORTANT IS THE GMAT AND HOW IS IT USED?

A. It is crucial! Although business schools may consider a whole lot of other factors, the vast majority of admission decisions are based on only two criteria: your GMAT score and your GPA.

Q. What exactly is computer-based testing (CBT)?

A. In CBT, you appear for an exam that is conducted entirely on the computer. The multiple-choice questions appear on the computer screen along with the answer choices, and you have to indicate your answer choice by clicking the mouse at the appropriate place.

Q. How does the computer-adaptive test work?

A. In a computer-adaptive test, the computer screen displays one question at a time, which is chosen from a very large pool of questions categorized by content and difficulty. The test begins with questions of average difficulty. As you keep answering these questions, depending on whether you are correct or incorrect, the test presents subsequent sums according to your level of effeciently. So if you answer a question incorrectly, the next question will be easier, with a smaller point value; and conversely, if you answer the question correctly, the next question will be more difficult, with a larger point value. The larger number of difficult questions you answer, the higher score you receive.

Q. What computer skills do I need to take a computer-based test?

A. AThough previous computer experience is not a prerequisite, familiarity with the use of a personal computer does help. All CBTs have a detailed tutorial before you actually start the test, which tells you how to navigate through the test, how to answer, and what the various buttons on the screen indicate. There is no time limit for this tutorial, so you can make yourself comfortable before you start answering.

The GMAT requires you to type two essays for the Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) Section, within a total of sixty minutes. This implies that some practice with the keyboard would certainly help. You do not have to be an expert typist - the AWA is not assessed on the number of words that you type - but some typing experience will surely stand you in good stead.

Q. What are the conditions like at the Test Center?

A. For taking the test, you will be assigned to an individual testing station (similar to a partitioned cubicle in an office). Other than your admit card and compulsory identification, you cannot carry anything with you - not even a pen. You are provided pencils, a sharpener, and sample sheets for rough work.

Q. HOW OFTEN CAN I/SHOULD I TAKE THE CAT?

A. Most people are better off preparing thoroughly for the test, taking it one time and getting their top score. You can take the test as often as you like, but many business schools will average your scores. You should call the schools to which you are applying to find out their policy. Then plan your strategy accordingly.

Q. CAN I CANCEL MY SCORES?

A. Yes. When you finish the test, the computer will offer the option of canceling the test or accepting it. If you cancel the test, neither you nor any school will see your score. If you accept the test, the computer will display your score and it will be made available to all schools.

Q. WHERE CAN I GET THE REGISTRATION FORMS?

A. Most colleges and universities have their individual forms. You can also get them directly from ETS by writing to:

Graduate Management Admission Test
Educational Testing Service
P. O. Box 6103
Princeton, NJ 0854 or calling (609) 771-7330
You can register through your credit card, by calling 1-800-462-8669.

Q. HOW DO I PREPARE FOR GMAT?

A. Be familiar with the mechanics of the test and the kinds of questions that are asked. You must look at the sample questions along with your test material. While practicing pay attention to where you are in the test, the number of questions that remain in a section, and the amount of time you have left. On average, you have about 1 3/4 minutes for each verbal question and 2 minutes for each quantitative question. You'll have 75 minutes for 37 quantitative questions and 75 minutes for 41 verbal questions. If you don't know the answer to a question, or it's too time-consuming, guess. You can't skip a question and go back to it, or change your answer once you have moved on to the next question.To prepare for the Analytical Writing Assessment, practice on the sample writing topics. You will have 30 minutes to compose each of two essays.

Q. PLEASE TELL ME ABOUT MBA PROGRAMS ABROAD?

A. Though no two schools offer the same curriculum, all MBA programs expose students to a common body of knowledge in basic areas including accounting, economics, organizational behavior, statistics and quantitative methods, finance, marketing, operations and policy. This core usually forms a foundation for more concentrated study in one or more elective areas.

Many schools offer joint degree programs, so students can earn an MBA and a law degree or an MBA and an engineering degree, for example, in a unified fashion. When a student goes to school full-time (excluding summers) in pursuit of the MBA degree, it usually takes two years. At some schools, students with outstanding undergraduate business preparation can complete programs at an accelerated rate.

Part-time MBA students are often able to broaden their career options without interrupting their earning capabilities, stretching school costs over a longer period of time and often having some or all of the expense underwritten by an employer.Those with more than six years of business experience might want to consider an executive MBA program. Usually held on weekends and lasting for 18 months or so, these intensive programs hold special appeal for experienced managers.