Taking the GMAT is typically the most daunting part of a Professional MBA application. Many may even look for ways to avoid taking the exam. Yes, in rare circumstances, an applicant may be considered for GMAT waiver consideration, but in almost all cases, the GMAT will be required. However, this can be a very positive thing. Take a look at the top three reasons why taking the GMAT can offer a great advantage to both you and your application.

1. It is the one piece of the application that is still under your control.

Given the three main pieces of your PMBA application that we take into consideration – your undergraduate coursework, full-time work experience, and GMAT score – your GMAT score is the one thing you can impact right now. Your undergraduate GPA is set and work experience takes time to develop. You determine your GMAT score with your preparation and prove your academic capabilities to the admissions committee by scoring well.

2. It can offset weaker areas in your application.

Not everyone takes their undergraduate education extremely seriously at the time, and that is OK. Some had to balance school, family and a full-time job, so grades needed to take a backseat, which is also OK. Now that you have matured and have a better idea of the direction you want to take your career, you probably realize the importance of your education these days. One of my goals as a Program Coordinator is to provide as much evidence as I can that you will be a good addition to our MBA program. A solid GMAT score can show the admissions committee that you are ready to take your MBA seriously.

3. Studying for the GMAT will prepare you for graduate school.

According to surveys from GMAC, the writers of the GMAT, about 56 percent of test takers spent at least 51 hours prepping for the exam. On average, that’s about 1-2 hours of studying per day for a month. Based on surveys of our alumni, the average time spent studying during the PMBA program is about two hours for every hour in class. With class twice a week for four hours at a time, that totals eight hours per week of class time and about 16 hours of time for studying each week. That’s about two hours of study a day. If you are not able to schedule time to study for the GMAT, scheduling time to succeed in an MBA program will not be any easier.

If you’re ready to take your next steps towards GMAT preparation, the University of Utah offers ways to help you:

  • Each month, the PMBA program hosts a free, four-hour GMAT Workshop that provides an overview of the exam and its different sections. On-campus and online sessions are available.
  • For more in-depth preparation, the University of Utah’s full-length GMAT Prep Course can help. A supplementary Math Refresher Course is also available that can help strengthen your quantitative skills and build your confidence.

The GMAT is just one piece of your application that we take into consideration for admission into the program. For my thoughts on how the GMAT fits in with the rest of your application, check out “What I Look for in a Professional MBA Application.” If you have questions about the Professional MBA program, our application process, or GMAT preparation, please contact me at 801-581-6836 or at pmba@utah.edu.