3 reasons to be excited about the GMAT

Taking the GMAT is typically the most daunting part of the MBA application process. Many may even look for ways to avoid taking the exam. For Full-Time MBA applicants, the GMAT or GRE is required. For Professional and Online MBA applicants, some may qualify for exam waiver consideration, but in most cases, the GMAT or GRE will be required. This can actually be a very positive thing. Take a look at the top three reasons why taking the GMAT can offer great advantages to both you and your MBA application.

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

There are three main components to your MBA application — your undergraduate coursework, full-time work experience, and GMAT score. While your undergraduate GPA is set and work experience takes time to develop, your GMAT score is the one thing you can directly impact right now. You determine your GMAT score with your level of preparation, and you can prove your academic capabilities to the admissions committee by scoring well.

2. Your GMAT score can offset weaker areas in your application.

Not everyone takes their undergraduate education extremely seriously at the time they’re going through it and for others, it may have taken a backseat to more pressing commitments. You likely have matured since your undergraduate days and now have a better idea of the direction you want to take your career. Our aim is to take as much evidence as we can to the admissions committee to prove that you would be a strong addition to our MBA program. A solid GMAT score can show the admissions committee that you are ready and committed to graduate-level success.

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

According to the GMAC (writers of the GMAT) Prospective Student Survey, 62% of test takers began their preparation four or more weeks ahead of their exam date. Those who studied more scored higher – 60 hours or more of study yielded scores of 500 or higher. Sixty hours amounts to roughly one to two hours of study a day for two months.

Based on surveys of our part-time MBA students, the average time spent studying outside of class is about two hours for every hour in class. With classes held for eight hours per week, that amounts to about 16 hours of study outside of class – around two hours a day. If you are not able to schedule time to study for the GMAT, scheduling time to study during an MBA program certainly will not be any easier.

If you’re ready to take your next step toward GMAT preparation, the David Eccles School of Business at the University of Utah is hosting a free GMAT workshop on Tuesday, March 3 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the Robert H. and Katharine B. Garff Building on campus. Livestream access is also available. Register now or request more information about the University of Utah David Eccles School of Business MBA programs.