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The University of South Carolina offers more than 240 graduate degree and certificate programs, many ranked among the best in the country. Search for your area of study and learn more about all of our degrees.
Common Questions about the GMAT
What is the GMAT Test?
The GMAT is a standardized assessment that helps business schools assess the qualifications of applicants for advanced study in business and management. Schools use the test as one predictor of academic performance in an MBA or other graduate program.
The GMAT measures basic verbal, mathematical, and analytical writing skills that you have developed over time. It does not measure specific content from undergraduate study.
Who should take the GMAT exam?
Anyone looking to enroll in a graduate level business program will likely need to take the GMAT. Check with the programs you are considering and find out whether or not they require or accept the GMAT.
What is tested on the GMAT?
Integrated Reasoning
This new section was added most recently and it is designed to measure your ability
to evaluate information presented in multiple formats from multiple resources skills
you already use, and skills you need to succeed in our data-rich world. This is a
30 minute section.
Analytical Writing Assessment
The AWA consists of one writing task – the analysis of an argument. You are allowed
30 minutes to complete the essay.
Quantitative Section – Math Section
This section contains 37 multiple-choice questions of two types – data sufficiency
and problem solving. This is a 75 minute section.
Verbal Section –
This section contains 41 multiple-choice questions of three types – reading comprehension,
critical reasoning, and sentence correction. This is a 75 minute section.
The exam takes approximately 3 1/2 - 4 hours to complete with breaks.
How is the GMAT scored?
The scale for the GMAT is 200 – 800.
An additional score of 0-6 will be given for the Analytical Writing.
500 is approximately the 50th percentile of all test takers.
What is a good score?
It depends. The 50th percentile for everyone that takes the test is approximately 500. However, a good score is defined as one that gets you into the program you want, not by a number. Check with the programs you are considering, and ask them if they have a minimum and an average for everyone in the program to get a better idea of what your goal should be.
How much does it cost to take the GMAT?
The fee for the test is $250 and the test is given at a testing center. Check the GMAT website for cancellation, rescheduling, and other fees.
How do I register for the test?
The test is given at testing centers and it is typically offered Monday-Friday, depending on the availability of the testing center. Check the GMAT website to find a testing center near you.
Can I take a practice test?
Practice tests are available free. Download the Powerprep software directly from the GMAT website.
How do I contact GMAT?
You can contact GMAT between the hours of 7:00 am – 7:00 pm Central Time at 1–800-717-4628 or visit the GMAT website.
UofSC Graduate School Resources
The University of South Carolina offers a wide range of master's and doctoral degrees and provides the resources you need to help you make your decision.
Darla Moore School of Business
The school offers wide range of programs including 9 undergraduate concentrations, 7 master's programs, and 2 Ph.D programs. Graduate programs include MBA, Professional MBA Program, Accountancy, Economics, Human Resources, and International Business.
Apply to The Graduate School
More than 6,200 graduate students make the University of South Carolina their academic home and they all began with application to The Graduate School. Take a look at the application requirements, deadlines and learn more about what to do before you apply.
Finance Your Education
Pursuing an advanced degree can be a wise investment and The Graduate School is your starting point to learn about graduate fellowships, assistantships, grants and other forms of financial aid at USC.
Schedule a Visit
The best way to learn about our campus is to see for yourself. Take a quick look around, plan your visit and call the Visitor Center at 800-922-9755 to inquire about available tours for graduate students.
Explore Career Options
The Career Center can help you identify full and part-time employment options. The center also hosts career fairs, job shadowing opportunities and offers mock interviewing, counseling, career assessments and workshops.
Preparing for the GMAT is a great first step toward business school and if at any time you have questions or need more information, you can ask an expert.