Degrees & Programs
The GMAT
Graduate Management Admission Test
The GMAT is a standardized computer-adaptive exam designed to predict academic success in graduate business and management programs. It measures an applicant's basic verbal, quantitative and analytical writing skills they have accumulated during their academic and professional experiences.
Admissions Test Requirements by Degree
| Program | Test Requirements |
| Full-time UST MBA | GMAT required |
| Evening UST MBA | GMAT required |
| Executive UST MBA | No required entrance exam |
| Health Care UST MBA | No required entrance exam |
| Master of Business Communication | GMAT (or GRE) required |
| MS Degree in Accountancy | GMAT required |
| MS Degree in Real Estate | GMAT required |
The Next Generation GMAT Exam
Beginning June 5, 2012 the Next Generation GMAT exam will feature a 30-minute Integrated Reasoning section. Read more about the new section and see a short video about this change.
Preparing for the GMAT
The GMAT is a challenging exam requiring strategic, disciplined preparation to perform your best. The computer-adaptive test is taken at a work station, with a scratch pad available to work problems, make notes, etc. The sections are tightly timed, and each question must be answered to move on to the next - you cannot "mark" questions and return to answer them later. It is critical to develop your pacing and composure.
You do not want the test's unique logistics to affect your scoring potential. Successful applicants become very familiar with its unique format and delivery, as well as the question structures and content.
An excellent resource to learn more about the GMAT is at mba.com, the website for the Graduate Management Admissions Council (GMAC), where you can also gain insight about the MBA degree and potential career paths. This is where you will register for the exam, and they offer some free preparatory software for download.
Test Preparation Courses & Coaching*
There are a several companies that offer a variety of programs to help students prepare for the GMAT, including online programs, group classroom courses and private tutoring. Three companies of note include:
Kaplan Test Prep
The Princeton Review
Knewton
Self-Study Publications & Materials*
You can find dozens of books and resources from these same companies and others at local retailers and online. If you opt for self-study, make certain to obtain materials that include computer test simulations (either online or on a CD), putting you in the test environment you will face for the actual exam. Examples can be found at:
Amazon (search for "GMAT Prep")
Barnes & Noble (search for "GMAT Prep")
Web Resources*
Below are useful GMAT links offering tips, insights, and practice questions/tests:
GMATPrep - Free software from GMAC
GMATTestQuestions.com
GMATExamPracticeTests.com
*The resources listed above are provided as examples only and does not imply endorsement by the University of St. Thomas of any specific study aid or company. UST is not responsible or liable for the accuracy of the content.
Scheduling/Taking the Exam
The GMAT is administered and delivered by Pearson VUE, which has three locations in the Twin Cities - Bloomington, Eagan, and Brooklyn Park, as well as Duluth and Rochester. Testing centers are available worldwide. It is usually offered on weekdays and Saturdays by appointment, which you schedule online at mba.com.
GMAT Score Reports
Approximately two weeks after you sit for the GMAT, official electronic score reports will be sent directly to the program(s) you selected when you began the test.
Good Luck!
Best wishes as you prepare for and take your GMAT. Please contact the admissions office for your specific program with any questions or concerns, and for support to build a strong application file.
