About the GMAT

The GMAT, or Graduate Management Admission Test, is one of the more difficult exams given to prospective MBA students, even for those who were educated in the U.S. It is designed to test a candidate's thorough knowledge of English grammar and mathematics (from arithmetic through probability and statistics). In addition, a person who wants to do well requires very good reading and logical reasoning skills, as well as the ability to write cohesively, persuasively, and to the point.


When you begin to think about taking the GMAT, it is advisable to join http://www.mba.com/ and then, when you are ready to register for the test itself, you will do so on the same site. The telephone number to call for assistance is +44-1-61-855-7219, which is the number in England for Pearson Vue, the company that delivers the GMAT exam.

The testing site is in Ramat Gan, at BSR Building #1, Ben Gurion 2, on the 9th floor. The telephone number there is 03-613-3664. Before you are admitted to the testing room, you will have to show your Teudat Zehut and a current passport. The passport must be signed and both pictures must be current, or they will not allow you to sit for the test. Generally, you must register 4-6 weeks before the test to get a date that is comfortable for you, although sometimes you can find a seat even a week before the date you want. However, it is not wise to leave your test date to chance. Register early.

When you arrive at the testing site, you will be photographed and made to sign a confidentiality agreement, stating that you will not divulge any of the questions you see on the test. The people at Pearson Vue take this very seriously, and some companies were either put out of business or fined heavily for sending their employees to the test, employees who then disclosed to them the questions on their tests. If you find a test-preparation company that says they have “real, current questions,” stay far away from that company, as they may not stay in business for long.

During the test you will be videotaped. Any suspicious behavior will be noted and, if you are caught cheating on the test you will probably find that the universities will not be receptive to your application. The only way to succeed on this test is to study properly.