GMAT’s New Integrated Reasoning Section to Challenge MBA Aspirants with Question Types such as Multi-Source Reasoning, Table Analysis, and Graphics Interpretation
Available for Interview: Kaplan Test Prep GMAT Expert
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Russell Schaffer, russell.schaffer@kaplan.com, 212.453.7538
Carina Wong, carina.wong@kaplan.com, 212.453.7571
New York, NY (February 8, 2012) – Undergrads putting off taking the GMAT because they don’t plan to apply to business school for a few years might want to adjust their timelines. Aspiring business school students will face a more difficult GMAT in June with the addition of the Integrated Reasoning section. Integrated Reasoning will present four question types designed to measure test takers’ ability to organize, synthesize, and evaluate information from multiple sources and in different formats. Makers of the exam say the Integrated Reasoning section will test how applicants respond to the kinds of complex challenges they will encounter in business schools and as managers. The GMAT’s 200,000+ annual test takers worldwide will face the following new question types:
- Table Analysis: Test takers will be presented with a sortable table of information, similar to a spreadsheet, to be analyzed to find whether answer statements are accurate.
- Graphics Interpretation: Test takers will be asked to interpret a graph or graphical image, and select the option from a drop-down list to make response statements accurate.
- Multi-Source Reasoning: Questions are accompanied by two to three sources of information. Test takers must examine all the relevant information which may be a combination of text, charts, and tables to answer questions.
- Two-Part Analysis: A question will involve two components for a solution. Possible answers will be given in a table format with a column for each component and rows with possible options; test takers will be asked to consider the options provided.
“The Integrated Reasoning section will introduce question types that are unprecedented among major admissions tests. Adding the Integrated Reasoning section is a good step in terms of reflecting higher-level analytical skills, but there’s no question that the new GMAT will be more challenging than the current one,” said Andrew Mitchell, director of pre-business programs, Kaplan Test Prep. “Most aspiring MBAs take the GMAT and apply for admission in their mid to late 20’s. Nevertheless, college students can get an advantage by taking the GMAT before it changes and avoid the time it will take to prepare for the new section. All GMAT scores, including scores from before the test change, are valid for 5 years.”
Mitchell points out that doing well on the Integrated Reasoning section will be especially important because test takers receive a separate score for this section – poor performance on the new section can’t be masked by stronger performance on the rest of the test. The exam’s test length will remain at around 4 hours (including breaks), since the new section replaces one of the essays.
A Kaplan-created sample question from the GMAT’s new Integrated Reasoning section can be found here: http://press.kaptest.com/gmatsamplequestion.
For more question samples, including explanations and ongoing updates provided by Kaplan, visit www.testchange.com.
To arrange an interview with a GMAT and business school admissions expert at Kaplan Test Prep, please contact Russell Schaffer at russell.schaffer@kaplan.com or 212.453.7538.
About Kaplan Test Prep
Kaplan Test Prep (www.kaptest.com) is a premier provider of educational and career services for individuals, schools and businesses. Established in 1938, Kaplan is the world leader in the test prep industry. With a comprehensive menu of online offerings as well as a complete array of print books and digital products, Kaplan offers preparation for more than 90 standardized tests, including entrance exams for secondary school, college and graduate school, as well as professional licensing exams for attorneys, physicians and nurses. Kaplan also provides private tutoring and graduate admissions consulting services.
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