UPDATE: Boise State Online MBA eliminates GMAT/GRE application requirement
The GMAT is the most widely required test for admission into online MBA programs. The exam consists of five different types of questions. The following are some GMAT sample questions representing each of these important question types.
Quantitative Questions
The quantitative section involves two different question types: problem-solving and data sufficiency questions.
1. Problem-Solving
A typical problem-solving question might look something like this:
Students can use the local gym for $5 per visit, or they can get a weekly pass for $13 and then visit the gym for $1 per visit. What is the minimum number of times a student needs to visit the gym per week for the weekly pass to be worth it?
(A) 1
(B) 2
(C) 3
(D) 4
(E) 5
Because it is a multiple-choice test, you do not always have to answer the questions by going through the problem algebraically. Because you are looking for the minimum number, you can check each answer in order. For example:
(A) Going to the gym once a week would cost $5 without the pass and $14 with it.
(B) Twice would cost $10 without the pass and $15 with.
(C) Three times would cost $15 without the pass and $16 with.
(D) Four times would cost $20 without and $17 with.
You can then stop at D, because you know it is the answer.
2. Data Sufficiency
Data Sufficiency problems are less straightforward. They might look something like this:
a=b+3 what is b*a
(1) b^2+3b=4
(2) a=4
(A) 1 alone is sufficient to answer the question.
(B) 2 alone is sufficient to answer the question.
(C) Both together are sufficient to answer the question.
(D) Each alone is sufficient.
(E) Both together are not sufficient.
(Answer: D)
These types of questions essentially ask you what information you need to answer the question — if it is even possible.
Verbal Questions
The verbal section of the GMAT includes three different question types. Here are GMAT sample questions for each type.
3. Critical Reasoning
Critical reasoning questions will present you with an argument, and you will have to answer questions such as the following:
- Which of the following is an assumption the argument makes?
- Which of the following would weaken the argument?
- What is a flaw in the reasoning of the argument?
4. Reading Comprehension
Reading comprehension involves reading passages of one or more paragraphs. Three or four questions follow each passage. Some GMAT sample questions of reading comprehension might look like the following:
- What is the author’s main point?
- What is the purpose of the second paragraph in relation to the first?
5. Sentence Correction
Sentence correction questions are the final question type, and they ask students to replace the underlined portion of the passage with the most grammatically correct option. For example:
Sally was tired after she ran 40 miles yesterday.
(A) she ran
(B) she runs
(C) she run
(D) she running
(E) they run
(Answer: A)
Learn more about the Boise State online MBA program.