1. Analytical Writing Assessment section (AWA) - GMAT

The Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) of the GMAT is designed as a direct measure of your ability to think critically and to communicate your ideas. The AWA consists of two 30-minute writing tasks : Analysis of an Issue and Analysis of an Argument.

The issues and arguments presented on the test concern topics of general interest related to business or a variety of other subjects. A specific knowledge of the essay topic is not necessary; only your capacity to write analytically is assessed.

Analysis of an Issue:
Analysis of an Issue section, you will need to analyze the issue presented and explain your point of view on the subject. There is no correct answer. Instead, you should consider various perspectives. Use relevant reasons or examples drawn from your experience, observations, or reading to develop your own position on the issue.

Analysis of an issue measures ???
The Analysis of an Issue tests your ability to explore the complexities of an issue or opinion and, if appropriate, to take a position that is informed by your understanding.

Analysis of an Argument:
Analysis of an Argument section, you will need to analyze the reasoning behind a given argument and write a critique of that argument. You are not being asked to present your own views on the subject.

Consider the following when developing your essay:
• What questionable assumptions underlie the thinking behind the argument?
• What alternative explanations or counterexamples might weaken the conclusion?
• What sort of evidence could help strengthen or refute the argument?

Analysis of an argument measures???
Analysis of an Argument section tests your ability to formulate an appropriate and constructive critique of a specific conclusion based on a specific line of thinking.

GRADUATE MANAGEMENT ADMISSION TEST - GMAT

GMAT ???
The Graduate Management Admissions Test is the standardized exam used by graduate business schools for admissions decisions. It is designed and produced by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) and administered through the Graduate Management Admissions Council (GMAC).

It measures ???
GMAC claims the GMAT can measure basic analytical, quantitative and reasoning abilities developed over time. However, according to the GMAC web site, the GMAT does not measure: “every discipline-related skill necessary for academic work, nor does it measure subjective factors important to academic and career success, such as motivation, creativity, and interpersonal skills.” It continues, “GMAT scores cannot be used to estimate potential for success in a career, because many factors other than basic verbal and mathematical abilities influence work performance.”

Exam duration ???
The GMAT requires three hours and thirty minutes. Two and half hours (75 minutes each for the verbal and quantitative sections) are for the multiple-choice items and one hour (30 minutes each for the two essays) for the AWA. Two breaks (five minutes each) are optional.

GMAT consists of
1. Analytical Writing Assessment section (AWA)
2. Quantitative section, and
3. Verbal section

I will cover above sections one by one...

GMAT SCORE AND GRADING ???
The Verbal and Quantitative sections are each scored on a scale of 0-60. A Total score is calculated by adding Verbal and Quantitative scores then converting this number to a 200-800 point scale. The Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) is scored on a 1-6 scale. This section, in which students have an opportunity to display creative, innovative and concise writing skills, is graded by two “evaluators,” one of which is a computer.

Register for GMAT http://www.mba.com/

GMAT Preparation !!!
Don’t be afraid of taking GMAT, because it neither measures your knowledge of business or job skills nor does it measure a specific content in your undergraduate course work.
Preparation is the best way to beat the GMAT. By practicing you can get best test taking tactics and master the thinking skills.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR MANAGEMENT COURSES

1. University Degree
2. Entrance Test Score - GMAT, CAT, TOFEL etc... Depending upon the college you apply.
3. Work Experience
4. Statement of purpose - You should be able to outline, why you applied for a particular program, what kind of career you intend to pursue after graduating and why you decided to apply at this University.
5. Curriculum Vitae - Stating your previous studies and the corresponding periods and dates as well as the required work experience.
6. Reference Letter - Academic or Work experience

Note: Admission requirements varies from college to college. Contact the admission officer or relevant personnel before applying to the specific program to know about the admission requirements... Good Luck

Common Entrance Tests in India and Abroad - Admission to management courses:

- COMMON ADMISSION TEST (CAT) - INDIAN INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMENT (IIMs) WEBSITE: http://www.iimahd.ernet.in/
- IBSAT- (THE ICFAI BUSINESS STUDIES APTITUDE TEST) WEBSITE: www.icfai.org/ibsat
- JOINT MANAGEMENT ENTRANCE TEST (JMET) - INDIAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY (IITs & IISc) WEBSITE: www.iitr.ernet.in/gate
- AIMS TEST FOR MANAGEMENT ADMISSIONS (ATMA)- THE ASSOCIATION OF INDIAN - MANAGEMENT SCHOOLS (AIMS) WEBSITE: http://www.atma-aims.org/
- XAT (XLRI ADMISSIONS TEST) - XLRI, JAMSHEDPUR WEBSITE: www.xlri.edu/xat
- SNAP - SNAP Test for Symbiosis Postgraduate Programs WEBSITE: http://www.snaptest.org/

- GMAT - Graduate Mangement Admission Test WEBSITE: www.mba.com

Basic Types of MBA

MBA is a master's degree in business administration.

Basic types of MBA programs,

Two year MBA - It takes two academic years. Students enter with a reasonable amount of prior real-world work experience and take classes during weekdays like other university students.
One year MBA - It takes one academic years. Students enter with a reasonable amount of prior real-world work experience. They involve a higher course load and less "down time" during the program and between semesters.
Part time MBA - MBA programs normally hold classes on weekday evenings, after normal working hours. Part-time programs normally last three years or more. The students in these programs typically consist of working professionals, who take a light course load for a longer period of time until the graduation requirements are met.
Executive MBA - Executive MBA programs developed to meet the educational needs of managers and executives, allowing students to earn an MBA or another business-related graduate degree in two years or less while working full time.

Distance Learning MBA - MBA classes are held off campus. Courses are delivered in correspondence course through Postal, broadcast video, teleconference etc.,

We need to choose MBA course, college and specilisation depending on carrier goal...