GMAT & TOEFL FAQ

GMAT® (www.mba.com)

After February 1, 2024, GMAT Focus will be the only version of the GMAT Exam available to prospective test takers around the world.

If you have have ambitions to be a leader in your business career, you know that a Master of Business Administration (MBA) or other post-graduate business degree opens doors and prepares you for the business world like no other qualification. You’ve probably also heard of the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT), the most widely accepted business school exam globally. Across GMAT and GRE test takers around the world, over 7 in 10 rely on GMAT to get into a graduate business program. It’s the only admissions exam designed specifically for business school and assesses relevant business skills as opposed to just general skills.

The exam helps thousands of graduate business programs make critical admissions decisions and helps you, as a candidate, to demonstrate your commitment and eligibility for the MBA or business master’s degree program of your choice.

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What’s new about GMAT™ Focus Edition? 

The GMAT™ has evolved to be more aligned with your priorities. Introducing GMAT Focus Edition: Built for ambition, focused on you. Accelerate your future with the graduate business exam that’s:

  • Shorter: Composed of only three 45-minute sections, allowing you to efficiently prepare for test day in as little as six weeks.
  • Flexible: Personalize your test-taking experience with Question Review & Edit, Select Section Order, and the ability to take the exam at a test center or online.
  • Insightful: After the exam, leverage the detailed insights provided by your Official Score Report to review your performance in each section, each question type, and more.

GMAT Focus Edition also introduces new improvements and features that make a major difference in how you take – and use – the exam.

Question Review & Edit: You can now bookmark and review as many questions as you want, and you can change up to three answers per section within the section time remaining, allowing you to optimize your test taking strategy.

Select Section Order: Take the exam in whatever section order you prefer. Want to get Quantitative Reasoning out of the way? Start there. Feel like Verbal Reasoning is best saved until the end? Slot it in last.

Focused Content: With the removal of the analytical writing assessment, you can spend more time developing the skills that matter most to business schools.

Detailed Performance Insights: The Official Score Report now details your performance in each section, for each question type, your time management skills, and more!

Five Free Score Reports: You now have the flexibility and control to select programs to send your scores to after the exam – regardless of whether you test online or at a test center. You can send up to five score reports for free within 48 hours of receiving your Official Score, and additional score reports are available after that for a fee.

GMAT™ Focus Edition in brief

The candidate experience has been central to the development of the GMAT™ Focus Edition. The test itself is shorter than the previous version and takes less time to complete than similar graduate school examinations. It’s flexible, too – you can complete the sections in any order you choose, review questions, and revise up to three answers per section. The test has a maximum score of 805 and a minimum score of 205. It consists of three sections, each with a maximum score of 90 and a minimum score of 60. Each section takes 45 minutes, so the total testing time is two hours and 15 minutes.

Section 1: Quantitative Reasoning

The Quantitative Reasoning section determines mathematical ability and numerical literacy, testing your ability to reason, solve problems, and interpret data. It measures the skills you will use in quantitative-based subjects such as finance, accounting, and managerial statistics.  This section consists of Problem-Solving questions and require common knowledge of concepts related to arithmetic, elementary algebra, and word problems.

Section 2: Verbal Reasoning

The Verbal Reasoning section evaluates reading comprehension and critical reasoning. You will be assessed on your ability to comprehend and draw inferences from written material and to evaluate arguments through two types of multiple-choice questions. Reading Comprehension passages of up to 350 words are followed by a set of questions that test your ability to interpret the text, to draw inferences from it, and to identify logical relationships between elements of the content. Critical Reasoning questions measures your ability to draw conclusions from short arguments.

Section 3: Data Insights

The Data Insights section tests your ability to read and interpret data in multiple formats, including tables and graphs. It is designed to mimic today’s business world, in which managers synthesize data from multiple sources to identify patterns, make decisions, and solve business problems. This part of the GMAT Focus Edition uses question formats that include Data Sufficiency, Multi-Source Reasoning, Table Analysis, Graphics Interpretation, and Two-Part Analysis.

How is GMAT™ Focus Edition different to the previous GMAT?

Each enhancement to the GMAT™ exam was designed in partnership with leading business schools and prospective business school applicants to ensure relevance and alignment with the skills required to succeed at business school and the world of work. GMAT Focus Edition is one of the biggest enhancements to date reflecting the rapidly changing business landscape we’ve all seen in the past few years.

Features GMAT Focus Edition GMAT Exam
Structure Three sections: Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights. Four sections: Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, Integrated Reasoning, and Analytical Writing Assessment.
Total questions 64 80
Exam duration 2 hours, 15 minutes 3 hours, 7 minutes
Total Score scale 205-805 200-800
Section order Sections can be completed in any order you choose. Three section order options to choose from.
Question Review & Edit At the end of each section, you can review as many questions as you would like and can edit up to three answers. Not available.
Score reports A score report with detailed performance insights is included in the exam fee. A basic score report is included in the exam fee. An enhanced score report is available for an additional fee.
Attempts Five attempts in a rolling 12-month period and eight attempts in a lifetime.
Test Availability Testing starts Q4 2023. Available now! Tests are available up to 7 days a week (or around the clock if taken online) and can be scheduled up to 6 months in advance.

 

Can I apply without GMAT score?

Several programs offer GMAT waiver.

Since April 2020, due to the coronavirus pandemic, the GMAT can be taken online from home for a limited time – read more about it here. In addition, several top MBA programs are offering GMAT waivers, read more about it here.

The test of English as a foreign language is required by most programs for applicants whose native language is not English. There are some cases where the TOEFL requirement may be waived (for example, if the applicant received a degree from an institution whose official language of instruction is English) – check the school website or the school page on ARINGO website (click on the school name and go to the bottom to see TOEFL requirements).

The TOEFL® test measures the ability of non-native English speakers to use and understand the English language as it is heard, spoken, read and written in the university classroom.

The TOEFL test is offered in two formats: the TOEFL iBT™, administered in an Internet-based format, and the TOEFL PBT, administered in a Paper-based format. The format you take depends on your testing location. Test centers that do not have Internet access offer the TOEFL PBT test.
• The TOEFL iBT test measures reading, listening, speaking and writing skills. It is offered 30 to 40 times a year, and is administered online via computer at more than 4,500 testing sites in 165 countries. Most test takers take the TOEFL iBT test.
• The TOEFL PBT test measures reading, listening, grammar and writing skills and is offered six times a year in areas where Internet-based testing is not available.

Do I have a choice of which format to take?

The format of the test depends on your testing location, the capabilities of the testing center and any accommodations required for special needs.

When can I register for the test?

Seats fill up quickly, so register early. We recommend that you register three to four months before your desired test date to reserve your seat. Your test date should be two to three months before your earliest admissions application deadline.

Can I take the test in one day?

Yes, the test is given in one day. The test takes about 4 hours, but with check-in you should plan to be at the test site for at least 4.5 hours.

Can I retake the test?

Yes, you can retake the test as many times as you wish. There is no passing or failing test score — score requirements are set by each higher education institution or agency.

What Does the TOEFL iBT Test Cost?

The cost of the test can range from $160 to $250 and varies between countries.

What are TOEFL test scores like?

Your scores are based on your performance on the questions in the test. You must answer at least one question each in the Reading and Listening sections, write at least one essay, and complete at least one Speaking task to receive an official score. For the Internet-based test, you will receive four scaled section scores and a total score:

  • Reading Section (Score of: 0 – 30)
  • Listening Section (Score of: 0 – 30)
  • Speaking Section (Score of: 0 – 30)
  • Writing Section (Score of: 0 – 30)
  • Total Score (0 – 120)

In addition to your scores, your official score record also includes performance feedback that is a reflection of your performance level and a description of the kinds of tasks that test takers within the reported score range can typically do.

There is no passing or failing TOEFL score; individual higher education institutions and agencies set their own score requirements. TOEFL scores are valid for two years after the test date and there is no limit to the number of times you can take the test.

What is the best way to prepare for the TOEFL test?

Practicing your reading, listening, speaking and writing skills as much as possible will help you feel prepared and confident on test day.

When do I take the test?

Plan to take the TOEFL test two to three months before your earliest application deadline so your scores arrive at your institutions in time. Find application deadlines by checking the institution’s website.

What is the Reading section like?

The Reading section includes three to five reading passages. There are 12 to 14 questions per passage. You have from 60 to 100 minutes to answer all the questions in the section.
TOEFL iBT Reading passages are excerpts from university-level textbooks that would be used in introductions to a discipline or topic. The passages will cover a variety of different subjects. Don’t worry if you’re unfamiliar with the topic of a passage. All the information you need to answer the questions will be in the passage.

What is the Listening section like?

The Listening section includes test questions about academic lectures and long conversations in which the speech sounds very natural. You can take notes on any listening material throughout the entire test. The test is composed of:

Four to six lectures, each three to five minutes long, six questions per lecture, 60 to 90 minutes
Two to three conversations, each three minutes long, five questions per conversation, 60 to 90 minutes

What is the Speaking section like?

The Speaking section is approximately 20 minutes long and includes six questions.

The first two questions are called “independent Speaking tasks” because they require you to draw entirely on your own ideas, opinions and experiences when you respond.
The other four questions are called “integrated Speaking tasks” because they require you to integrate your English-language skills — listening and speaking or listening, reading and speaking — just as you would in or out of a classroom.

You will speak into the microphone on your headset and your responses will be recorded and sent to the ETS Scoring Network, where they will be scored by certified human raters.

What is the Writing section like?

The total time for the Writing section is 50 minutes. You are asked to write responses to two writing tasks: an integrated Writing task and an independent Writing task.

Integrated Writing task (20 minutes) — read a short passage and listen to a short lecture. Then write in response to what you read and listened to.
Independent Task (30 minutes) — write an essay in response to a Writing topic.

What do I need to bring on test day?

There are only two important things you need to bring with you on test day:

– An acceptable, valid ID with your name, recent photo and signature. Requirements for a valid ID vary; see identification requirements for more details.
– Your registration confirmation, including your registration number.

How many score reports are included in my test fee?

Your test fee includes:
• one examinee score report for you
• up to four official score reports to the destinations (institutions or agencies) selected when you register; ETS will send the official score reports directly to these destinations

What is on my score report?

Your score report includes scores for each test section, a total score and performance feedback about what test takers at your score level can typically do.

Can I order additional official score reports?

Yes, you can order additional score reports after your scores are available online, approximately two weeks after the test date.

How and when do I get my scores?

Scores will be posted online approximately 10 days after the test date. Log in to your TOEFL online account, enter the ETS ID number you received when you registered, and click “View Scores.” A score report posting schedule (PDF) for each test date is available on the TOEFL iBT website, and you will receive an email letting you know when your scores have been posted.

You can also download and print a PDF copy of your test taker score report. The PDF will be available within 3 days of the date your scores are posted online. (Note: PDF score reports are currently not available for tests taken in China.)

Your scores are also sent to the institutions or agencies you selected (and to you, if you requested a paper copy before you took the test). Allow 7–10 days for mail delivery in the United States and 4–6 weeks for other areas. ETS has no control over mail delivery to locations around the world. We recommend that you take the test 2 to 3 months before your earliest application or other deadline.

Your scores will be available in your ETS account. How soon they’ll be available depends on how you took the test:

  • Taken at a test center: 4–8 days after your test date
  • TOEFL iBT Home Edition: 4–8 days after your test date
  • TOEFL iBT Paper Edition: 11–13 business days after your test date

How soon do score recipients get my scores?

Score reports are sent electronically or mailed to recipients approximately 13 days after the test date. However, ETS has no control over mail delivery to various locations around the world. Allow 7–10 days after the mailing date for delivery in the United States, and 4–6 weeks for locations outside the United States. For information specific to your location, contact your postal service.

How long are scores valid?

ETS reports scores for two years after the test date.

Will score recipients accept scores from previous tests?

Check with each score recipient directly.

Does the TOEFL test have cumulative score reporting?

For TOEFL scores, test takers can select which scores to send from all tests taken in the past 2 years. Scores for a test administration must be reported in their entirety — test takers cannot choose to report scores for a specific section from one test administration and other sections from another test administration.

Can I cancel my scores?

You are given the option of canceling your scores at the end of your test session. You cannot cancel scores for individual sections of the test.

Can I reinstate my canceled scores?

Yes, you can reinstate your scores if your request is received at ETS within 60 days of your test date, for a fee of US$20, using the Reinstatement Request Form (PDF). Reinstated scores will be reported online within 3 weeks after we receive your request and payment. Your scores will be posted online and will then be sent to your score recipients (and to you if you requested a paper copy of your score report before you took the test). Note: This applies only to scores that were canceled by the test taker. Scores canceled by ETS cannot be reinstated.

Is there a minimum score required?

Some programs require a minimum TOEFL score (check the school website or the school page on ARINGO website – click on the school name and go to the bottom to see TOEFL requirements). For example:

  • Stanford – require minimum IBT score of 100
  • Harvard – 109
  • Chicago – 104
  • Berkeley – 68
  • INSEAD – 105
  • UCLA – 87
  • Queen’s – 100
  • Cambridge – 110
  • IESE – 100
  • Cornell – 100

Are there any substitutes for the TOEFL?

Yes – there are other English tests which some programs accept as a substitute for the TOEFL – PTE, IELTS, TOEIC.

Should I already have my score when I submit my application?

Yes. You should report your score unofficially on the application, and later arrange that the official score will be sent directly to the school by the testing agency.

What is the new TOEFL IBT?

On August 2019, ETS introduced the new TOEFL IBT test. Another new feature in the new test is MyBest scores – it combines your best scores for each section from all of your valid TOEFL iBT scores in the last 2 years. Read more about it here.

Are there programs which don’t require the test?

Yes, for example – MIT Sloan, Yale, IMD, RSM. More details here.

Since April 2020, due to the coronavirus pandemic, the TOEFL iBT can be taken online from home for a limited time – read more about it here.

The TOEFL iBT® Special Home Edition is the same TOEFL iBT test you would take at a test center, just taken from the privacy of your own home and monitored online by a human proctor. The TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition offers you:

  • Same content, testing time (about 3 hours) and scoring
  • Same fast score delivery (6–10 days)
  • Same acceptance by universities worldwide
  • Same score validity period (2 years)

GMAT/GRE & TOEFL/IELTS Codes

School

GMAT code

GRE code

IELTS code

Other Language Tests code

TOEFL score to be sent Y/N?

TOEFL code

Stanford University L9R-KW-09 4704 Report your scores directly to Stanford University and specify Stanford Graduate School of Business — MBA Program. PTE- Report your scores directly to Stanford University and specify Graduate School of Business. Yes 4704
University of Pennsylvania (Wharton) G56-97-73 6802 PTE – Report your scores directly to The Wharton MBA Program Yes (02) 2926
Northwestern University (Kellogg) 6WZ-3J-89 7921 Test takers submitting IELTS scores select the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University as a score recipient rather than entering a specific code Yes 1546
University of Chicago (Booth) H9X-9F-34 685 Accepts IELTS score Accepts PTE score Yes 1832-02
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Sloan) X5X-QS-41 3791 Not required Not required Not required
Harvard University HRLX892 4064 Accepts IELTS score Accepts PTE score Yes 3444
University of California–Berkeley (Haas) N2VPT47 574 Accepts IELTS score Yes (02) 4833
Columbia University QF8-N6-52 6442 Please select Columbia Business School from the list of schools provided. PTE-Please select Columbia Business School from the list of schools provided. Not required
Yale University 3TJ-BX-45 5624 Not required Not required Not required
New York University (Stern) 5TF-HW-35 4455 New York University – MBA and Graduate Admissions Duolingo English Test-NYU Stern, MBA & Graduate Admissions Yes 2582
University of Virginia (Darden) KC7-0X-86 4629 5099 Accepts PTE score Yes 5820
Dartmouth College (Tuck) Z04-NH-64 4887 Please select Dartmouth College, Tuck School of Business to send your scores. PTE- Visit www.pearsonpte.com for information on registering for the PTE Academic.  Yes 3351
Duke University (Fuqua) Q13-N5-32 5156 Not required Not required Not required
University of Michigan–Ann Arbor (Ross) There is no code required for the GMAT. Request GMAC to send your score report to the University of Michigan. Accepts IELTS score Accepts PTE score Yes 1839
Cornell University (Johnson) 5JW-BM-96 8296 Score reports must be mailed by the testing agency directly to Admissions at the address below. Our IELTS account name is Cornell University Two-Year and One-Year Ithaca MBA. Yes 2098
University of California–Los Angeles (Anderson) 2NZ-2F-24 771 IELTS are sent electronically upon your request (with school code “Uni of California, Los Angeles-Anderson School of Management”) Yes 4837-02
University of Southern California (Marshall) 389-9C-23 4852 Accepts IELTS score Accepts PTE score Yes 4852
University of Texas–Austin (McCombs) 396-44-45 6882 Submitted electronically through IELTS score delivery service (send to “The University of Texas at Austin” account) or mailed to one of the addresses below.
The University of Texas at Austin
Graduate and International Admission Center (GIAC)
P.O. Box 7608
Austin, TX 78713-7608Or, if the courier service used does not deliver to PO Boxes:Graduate and International Admissions Center
UT Administration Building
1616 Guadalupe St. Suite 4.202
Austin, TX 78701
Yes 6882
Carnegie Mellon University (Tepper) 69H-XH-99 4883 Select Carnegie Mellon and the Tepper School of Business Duolingo Program Code: Select Carnegie Mellon University – Tepper School of Business Yes 2074
INSEAD DL3-S8-89 970 Accepts IELTS score Accepts PTE score Yes 0970
LBS Z11-J7-50 7832 Accepts IELTS score Accepts PTE score Yes 0898
IESE (Spain) S21-BK-12 6951 CL035 Accepts PTE score Yes 7237
HEC Paris (France) 0TL-6C-28 649 All English test results will be shared with us automatically) PTE- All English test results will be shared with us automatically) Yes 0649
Bocconi (Italy) 3WJ-L8-42 3710 At the testing site, you can specify that your results be sent directly to SDA Bocconi. PTE code: R7G-6R-23 Yes 0698
Cambridge – Judge (UK) WF1-T3-68 832 Accepts IELTS score Yes 0908
IMD (Switzerland)  SKR-MM-13 8490 Accepts IELTS score Yes C301
ESADE (Spain) 93M-3K-60 5761 Accepts IELTS score Yes 0884
Oxford – Said (UK) Q0G-4B-59 807 Accepts IELTS score Yes 0807
IE (Spain) 6XT-ZH-98 108 Accepts IELTS score Accepts PTE score Yes 0707
RSM (Netherlands) QK8-CX-30 798 Not required Not required Not required