Alternative Science Careers

The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) exam is now easier to access, owing due credit to aspiring business students worldwide. The GMAT exam is a standardized assessment, delivered in English, that helps business schools assess the qualifications of applicants for advanced study in business and management. It is required by most schools as part of the application process.

According to the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), there is a rise in demand for GMAT testing centers due to the increasing interest in those wanting to take the exam. Since 2006, there has been a 25 percent increase in GMAT examinations taken with nearly 267,000 candidates taking the exam in 2009.

The increased interest may be due to the economic conditions. People are getting laid off and going back to school is becoming an option. Peg Jobst, Executive vice president of GMAC, states “The need for skilled managers in a global economy is fueling the growth of quality management education programs around the world”. Jobst believes that “increasing access to the GMAT will provide schools with a bigger pool of candidates to choose from.”

The GMAT test is obtainable at registered test centers all around the world with periodic and on-demand testing conducted on a regular basis. The number of GMAT applicants is gaining international popularity. Last year represented the first time since its inception in 1954, that there were more candidates taking the GMAT outside the U.S. than there were American test takers. The data collected shows the imperative role China and India have played on the progress of business and management education outside of the U.S., confirmed by the large numbers of students taking the GMAT exam in those countries.

The data above can be both positive and negative for science students wanting to also get a business degree. On the positive side- there are more opportunities and areas to take the exam. However, since the number of those taking the GMAT has increased, this may mean that the competition to enter business schools may also have increased.

The GMAT exam measures basic verbal, mathematical, and analytical writing skills. It does NOT measure knowledge of business or job skills. As a scientist, the mathematical and analytical writing skills acquired in the scientific training may be a competitive advantage on the exam. However, verbal and written communication is also very important on the exam. As this is often a weaker side as a scientist, it is imperative to study and prepare for the exam to ensure your scores will be competitive based on the school you would like to attend.

There are many useful websites and books that offer GMAT study aides. One site, mba.com, offers free GMAT test preparation software that gives practice sections for each type of GMAT question, with answers and explanations for each question. The software is available for free to registered users of the site.

Take a look at the following articles for a more thorough explanation of the GMAT exam, as well as tips for success:

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• Test Prep: 6 Tips for GMAT Success (usnews.com)
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