The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a standardized test used by most business schools to measure an applicant's verbal, mathematical, and analytical and writing abilities. The test does not feature questions that gauge an applicant's business knowledge, but rather it is an all around test to determine an applicant's qualifications for a career in business and management. The GMAT consists of three main parts: math, verbal, and written. These skills are typically developed through a grammar school to college education. The test is in English and is taken in GMAT test centers all over the world, 52 weeks a year, six days a week. However, if you fail to pass the first time, the test can only be taken once every 31 days and up to five times a year. Scores are kept for five years and are used by graduate programs when determining an applicant's application for advanced studies in business and management. The computerized test figures your score based on a fixed set of questions. Typically, the computer will ask a general question; then, based on the applicant's answer, the computer will give a more difficult question on the same topic. The questions will become easier or more difficult based on each answer. In other words, the GMAT questions are not predetermined. This is how the GMAT hones in an applicant's ability level and provides the corresponding score. The GMAT test differs from other exams because applicants will only see one question at a time; they cannot move onto the next question until the first question is answer; they cannot review a previous answer to a question; and each question is timed. However, the questions are balanced. For example, applicants will receive a generally equal number of algebra questions to geometry questions when taking the math portion of the test. Taking the GMAT test is one thing; preparation for the GMAT is another. Most educators recommend studying for the GMAT on your own for two or three months before taking the actual test. This will help give potential applicants plenty of breathing room to study and balance everyday life events, such as work and family. The internet is first and foremost the ideal place to find GMAT tutorials, tutors, and study guides. Simply type "GMAT preparation" into Google or any other search engine, and GMAT resources will abound. Another common tool for GMAT preparation is the "Official Guide (OG) for GMAT Review, 11th Edition," which is available through Amazon and at most book stores. OG math and verbal supplemental materials (available through the Internet and book stores) are also valuable resources. Educators advise to practice the problems presented in these materials as much as possibleand, to not only review the explanations to the problems carefully, but to practice answering the problems again. Careful study of OG will reveal certain patterns and concepts to the test questions, which will help applicants better prepare themselves. Free software to prepare for the test is also available. This software offers tests that simulate the official GMAT exam, mostly with real GMAT questions that are no longer used in the test. GMATPrep, for example, is free software that emulates a real GMAT environment; taking a test with this software is give a clear indication of how well an applicant will do on the real GMAT. The best overall advice for taking the GMAT? Don't wait until the last minute to study.