The GMAT is comprised of three separate sections: the Analytical Writing Assessment, the Quantitative section, and the Verbal section. There is an optional break between each section.

The GMAT begins with the Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA), which consists of two essays that are scored separately from the rest of the multiple-choice test. The two essays — Analysis of an Issue and Analysis of an Argument — can appear in either order and have a time limit of 30 minutes each.

Essay scores are based upon your analytical reasoning, the presentation of your ideas, and your command of the English language.

Analysis of an Issue essay.

What it is: a one or two sentence “prompt” in the form of a quote.

What to do: take a position on the given prompt, based upon your own opinions, life experiences, and knowledge.

Analysis of an Argument essay.

What it is: an argument, with a conclusion and some premises intended to support that conclusion.

What to do: indicate whether the argument is well-constructed, describe and discuss flaws, and suggest fixes.

Optional 8 minute break #1

Although it is technically optional, take advantage of this break to stretch your legs and have something to eat.

You will need to answer 37 questions in 75 minutes (on average, about 2 minutes per problem).

You will have a mix of Problem Solving (~20 to 22) and Data Sufficiency (~15 to 17) questions.

Problem Solving questions are typical standardized-test math questions with 5 multiple-choice answers.

Data Sufficiency questions are a mix of standard math skills and logical reasoning skills. Given certain pieces of data, you have to indicate which pieces would be necessary in order to answer some specific question.

Optional 8 minute break #2

Again, take advantage of this break to stretch your legs and have something to eat.

You will need to answer 41 questions in 75 minutes (on average, slightly less than 2 minutes per question).

You will have a mix of Sentence Correction (~14-15), Critical Reasoning (~13 to 14), and Reading Comprehension (~12 to 14) questions.

Sentence Correction questions test knowledge of grammar, as well as meaning, clarity, and concision.

Critical Reasoning questions provide arguments and test the ability to reason through some information, understand connections, uncover flaws, and think critically about the given information.

Reading Comprehension passages present one to four paragraphs of detailed information; the questions test the ability to comprehend the overall message and the supporting details, summarize or rephrase certain principles, and make inferences about the material presented. Topic areas might include business, social science, or physical science.