The GMAT is a CAT, or Computer-Adaptive Test. On the GMAT, the computer adaptive test (CAT) adjusts to your performance as you take the test.
When you first take the GMAT, the computer believes you have an average score and assigns you a medium-difficulty question. As you properly answer questions, the machine will ask you more difficult questions and raise its estimation of your skill. In turn, when you respond poorly, the computer presents you with easy questions and lowers its assessment of your aptitude. Your score is decided by an algorithm that considers not only what you replied correctly or incorrectly, but also the difficulty level of the questions you answered.
The GMAC method, which calculates your 200-800 score, is frequently misunderstood, and there are several stories about “breaking” the program. Being prepared is the greatest way to “beat” the algorithm. Because the adaptive structure of the exam prevents you from “skipping” questions, you’ll need to keep track of your time and strike a balance between wasting time answering tough questions correctly and running out of time before finishing the test. If you leave questions unanswered at the conclusion of the exam, you will face severe consequences.
Your essay is scored on a holistic 6-point scale by one human reader and an automated program for the Analytical Writing Assessment. The Integrated Reasoning portion is not adaptive, however, you cannot leave questions unanswered or go back to earlier problems, as you may with the Quantitative and Verbal sections. The IR part is graded on a scale of 1 to 8.
You’ll get your unofficial GMAT result right after the exam, and you’ll have the choice of keeping it or canceling it.