Is the GMAT an adaptive test?

Yes, the GMAT is an adaptive test. More specifically, it is a computer-adaptive exam, which means that all three sections of the GMAT–Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights–adjust to your performance as you go.

How does the GMAT’s adaptive format work? 

There’s quite a bit of nuance to the adaptive algorithm, but here’s the easiest way to think of it: answer a question correctly, and the next one will usually be a little harder. Answer incorrectly, and the next one will usually be a little easier. 

As you move through a section, the test continually adjusts to your skill level. This allows the GMAT to measure a wide range of abilities with a relatively small number of questions.

For more on how to manage your time on an adaptive test, watch How to Manage Time on an Adaptive Test Like the GMAT. To learn how your score is calculated, see our guide to the GMAT scoring algorithm [LINK: “How the GMAT Scoring Algorithm Works” article].

For the complete overview of the exam, see our complete guide: [LINK: “What Is the GMAT?” pillar post]

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