The decision to take the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is the first indication that you are serious about pursuing an MBA abroad. Taking this test provides the serious candidate with a reasonably accurate assessment of his ability to imbibe, assimilate and relate to the entire study experience. The GMAT is often taken by professions who have some years of work experience and are already well-settled in careers. The test itself is far from being daunting as the standard is of matric grade and your responses to each question largely determine the next question. This means the test is customized according to the candidate's responses and is not too easy or too difficult for an individual candidate. Though this test does not require any management experience or specific knowledge, it is still the first ready reckoner for almost 800 business schools all over the world of your basic verbal, reasoning, analytical and mathematical ability.

The GMAT can be compared to an important presentation before the management (admissions committee) of a premier B-school. Your job (admission) might not entirely depend upon it, but it can still play a vital role in forwarding your case for career progression. Several other factors (Such as resume, prior work experience, admission essays etc), will dictate how well received your total profile is, but the GMAT test score will be one of the crucial clinching factors working to your advantage (or disadvantage). The research (preparation) you invest in preparing for GMAT will not be wasted. In fact, a word of caution at this stage is necessary. Top professionals have been known to take this test a wee bit casually and be shocked at his/ her poor showing. The test is expensive at $250, and most universities prefer recent scores not older than 2 years.

Having said that, it is by no means the only or the overriding feature that will guarantee an admission acceptance envelope, but it will definitely push the envelope of your case significantly forward. It is worth while to take the test as seriously as the most important presentation at work, perhaps your first on the job. It will generate a buzz, create the first impression, give you a chance to show what you got and provide the admissions committee a crucial first look at your abilities, competence and academic suitability.

After the GMAT, other factors mentioned above which include your resume, essays, community service records et all will combine to form the big picture. There is no denying that the GMAT score is a crucial component which will form the backdrop of that 'big picture'. It will provide the right setting to show off your other skills and competencies. Take it in the right spirit and it will yield dividends which will pay off in the short as well as the long run of gaining admission in a top-league B-School.

Click here for a list of important GMAT Test Centers in India