Is the GMAT Applicable to Real Life?

As we see countless students who are looking to attain entrance into top business school programs, we are undoubtedly asked this question at the first road block: "Is the GMAT in any way applicable to real life?"  The main reason people question how the GMAT quant and GMAT verbal sections are applicable to scenarios in their life is because of their strong distaste for the exam.  However, besides just acting as another box to check in the MBA admission challenge, the GMAT does a great job of preparing you for ways you are going to have to think in business school and beyond.  Let's take a look a few of the disciplines:

Sentence Correction

This portion of the GMAT verbal section probably has the most direct impact on things that you will do in your work day.  The fundamentals of the sentence correction section teach you how to be a better writer.  Clarity and brevity are at the focus of this section.  This is of the utmost importance as you are preparing your business plan to put in front of VC's or writing your daily market recap for your clients. Becoming a better (and clearer) communicator on paper is paramount to your business success.  In today's life of emoticons and one letter words, it still benefits [u] to be able to draft a well crafted note. How else are your throngs of employees going to be able to follow your directives when you are leading the world?

Data Sufficiency

Probably the most hated section of the GMAT.  This is where most of the complaints come from, and it is somewhat understandable.  Let's be honest: you probably will not have to calculate the area of a hexagon with just a couple of misleading cues.  On the other hand, having limited or confusing data is a problem business leaders face on a daily basis.  Nothing is going to be handed to you on a silver platter - especially as you climb the ranks of the business world.  Your ability to decide what information you require or would like to have when addressing a problem will undoubtedly influence your success in the year to come. 

So, despite the fact that you may think this is a fruitless war with a bunch of nerds writing obscure questions, there actually is a great deal of applicability in what you learn when tackling the GMAT.  Not only will the MBA admissions directors be impressed with your intellect, but honing these skills will give you a good foundation to take on the challenges of business school.  So, press on and enjoy the challenge.  It is just one of many that you will be faced with in the 2.5+ years of your business school journey.