The ieGAT Test

What Is the ieGAT?

The IE Global Admissions Test (ieGAT) was created by the IE University to identify students capable of making high-level decisions in high-stake situations.

It is a common requirement for most MBA applications.

IE University is a private university located in Spain. However, the ieGAT was designed for a global audience and is accepted by many institutes across the world.

As such, the test is available to take online and at over 30 locations worldwide.

Depending on the course you are applying for, the ieGAT may replace the GMAT, GRE and LSAT tests.

For those who already have a GMAT score, you can submit both together.

Check with the admissions department before making any final submissions or taking any unnecessary tests.

What Is Tested?

As the ieGAT is an international test, it follows no particular educational curriculum. This provides all students with an equal chance of success but does make preparing for the test a bit more complicated.

The test is composed of three sections:

1. Verbal comprehension and reasoning
2. Numerical comprehension and reasoning
3. Logical-abstract reasoning

In the verbal section, you will be presented with four passages, usually on the topic of economics, such as GDP or unemployment.

From these passages, you will answer questions designed to test your ability to identify the information of most significance.

The numerical section tests your knowledge and understanding of basic mathematical calculations and your quantitative reasoning.

The questions are based on drawing information from graphs and charts, with a majority of the solutions being percentages or ratios.

The logical-abstract section will assess your ability to identify symbols and their roles within a problem.

As well as understanding the different symbols, you will also need to demonstrate visualization skills and your ability to work with multiple shapes.

Example Questions

Verbal

Some student lawyers preparing for their bar exams rely solely on the technique of short, frequent study sessions to improve results.

Others use the natural learning process of moving from broader issues to more specific ones.

This is known as ‘top-down’ learning.

The students who practice the natural learning sequence generally receive higher exam scores than do those who use other methods. It can, therefore, be argued that the ‘top-down’ learning sequence is more effective in helping students prepare for exams.

1. What is said about the ‘top-down’ learning technique?

a) It is ineffective
b) It is a natural learning process
c) It is more popular
d) It is long and complicated

Numerical

2.How many readers read Harper's Bazaar and Elle in the year X+1?

a) 56,700,000
b) 51,200,000
c) 40,000,000
d) 56,400,000

Logical

Mark the box that does not fit the rule:

The correct answers are:

1. b)
2. b)
3. c)

Preparing for the ieGAT

The ieGAT tests your ability to think logically while processing information.

As previously mentioned, due to the nature of the questions, there is no specific test preparation. There are no particular topics to revise, and it does not follow the curriculum of any education system.

The best preparation for this particular test is to complete as many practice questions as you can to become familiar with the question format.

Depending on how confident you are about your ability, preparation can start as soon as you like. However, two to three weeks should be sufficient.

Several websites offer revision packages and test preparation materials, such as Job Test Prep.

It should be noted that the ieGAT preparation material that is available, such as the ones above, are not approved by or affiliated with IE.

The questions in these packages assess the same competencies as the ieGAT. However, the question formats may differ and should be used as guidelines only.

Aside from completing practice questions, another preparation technique is to make sure you are well-rested and eating healthy foods.

This may seem like basic advice, but when faced with deadlines, there is the temptation to pull all-nighters and eat quick meals.

Sleep and nourishment are vital to your concentration and thought processing abilities, so make sure you are taking care of yourself.

Test Day Information

The ieGAT consists of 60 multiple-choice questions, and you have 90 to 120 minutes to answer all of them.

The online version of the test adapts to your response level and measures the speed and precision at which you answer a question. This ensures that the test is challenging for you.

The online version is split into further subsections that are all individually timed:

• Graphic numerical reasoning – 15 minutes
• Verbal reasoning – 12 minutes
• Applied numeracy – 16 minutes
• Deductive logical thinking – 5 minutes
• Inductive logical thinking – 12 minutes
• Information handling – 15 minutes
• Creativity – 15 minutes

Although the subjects appear more specific, the skill competencies are the same.

This more targeted approach allows the system to further identify strengths and weaknesses.

The paper version follows the format similar to those in the preparation material (mentioned in the previous section). The paper test is not split into categories, and the questions appear in random order.

For the online test, make sure you bring with you:

• A fully charged laptop
• Charging cables
• Pencil and scratch paper
• A basic calculator

For the paper test, bring with you:

• A pencil and spares
• Scratch paper
• A basic calculator

The online test is the default version. However, there may be situations that require you to take the paper test. It is advised that you bring equipment for both tests.

Regardless of your test format, you must bring with you a valid photo ID

Dictionaries are permitted but you are advised against using one as they are time-consuming.

Arrive at least 15 minutes before the start of the test so you can set up. Any late arrivals will not be allowed to sit the test.

You will have the opportunity to run through some practice questions before the test officially starts.

Registration Process

Register for the ieGAT on the official website, selecting a date that is suitable for you.

You need to have made all the appropriate payments and completed at least 25% of your application before you are allowed to take the test. If these requirements are not met, you will be unable to take the test.

After the ieGAT is completed, you have 30 days to finish your application and receive your results. If you fail to complete your application in time, then you will lose the result of the ieGAT and will have to submit alternative test scores.

The ieGAT can only be taken once. There are no resit options, except for unusual circumstances such as a technical fault.

ieGAT Scoring

Due to the nature and adaptiveness of the ieGAT, there is no definitive scoring and very little information about the scoring process.

ieGAT scoring is tailored to reflect the profile of the graduates and uses the comparative Gauss Curve to match the top candidates from all IE programs.

There are no clear pass or fail marks.

The institute you are applying to may offer some guidelines as to their expectations, but there are no current standardized results.

To perform well, you need to answer quickly and accurately. Remember that this test assesses your ability to interpret information and draw conclusions.

As long as you are working through the test at a steady pace, and producing the correct answers, your results will be adequate.

Not all the questions need to be answered, and it is a common belief that it is impossible to answer all 60 in the given timeframes.

Final Thoughts

The ieGAT is used to identify students capable of succeeding in some of the top courses and institutes worldwide.

The lack of information surrounding the scoring process is a further indication that this test is not looking for students who can remember things. It is looking for those that can think analytically.

Before making any final bookings, check with your chosen institute to make sure that you have all the correct information and deadlines, and are aware of all the needed documentation.

As mentioned, this test cannot be retaken, and you only have 30 days to submit everything before your score is void.