What Is ieGAT Admissions Test: Overview and Prep Tips

Are you planning on applying to the IE International University or the IE Business School? If so, and you’re serious about getting in and pursuing your education and career, then you’re going to want to familiarize yourself with the ieGAT Test, the university’s rigorous admissions examination.

Below, we take a deep dive into the ieGAT, explaining what it is, exploring the content that it contains and that you can expect to encounter, and revealing some tips and tricks that you can use to prepare and improve your chances of achieving a decent score so that you can gain entry into this prestigious university.

What Is The ieGAT Admissions Test?

The ieGAT Test (short for IE Global Admissions Test) is an aptitude test that was developed by the IE (Instituto de Empresa) University. IE University is an illustrious graduate professional school that is based in Madrid, Spain, and it was founded in 1973.

Fields of study include business and law, and the aim of the university is to establish business-minded individuals via the various programs and the entrepreneur-like environment that the university provides.

IE University’s admissions requirements are quite rigorous and include the ieGAT, an aptitude test that all applicants must take and pass in order to gain acceptance.

The ieGAT is an exclusive aptitude test that is designed to assess both the decision-making and problem-solving skills of candidates to determine their capability of making management-related decisions in a variety of different situations and scenarios.

It serves as an alternative to the LSAT, GMAT, and GRE tests, exams that universities commonly use to assess the knowledge and skill of applicants to determine if they qualify for acceptance. This test is unlike other standardized aptitude tests, as it is specifically intended for international students who come from various educational backgrounds.

By designing the ieGAT in such a way, the test is not partial to a specific academic system or field of study. Additionally, while the aptitude exams that many universities use are academic in nature, the ieGAT is a practical exam. As such, the scenarios that are presented in the assessment are more life-like in nature.

How Is The ieGAT Test Scored?

The IE Global Admissions Test is designed to adjust to the individual response levels of those who take it. In other words, as you answer questions correctly early on, the difficulty increases. This design, as you can imagine, makes the ieGAT particularly challenging.

Another feature that makes this aptitude test unique is the negative scoring system that it uses, which gives a negative score for questions that are answered incorrectly. Furthermore, the speed and accuracy of test takers are used to determine their final ranking, which further adds to the difficulty of the ieGAT.

As mentioned above, the IE Global Admissions Test does not assess the academic skills of those who apply to IE International University. Rather, this test analyzes test takers’ critical thinking skills and their ability to comprehend various situations, which they are presented with in both text and numerals.

The fact that there are stringent time limits on the test, which lasts between 80 and 90 minutes, further adds to its difficulty.

Structure Of The ieGAT Assessment Test

The IE Global Admissions Test, as stated above, is an 80 to 90-minute aptitude test. No breaks are given over the duration of the exam. There are a total of 129 questions, which are divided into three categories, and each category is allotted a specific amount of questions.

The categories and amount of questions are as follows:

• Numerical reasoning = 56 questions
• Verbal reasoning = 50 questions
• Abstract reasoning = 23 questions

These three categories are not divided into specific sections. In other words, the questions that relate to these categories appear randomly throughout the test.
It is important to note that there are two different versions of the ieGAT test: a paper and an online version. Each version is structured differently.

Numerical Comprehension, Reasoning, and Computation

The primary objective of the numerical comprehension, reasoning, and computation section of the ieGAT test is to assess the quantitative reasoning skills of test takers as opposed to their knowledge and understanding of specific mathematical concepts and fields; algebra, geometry, trigonometry, calculus, etc.

Graphs and tables are used to present the data and information for these questions.

Test takers will need to read and analyze the information. Based on their analysis of the information, they will then need to make accurate calculations in a timely manner.

The following is an example of the types of questions that you can expect to encounter in the numerical comprehension, reasoning, and calculation section of the ieGAT.

Q: While taxes increased in January of fiscal year 9 as compared to January of the previous fiscal year, sales also increased, which resulted in higher revenue in January of fiscal year 9.

Test takers would be provided with charts and tables that present the necessary information. After assessing this information, they would need to determine and select the appropriate answer, which can be “true,” “false,” or “cannot say.”

Verbal Comprehension and Reasoning

In the verbal comprehension and reasoning section of the ieGAT test, applicants to IE International University have to read through a passage they are presented with. Using the information that is presented in the passage, they will then need to answer two questions.

The topics that are presented in the texts in this section are commonly related to economics, such as gross domestic product (GDP) or unemployment.

The objective of the questions that are presented in the verbal comprehension and reasoning section of the ieGAT test is to assess and determine test takers’ comprehension of the written English language presented in a professional format. The answers are multiple-choice in nature, and for some questions, test takers may be asked to select more than one answer from the list provided.

The following is an example of the kinds of questions that you can expect to encounter in the verbal comprehension and reasoning section of the exam:

Q: The marketing department of the Arclight Computers Group is effective to the point that it has been able to successfully turn this group, which is relatively new, into the most recognizable of all Arclight’s groups.

As with the numerical comprehension, reasoning, and computation section of the ieGAT test, the information that is necessary to answer the questions in the verbal comprehension and reasoning section of the test are provided with graphs and tables. After assessing the data and information presented in the graphs and tables, test takers would then need to select the appropriate answer: “true,” “false,” or “cannot say.”

Logical/Abstract Reasoning

The logical/abstract reasoning section of the ieGAT test is comprised of a number of abstract reasoning, logical, and diagrammatic tests. Test takers are given a collection of figures, as well as a symbol that represents a specific operation.

Test takers will need to assess the changes in the figure following the provided symbol, and they must identify the function of the symbol based on the changes that they observe. In order to do this successfully, powerful and effective visualization skills are essential, as is the ability to envision several shapes at a single time.

Online Version Of The ieGAT Test

Those who take the online version of the ieGAT are asked to keep their computer cameras turned on during the entire duration of the exam. The assessment is completed in an online setting that is similar to a chatroom.

The questions on the online version of the ieGAT exam are divided into seven different sections, and it takes a total of 90 minutes to complete. The sections and questions are as follows:

• Graphic numerical reasoning. This section is comprised of 36 questions, and it must be completed within 15 minutes. To answer the questions, information provided on charts and graphs must be assessed.
• Verbal reasoning. There are a total of 49 questions in this section that must be completed within 12 minutes. The questions in this section are designed to measure the ability to comprehend a text and identify the key information.
• Applied numeracy. There are a total of 20 questions in the section that needs to be answered within a 16-minute time limit. You are expected to answer the questions that are presented in this section quickly and accurately.
• Deductive thinking. You will have a total of 5 minutes to answer the 10 questions that are presented in this section of the exam. You will need to identify hidden patterns in order to answer the questions.
• Inductive thinking. There are 12 questions in this section, and they must be completed with a 12-minute time limit. You will need to categorize a shape into the appropriate categories.
• Information handling. The questions that are asked in this section of the ieGAT are designed to analyze your ability to process information from a given set of instructions. You will be given a total of 15 minutes to answer one question. The answer is based on the information presented in the instructions.
• Creativity. There is only 1 question in this section and you have a total of 15 minutes to complete it. The question provided in this section will ask you to develop and identify an image utilizing shapes that are supplied.

Pen and Paper Version Of The ieGAT Test

The pen and paper version of the ieGAT test is divided into two sections. The first is a verbal reasoning section and the second is numerical reasoning. Test takers are given a total of four passages of text that they will need to read, and after reading the passages, they will need to answer nine questions based on the information derived from the passages.

The passages that are provided in the pen and paper version of the ieGAT test are usually related to finance, business, or economics. The questions that accompany the passages are a combination of numerical and verbal questions, and they are designed to assess your ability to analyze, discern, and comprehend information and details.

All nine questions in the pen and paper version of the ieGAT test are multiple-choice. It’s important to note that some questions do have more than one answer, so carefully reading the instructions prior to answering and proceeding to the next question is imperative.

The second section of the pen-and-paper version of the ieGAT test is a combination of questions that are related to logical thinking and abstract reasoning. The questions that are presented in this section are similar to those that are asked in the online version of the assessment.

Test takers are given a total of 80 minutes to complete the 60 questions that are presented in the pen-and-paper version of the ieGAT exam.

How Do You Prepare For The ieGAT?

The ieGAT is a challenging and competitive examination; therefore, to increase your confidence and your chances of success, preparing is essential. One of the best ways to prepare is by taking practice ieGAT exams over at Job Test Prep. The questions that are provided on practice tests will familiarize you with the format and will increase your confidence levels.

Frequently Asked Questions

The ieGAT exam is regarded as one of the most challenging entrance exams. As such, it is imperative that you have all of the necessary information before sitting for the exam; additionally, ensuring that you are well-prepared ahead of time is a must.

In addition to being exceptionally difficult, the ieGAT test is also unlike other admissions examinations in regard to the design, the content of the questions that are asked, and the format. That said, there is no doubt that you have some questions about the entire process.

To help ensure that you have all of the necessary information before you get started, in this section, we take a look at some of the most frequently asked questions about the ieGAT test and provide answers to these questions.

Q: How Is The ieGAT Test Scored?

The scoring system that is used for the IE Global Assessment Test is determined by the profiles of students who have successfully graduated from IE University. The scores of this test are placed on a Gauss curve, which compares the abilities and skills of those who have taken the test. It then allows admission to the top students in the programs that are offered at IE University.

Q: How To You Register For The ieGAT Entry Exam?

If you are applying for entry to IE University, you will need to complete the ieGAT exam as a part of the admissions process. To take the test, you will need to register, which can be completed on the official website of the IE Global Admissions Test (ieGAT) website.

When you register, you will be given a selection of dates to choose one. Select a date to take the test that is the most convenient for you.

At one time, test takers were able to select a specific place and time to take the entry exam after they completed the sign-up process; however, as with virtually everything else in the world, the covid crisis changed this. Now, the entire IE University application process can be accessed online to interested applicants throughout the world.

Q: What Is It Like To Take The Test And How Do You Receive Your Results?

There is a fee to take the ieGAT test, and the fee must be paid in full prior to taking the test. Additionally, you must also complete a minimum of 25 percent of your admission application before you are allowed to sit for the test.

If you fail to meet these requirements, you will not be able to complete the test. Additionally, after you complete the ieGAT exam, you will have a total of 30 days to complete your online application and receive the results of your examination.

If you fail to submit your online application within that 30-day window, you will lose your test results, and in order to gain entry, you will need to submit alternative test scores.

Q: Is It Possible To Take The ieGAT Test If I Have Taken The GMAT?

Yes, those who are interested in attending IE University can still take the ieGAT assessment, even if they have already completed the GMAT and received their scores.

It’s important to note that when the admissions committee considers applications, all test scores are accepted; therefore, if you have a valid GMAT score, reporting it when you are applying to take the IE Global Admissions Test is highly recommended.

Q: What’s The Difference Between The ieGAT And The GMAT?

The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a computer-adaptive, multiple-choice standardized test. The exam is used by institutions around the world for admissions to graduate management/business programs, like MBA programs.

The questions that are asked on the GMAT pertain to specific mathematical fields, such as geometry, algebra, statistics, probability, and more.

In contrast, the ieGAT does not test comprehension of specific mathematical fields; instead, this exam assesses your understanding of basic mathematical concepts, including the four primary mathematical operations, ratios, and percentages.

The ieGAT test is similar to the aptitude examinations that employers use when they are trying to weed through a pool of job applicants in an attempt to find the most qualified candidate; however, there are some distinct differences in the content and context of the ieGAT test, as should be expected.

As such, it is likely that you will encounter questions that are similar in nature to the questions that are asked on online screening tests and assessment centers for job applicants; for instance, verbal critical reasoning, logical reasoning, and numerical critical reasoning.

Conclusion

The ieGAT test is one of the most challenging college admissions exams. If you are applying to IE University, familiarizing yourself with and preparing for this test will help you achieve a passing score and gain acceptance to the university.