16 days waiting time between exams?

In addition to what BB said, I would also caution you against back-to-back retakes, if you are not close to your score goal. So, if after October 16, you determine you need a lot more work to achieve your target score, then slow down, and give yourself more time to prepare.

Good luck!

A quick way to check would be to open up the scheduling portal on the mba website. It will tell you precisely when you can schedule your next exam via the calendar.

Most people actually do end up taking the GMAT more than once, as usually their first score ends up lower than expected. I myself did it twice, using the first time as a practice to get familiar with the entire test environment and cancelled my score.

Schools generally encourage applicants to do the GMAT more than once if they think they can significantly improve their score so doing the GMAT 2-3 times isn't very unusual and not really frowned upon. If you're taking it 4-5 times and show no improvement, however, then that would not reflect too well on your application.

Is it true that I don't need to wait for 16 days between 2 attempts if they are different formats (i.e., online vs. in-centre, in any sequence)?

Yep, you don't have to wait. Might be helpful to think of them as the same exam but on two separate tracks.

Thanks, that was very helpful!

Correct! You do not have to wait.

Hi jaykayes,

The 16-day waiting period between attempts is for GMATs taken in the SAME format (re: both at a Test Center or both through the At-home option). When thinking in terms of taking an Exam in each format, you don't have to wait between attempts (and you could potentially taken them both on the same day, although I would NOT recommend that you do that). If you find that you severely under-perform on the initial attempt, you might be tempted to 'rush in' to retest - but you have to be very careful about that type of thinking. If there are any 'weak spots' in how you handle the Quant and/or Verbal sections, then you'd likely need more time to hone (or re-hone) the necessary skills needed to hit your Goal - and retesting too quickly could end up being a waste of money (and 1 of your attempts).

1) When are you planning to take the Official GMAT?
2) What is your goal score and how have you been scoring on your CATs/mocks?

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich

Contact Rich at: Rich.C@empowergmat.com

Thanks for re-confirming, Scott!

Thanks Rich, I will certainly keep that in mind.

Hi jaykayes,

Based on what your messages, it's unclear whether you are planning to take the GMAT sometime soon or farther out in the calendar. Beyond the potential issue with the 16-day waiting period, you also have to consider the physical differences in taking the GMAT at a Test Center vs. taking the At-home option. Have you actually scheduled your Official GMAT appointment yet (and which option did you choose?)?

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich

Contact Rich at: Rich.C@empowergmat.com

Undecided as of now, Rich, but definitely not for another few months at least.