Does GMAT discriminates applicants from "third countries"?

Question

I think GMAT discriminates people from third countries. For example, $250 for GMAT (with cancellation option) gives an advantage for applicants from rich countries. $250 is not a lot for USA/EU/Australia/Korea etc. GMAT-takers, and you guys may easily pass GMAT several times without having any financial troubles. While in Central Asia $250 is about average salary. For example, the more you try to pass real GMAT, then, probably, the more you be likely to pass GMAT successfully. Let's say you'd like to try 4 times. It'll cost you $1000 dollars or about 20-30% of your salary. But for citizens of Central Asian countries it will cost you 3-5 your monthly salaries. The same as if GMAT cost $3000-$4000 for US citizens. What do you think about it? Is it considered by MBA Adcoms?

kushwahanuj28 · Answer

I think you have raised a valid point regarding exam fee being highly costly however I don't see it as discrimination.

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diegocml · Answer

I have to agree with your that the GMAT fee for citizens who leave in wealthy countries is nothing compared to people who leave in developing countries. The same goes to prep materials, courses, tutoring fees, and so on.

But, it is what it is so just think of it as an investment!

But, it is what it is so just think of it as an investment!

Terabyte · Answer

Yes, of course, there is nothing to do with that. Just my thoughts. GMAT could be cheaper for developing countries. At least, for 50%

mvictor · Answer

I know that for TOEFL, the price differs based on the region.
I took it in Moldova, and I paid 140$ for it. I took it in US, and I paid 190$ for it...50$ difference, which in my home country might be even a half of a monthly salary for someone...

Terabyte · Answer

I see you passed GMAT 4 times. That is awesome! Actually, I'm from Kazakhstan, and I completely understand what are you talking about. How hard it was to get into Stanford with 650?

gmat2k17 · Answer

But then fees for the schools that take GMAT is also in line with these school's countries PPP.

Bringing down the cost for people from third world countries would see more number of people taking the GMATs

mvictor · Answer

Yes, I have taken it 4 times already...once while in Moldova and 3 times while in US.
I will tell how hard it is to get into Stanford when I get there though.. :D
what I understood - some schools do GET some special coupons, which can be offered to potential students, specifically from 3rd world countries - i hate to call them so, to take TOEFL/GMAT free of charge.

gmat2k17 · Answer

For Toefl - It doesn't vary much.

Has it ever worked, getting a free GMAT / TOEFL from a school?

mvictor · Answer

I heard stories about GMAT vouchers and I am 100% sure of such vouchers for TOEFL (some of the kids who study at the same school as I did received such vouchers).

AjiteshArun · Answer

The GMAT is more expensive than a lot of exams, but on the other hand, it does give you a lot of value for that money. In terms of both flexibility and quality (the GMAT is a very well made test). The cost of education itself is quite high at a lot of places. But if you want help with this, you could ask your target school(s) for a free GMAT. Every school can choose to ask the GMAC to allow a few test takers every year to take the GMAT for free.

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Does GMAT discriminates applicants from "third countries"?

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