GMAC Announces a Lifetime Limit of 8 GMAT Exams

The wording is confusing. If by 2015, thats right 2015, someone competed the test 8 times. It means they are no longer allowed to take the exam after Dec 17, 2016. Logically, I assume the count down for all students should start from December 17, 2016. Otherwise it is kind of unfair for those that took multiple GMAT tests in the past and then suddently they either left with 1 or 2 attempts left or no attempts at all.

Someone, please clarify.

We have asked for clarification at the GMAC summit in December. Their response was that based on the research no normal applicants have taken the GMAT eight times. The only people who are taking it that many times our instructors or tutors for those who are trying to compromise the test.

This policy is not a hard policy, however, and you can request a waiver. GMAC indicated that they will not deny any reasonable requests. These seemed to have been fairly upfront and open about it.

Hope this helps.


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That is good to know we are not totally stopped with the cap. Its understandable that no normal person should take gmat 8 times, but some are just taking their time with gmat, on and off, until desired score is received. Not the best approach but hey, some everyone is different. Beating the personal best is diff for all.

bb Skywalker18 - wondering if you've heard of any more cases from students regarding this topic or any more clarifications from GMAC?

I took the GMAT 2x in 2016 (Feb and April) right after graduating undergrad (super far out from applying to MBA programs) and canceled both scores.

My next test was this year (5/2018 - canceled) and I took one more this year that I ended up canceling (11/2018).

As I'm applying R2 for '19 fall intake, I have 2 more scheduled dates in January '19 (fingers crossed) and one super contingency date in Feb '19

Praying that I'm done in Jan, but if I stretch until the Feb date that will be 7 lifetime and my 5th in a rolling year (starting 5/2018)

Also guessing that those early 2016 dates will count towards my 8x limit?

Thank You

Hi. All attempts count towards the lifetime max. However, the way it has been presented and implied, the lifetime max is designed for professional gmat test takers such as tutors. Normal people can apply for a waiver from they rule and should not be unreasonably denied. You should not worry about the life time max. The annual limit however, is a diff animal and I don’t have much of a reference to give you there.

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Hi paulblartmallcop - please find my responses highlighted.

thank you both! please send some good GMAT vibes

It is true that according to GMAC you can apply for a waiver to take the GMAT a 9th time, but it is my general understanding from experience that the only way that GMAC will allow a 9th test is if it receives a letter from a prospective business school who is interested in you.

I've never heard of anyone who was allowed to take a 9th test just because they asked nicely, so it's important to have some contacts at the schools to which you are applying who can vouch for their interest in your application.

UPDATE, 8 YEARS LATER, 10/24/24: Though I haven't yet received the email, I just heard that GMAC has officially dropped the lifetime limit!

https://www.mba.com/exams-and-exam-prep/gmat-exam/the-gmat-offers-unlimited-potential

https://www.mba.com/exams/gmat-exam/faqs

https://www.instagram.com/theofficialgmat/p/DBtsezRoatC

Perhaps the increasing competition with the GRE finally forced GMAC's hand on this issue. Regardless of the reason, this is a welcome development for GMAT students and tutors alike.

True. It is not confirmed yet but 99% sure thing.

The power of a time machine