Right time to take GMAT

Question

I am going to take GMAT by August with one year of work experience. Is it a good idea to apply for bschools 3 years later? I have heard that most b-schools prefer 2-3 years older scores and not more than that. I have decent acads, not stellar.

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broall · Answer

I think that there are no specific requirements of the number of years of work experience but what experience you have. Hence, you could apply this year, or 3 years later, no problem. Note that a sucessful application comes from 3 factors: GPA, GMAT and experience. You need to combine these 3 factors with your life goals into your application to get accepted. Good luck!

kamal108555 · Answer

Hi abirdey1,

Welcome to world of GMAT aspirants. All of us have been in this situation in our lifetime. Been there done that kind of thing.

Now coming back to your question, is it the right time? Every time is the right time. 
Giving your GMAT with 1 year of completion of your acad will give you better results IMO.

I, myself procrastinated a lot and may be that is what hurting me. But i would suggest go for it.

As far as the work experience is concerned, don't worry about it as the score is valid for 5 years. You can gain experience afterwards.

All the best buddy!!
 
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EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi abirdey1,

The GMAT is a remarkably consistent Exam, which is why scores are valid for 5 years (and those scores are comparable to one another over that time period). It would be strange for a School to 'prefer' applicants who submit scores that are 2-3 years old - so what was the exact "source" that told you this?

Broadly-speaking, you should plan to take the GMAT when you have the proper amount of study time available to commit to the process of training to take the Exam. Whether that's now or August or next year (or even later) depends on your availability to study, your progress and your goals.

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

abirdey1 · Answer

I cannot specifically reveal the "source", it is a very well known GMAT coaching institute and they also provide admission consulting services.

abirdey1 · Answer

I cannot specifically reveal the "source", it is a very well known GMAT coaching institute and they also provide admission consulting services.

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KarishmaB · Answer

It is a good time to take GMAT. It has not been very long since you left college so you would not have forgotten how to study! It may sound odd but it is true. People with more work experience find it harder to hit the books. So take the GMAT now and the score will be valid for 5 years. The current trend favours doing MBA after 2-3 years of work ex. The average age of incoming classes is reducing. 
So it should work out well for you.

MBAIvy · Answer

I disagree with the above, for what it's worth. Whereas it makes sense to take the test right out of college, so the quant is forefront in your mind, most people, in my experience, actually do MUCH better on verbal after being out in the world for a few years, and in the end, after 2-3 out, end up with a higher score.

Schools want to know that if they admit you, you can do the work. Whereas all schools will, of course, accept an older score, a more recent score, in the adcom's eyes, actually has more weight.

It means you can do the work NOW, and that's what's important to them. Speaking from experience....

Right time to take GMAT

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