Send GMAT score to schools: How long do schools retain scores?

Question

Hello folks,

I plan to take the GMAT in the next 1 month. Now I know that I can send my scores to 5 schools. However, I would not be applying for MBA this year. I would probably be applying next year for 1-year programs, matriculating in 2019. I have a rough idea of the schools I want to apply to.

My query is will the schools keep my scores till next year? Or do I have to send them again during applications, in which case I will have to get additional score reports.

Also, if they will be keeping the scores, I will spend some additional time to decide on the 5 schools to send the reports to.

I do not intend to take the GMAT again unless I get a low score. The reason I am taking it a year in advance is because firstly, I have plenty of free time now and secondly, I am looking to switch jobs and a good GMAT score on the CV will help in that.

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi nishantd88,

When you apply to a Business School, that School will reach out to GMAC to confirm the GMAT Score that you have listed on your application. Assuming that you have paid to allow that School to see your Score Report (either as part of the 5 Schools that you listed on Test Day or by paying for that individual Report - currently priced at $28/School), then the School will receive that information. If you don't apply (or don't apply until later), then the School won't seek out your Score Report (there would simply be no point in doing so). This is all meant to say that your Score is valid for 5 years, so as long as you list the specific School among those to receive your Report - and you apply sometime within 5 years of earning that Score - then everything should function as expected.

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

nishantd88 · Answer

Thanks a lot for clarifying.

BillyZ · Answer

Could we able to download the result in PDF so that we could send to school on our own?

Sent from my iPhone using GMAT Club Forum

nishantd88 · Answer

I don't think schools will accept it in that format even if we can download it.

abhimahna · Answer

You cannot download any PDF from mba.com site. You can get the copy of your score report from the link that Pearson would provide.

Also, that copy is "Candidate's copy". B schools require the copy sent directly from MBA.com to them. They donot accept candidates copy in place of official copy, if they require the official copy.

If they are fine with candidate's copy, they would explicitly mention that. For example, Ross doesn't require us to send them the official copy unless you are admitted. I hope that makes sense.

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi ziyuen,

While there MIGHT be some Schools that don't require an Official Score Report, I would be surprised if any highly competitive/reputable Schools would allow you to send in a copy of that report yourself (and have that serve as the only record of your Official Score). Given the competitive nature of the application process, allowing that type of self-reporting would almost certainly lead clever individuals to create their own fake GMAT Score Reports - and 'corrupt' the application process. That is something Business Schools don't want to happen.

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

bgbeidas · Answer

Related question, if I sent my score report to 5 schools last year (the 5 selected when I took the exam) and want to now send the official report to a couple of other schools, will the schools I send it to this time round see the initial 5 schools I sent it to last year?

mcelroytutoring · Answer

Yes, you can download a PDF of your full score report from the Wiley site using your unique URL and date of birth. However, as others have said, it's all too easy to doctor a PDF, so schools will want real proof in the form of an official GMAT score report, sent directly from GMAC and not from you.

In addition, that "test-taker score report" PDF includes all your scores from the last 5 years, including cancellations, unlike the school score report, which does not show cancellations.

Hatakekakashi · Answer

Hi all,

I've ordered my school reports to be sent to respective schools last month (20th Sept) , How long does it take for the school to recieve the report?

My gmat exam date - 22nd november 2016 - I sent scores to different schools back then

Regards,
HK

abhimahna · Answer

Hi  Hatakekakashi  ,

Schools retain the score until you apply there or until it's valid.

How long does the score take to reach them? --> I ordered score report to be sent to 5 b schools on 1st October and I received an email on 2nd October morning stating that the score has been sent successfully. So, it won't take much time even though they mention that they will take a week or so.

Does that make sense?

If you gave your exam on 22nd Nov and didn't give again(with an improvement), then you are not required to send them the scores again. They can directly fetch the score from what you sent previously.

Does that make sense?

Hatakekakashi · Answer

Hey abhimahna,

I've requested for additional score reports on 20th Sept and yet the school hasn't received and there's an awaiting status for the same.

I just checked my mail and

"As you requested, an Official Score Report - School Copy has been made available to the program(s) listed below. All of your GMAT® exam scores from the past five years were reported to each program. The dates below indicate when the scores were mailed or made available electronically; the dates do not indicate when the program received or chose to access your scores."

I guess I got my answer ;-; Thanks for the quick response
 
Regards,
HK

abhimahna · Answer

Oh lol. That status won't change unless they pick your application to review. So, don't worry. You are done with your job and now let them do their job. Good luck

Hatakekakashi · Answer

Hey thanks wish you the same. I was just worried my application wasn't submitted ;-;

Regards,
HK

ezzo · Answer

I just had a doubt. Like I've got a mail that my score has been sent to the 5 selected colleges but will they get in touch with me themselves or do I need to submit my application with the essay and stuff to them and if so do I need to pay for it? as I've heard that other than those 5 b-schools we need to pay for the whole application process.

abhimahna · Answer

Hey ezzo , Looks like you aren't clear on the application process. I am happy to help

Ideally what happens is most of the schools ask you to send GMAT official score report directly from GMAC. GMAC takes around $30 for each report. So, by filling the name of 5 schools during the exam itself, you are saving those $150. But the application process is completely different. For the application process, you need some fees and the score that you already sent need not to be sent again. Say, I am applying to Harvard. I need to pay $250 application fee + Need to send GMAT score for $30 via GMAC route. Had I filled the name of harvard during my exam, I would have saved those 30 dollars. But I still need to pay $250 as a part of application process. Does that make sense?

ezzo · Answer

Thanks alot mate:) You really cleared my doubt well, I might disturb you again if I get any doubt regarding the process :p

Satyanarayan123 · Answer

Can i send my second attempt gmat score with the previous application form send 1-2 months back to the same university?

Posted from my mobile device

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

Hi nishantd88,

You will not have any issues by sending your scores from the test center, even if you do not plan to apply for another year.

MeenakshiS · Answer

Hi all,
On the test day, what details are required to fill about the 5 schools chosen for sending the report?. Please guide.

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Send GMAT score to schools: How long do schools retain scores?

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