Submitting Application Before Taking GMAT

Question

I know that some schools will allow you to submit your application before you have an official GMAT score, but is this wise to do so? Is there any kind of negative associated with submitting your application without an official score?

mbaMissionKate · Answer

Hi there! Are you asking about submitting an unofficial vs. official score? Or submitting without taking the GMAT at all? I'm pretty sure all programs require that your test date be before the application deadline, and most will accept an unofficial score report with the expectation that you will have an official score report sent to the school shortly thereafter. As long as you're meeting their application requirements then you should be fine, but do double check as schools have different policies. I don't think there's any negative associated with when you take the test. Hope this helps!

bbednar · Answer

Yes that is helpful, i must have misunderstood something before, but your explanation makes sense! thanks!

achilies · Answer

yes, i talked with an Admissions Counselor and you can send you application in as long as the official score is on its way. But you need to write your Gmat

mbaMissionKate · Answer

Great! And do double check each school's policies, some have different requirements for what you need to submit at the time of application. Good luck!

bbednar · Answer

How long does it take the school to receive the scores after we submit them from taking the GMAT? is it instantaneous?

mbaMissionKate · Answer

No, unfortunately it's not instantaneous. It can take up to 20 days. See this link (which is also where you can go to request your scores be sent to schools): https://www.mba.com/us/the-gmat-exam/gma ... cores.aspx

bbednar · Answer

So does the school need our official score before the application deadline? Or will an unofficial score be ok?

mbaMissionKate · Answer

Most will accept an unofficial score as long as the official one is on its way...but please double check with each school because each one has their own policies. They should explain it on the admissions page of their website, or within the online application itself.

bbednar · Answer

Ok so when i take the GMAT, i put down the 5 schools I want more score sent to, and then once I am done unless I cancel, my score is submitted to those 5 schools even if I have not submitted an application to them yet?

I don't want to officially submit an application to the schools until I know what my score is.

So the schools will see my score before I submit my application? Is that right?

And what happens if I retake the GMAT? They will get another separate score report?

mbaMissionKate · Answer

Hi there -

Let me preface this by saying you should double check all of this with your GMAT testing center...but my understanding is that yes, if you put five schools down, your scores will be sent to those five schools. Now they may not actually "review" them and it doesn't mean you're officially submitting an application to those schools, you still need to follow all the steps to complete the application via the school's website. I believe if you retake then you are able to revise the list of schools your scores are sent to, or you can choose the same five. It's also always possible to not send your scores to any schools when you take the test, and then send your schools later once you decide where you're applying.

Hope this helps!

GaryMoore1 · Answer

Hey,

I am in the final semester of my three-year undergraduate degree in Commerce. I am preparing for GMAT and aiming for a 700+ score. I don't have any work experience yet. Am I eligible for MBA in Canada/USA?

Really looking forward to hearing from you.

Regards
GM

mbaMissionKate · Answer

Hi GaryMoore1 , You should be eligible - most US/Canada schools accept a three-year undergrad degree and don't have a minimum work experience requirement. However, you will see that by looking at class profiles for target schools, the average amount of work experience is typically around 5 years and schools have a strong preference that you at least have some full-time, post-undergrad work experience. I would definitely move forward with taking your GMAT, because that will be good for 5 years and would be nice to have it out of the way. But I think you'd be a stronger candidate with some work experience. You could also look into deferred programs where you apply now, work for a few years, and then go to school -- more schools have these now but they are pretty selective. You can read more about these programs here: https://shop.mbamission.com/products/th ... ions-guide Hope that helps, Kate

GaryMoore1 · Answer

Hey,

Thank you for clarifying this thing and for sending me a possible way to get my MBA. I would rather like to continue my studies right away. So Master's (MS) can be a good option? Do Masters require work experience as well or GMAT or both? Is Masters and MBA equivalent in Canada/USA?

Looking forward to hearing from you soon.

Regards
GM

mbaMissionKate · Answer

Yes, a Master's in Management (which is more common at European programs) is a good option for those without full-time work experience. Also specialized Master's like a Master's in Finance, Supply Chain Management, Data Analytics, etc. -- depending on your interests. Doing one of those programs also wouldn't prohibit you from applying to an MBA years down the road.

Good luck,
Kate

gouri98 · Answer

Hello,
I had recently taken my GMAT and even though the scores weren't up to my expectation, I still accepted my scores. But few of the schools I am applying to do have the option of submitting the application without a GMAT score as well. 
While I submit the application, will the schools still be able to view my scores if I had opted on submitting my application without a score?
Should I go ahead and cancel my scores or is that not necessary?

mbaMissionKate · Answer

Hi there, 
Hopefully I understand your question but it can't hurt to double check this with GMAC. I believe that even if you accepted your scores, the schools will not be able to view them if you did not officially release or send your scores to those schools via GMAC. I don't think it should be necessary to cancel your scores. 
Thanks!
Kate

Pri32 · Answer

Hi Kate,
I haven't scored to well on the GMAT, and I'm looking to do a Master's in Finance in the UK. I have a good GPA of 4.0. Would you suggest I not include my score in my application if it isn't mandatory. Or should I include regardless.

mbaMissionKate · Answer

Hi there, 
If it's not mandatory, then a low test score may hurt you more than help you. Especially with such an excellent GPA. Do you know the average GMAT score for the programs you're targeting? If your score is well below, then I wouldn't include it, but if it's pretty close to the average then I would include it but still write an explanation about it. 
Hope that helps!
Kate

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