Best time to write GMAT

Question

I searched for more information on this in the club but could not find much. Hence the post.

I am aiming at some of the top Indian B Schools for their one year full time executive courses.

The list includes IIM -A, ISB-Hyd, IIM-B, IIM-C, IIM-L and S P Jain Mumbai.

Can someone please advise which is the best time of the year to take the test for these colleges. Any information is much appreciated.Thanks in advance.

I am sorry if this is repeat post. But please let me know where to look if someone plans to delete it!

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi KarishmaParmar,

It's not clear what you mean when you ask about the 'best time' to take the GMAT. If you can organize your timeline properly, you would likely find it easier to focus solely on the GMAT and then work on your applications later on (as opposed to trying to do everything at the same time).

Since you're planning to apply to some highly competitive Programs, you would likely find it beneficial to speak with an Admissions Expert about your overall profile and plans. There's a Forum full of them here:

ask-admission-consultants-124/

1) When are you planning to apply to these Schools?
2) How long have you been studying?
3) What is your goal score?

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

KarishmaParmar · Answer

Thank You.

I meant to ask, when does their application process start. When do the sessions start.If I write GMAT in April, by when will I have to submit applications to apply to their very next session.

I have posted my detailed profile here- can-someone-please-evaluate-the-profile-for-iim-a-b-c-or-isb-hyd-213986.html

OptimusPrepJanielle · Answer

Hi KarishmaParmar,

Historically speaking, the deadlines of the schools you have mentioned fall in the period of late august to mid january, with 2 rounds for each school.
IIM A, B, C - Round 1 late august to mid sept. Round 2: Nov
ISB - Round 1: Mid oct, Round 2: Mid Jan.

So, if you take your GMAT in mid april, you will have a lot of time to prepare a good application.
However, you need close to 3 months to prepare for the GMAT. If you are starting with the preparation, the followings points might come in handy.

You need to build the concepts/fundamentals before you jump in solving the problems. You can do so by choosing one of the following ways:

1. In person classes/private tutoring
2. Online classes
3. Self paced online preparatory course
4. Book heavy approach

Whatever you choose, make sure that you choose one. Because GMAT tests you on some concepts and fundamentals that you can learn from a course. Most of the prep companies offer a free trial of the course. You can take the trial and see if the course suits you.

In addition to the preparatory material, buy the Official Guides too and the 4 official mock CATs. They should be an indispensable part of your preparation.

You need close to 3 months to prepare well for the GMAT.

1. Understand the concepts and fundamentals before jumping into problem solving
2. Solve full length CATs including AWA and IR. You can get two free GMAT Prep mock CATs and can purchase two more from mba.com
3. Make sure you solve the official questions from the Official Guide

AjiteshArun · Answer

You should take the GMAT at least a month before you apply. This can and will change (how intensively do you plan to work on your applications?), but a month also gives you some time to take the exam again should you need to (you have to wait at least 16 days between test attempts).

You should target August (a lot of R1 deadlines mid-Sep on average, confirm exact dates for individual schools). Sessions should start April-May.

As pointed out above, taking the GMAT in April should give you plenty of time to get everything together.

Best time to write GMAT

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