When to take the GMAT

Question

Hi everyone,
Although the GMAT score is valid for 5 years, do schools have a preference regarding when you take it? Does taking the GMAT and applying a year later ruin my chances of getting in?

logro · Answer

Hey siriusly - B-schools generally accept any valid score. Having said that if you wish to apply in the next cycle, then now is the right time to give your GMAT. GMAT is one of the important piece in your application

globaldesi · Answer

most schools accept valid GMAT score. You should probably give it when you are most prepared for GMAT. Please understand that GMAT is one major part but not the only part of your application. SO you will have to work on your profile too

AndrewN · Answer

Hello,  siriusly . I agree with what has been written above. A valid score is a valid score, plain and simple, no different from having a license that expires every five years. Not too long ago, I was working with an overzealous student who wondered whether taking the GMAT™ early would impress an admissions committee. The answer is not at all. The total score is all that really matters, and no one is going to look at a score and say, "Wow, a 19-year-old earned that one. Stop the press! Imagine what this person could do  now ." That line of thinking works in Fantasyland only.

As has been suggested above, prepare for the test and take it when you are ready. If you get the result you want, that is all that will matter. Good luck to you.

- Andrew

siriusly · Answer

Given the one year gap between writing the GMAT and applying to schools, I was wondering whether they would insist on a more recent score. This is great to know though, thank you!

GmatKnightTutor · Answer

Haven't heard anything like this yet, I daresay

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi siriusly,

Schools do not appear to have shown any preference for when Applicants should take their Official GMATs (relative to when those Applicants apply to School) - meaning that you likely have nothing to worry about if you take your GMAT several years before you apply. If you're curious about how a specific Program might view this issue though, then you might consider contacting the School's Admission's Department and asking (the School's reps would likely be happy to answer any application questions that you might have).

About 1 month ago, you began your studies and scored 650 on your first practice CAT. How have your studies been going since then? Have you taken any additional CATs?

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

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

Hi siriusly,

As long as your GMAT score is valid when you apply to schools, you have nothing to worry about. If you have any further questions, feel free to reach out.

siriusly · Answer

Hi all, thanks a lot for the replies!
 EMPOWERgmatRichC  things are going good, I'm working on improving quant and verbal a bit more and then I'll start taking CATs next month

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