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Retake GMAT

Retake gmat

The famous - GMAT retake debate. I have a different perspective on retaking the GMAT.

Work Load

Firstly, check your current and anticipated workload. If a normal day of work involves working 12-14 hours per day then forget about retaking the exam, focus on the essays and recommendation letter. Maybe you can handle 14 hours of work and 3 hours of GMAT preparation. Do you want to sleep less and be moody all the time? The bottom line is – the more stressed out you are more the chance that you will not be able to give 100% for your preparation. So take on realistic goals.

MBA Admissions

GMAT Retake - Highest or Latest Score. Which is considered?

For MBA Applicants who have taken the GMAT multiple times, which score is considered by the AdCom – the highest or the latest score?

Before submitting the “Finish” button in GMAT, you will be asked whether to submit the current GMAT test score to the chosen Business schools. It is a tough choice if you are not sure whether the current score is better than the previous ones.

The question of whether AdCom looks into the highest score or the latest score is a call that the AdCom from each Business School takes. But remember this - when you submit your score, the AdCom can see all your previous GMAT Scores in the past five years. The scores are valid for five years. You can only take the exam 5 times in a period of 12 months and the minimum duration between GMAT retakes is 31 days.

If you have taken the GMAT multiple times, the time gap between the tests is important. For example, if you have taken the GMAT three years back without any preparation just to understand what GMAT is, then the scores would not be considered for your application. But during an application cycle ( a period of 12 months), if you have taken the GMAT three times, then there should be sufficient reason or improvement in your scores for the AdCom to consider your highest score. Retaking the GMAT once is a common trend seen among MBA Applicants. 

Bombed the GMAT - How to Bounce Back?

Bombed GMAT - Make a Comeback
No one on purpose would like to get a low GMAT Score.  But don't consider this result as the end of the world. There are numerous stories of comebacks that has eventually resulted in Admissions to top Business Schools. Try to deal with your disappointment in a way that will help you prepare for the GMAT, round two – if and when you feel up to it.

The GMAC claims that statistically speaking, retaking the GMAT is unlikely to raise your score. But don’t give up hope! Find out how to bounce back after a poor first attempt!