Do you remember the day you sat for your GMAT exam? The feeling of accomplishment and pride filling your heart once you received your score? Fast forward a few years, and you’re considering going back to school and using that score. But wait, how long does your GMAT score last? It’s a common concern among many individuals who’ve taken the exam, and rightfully so. After all, no one wants to put in the effort to retake the exam when they could be applying to their dream school instead.
The GMAT scores are valid for a total of five years. That means, if you’ve taken the exam in the past five years, you’re still in luck and can use your score to apply for your dream school. However, if it’s been more than five years since you took the exam, it’s time to buckle up and take it again. Even though the score lasts for five years, it’s always a good idea to check with your desired schools to confirm if they have any unique rules concerning the age of GMAT scores.
The GMAT exam is known to be challenging. It takes time, effort, and dedication to achieve an excellent score. But if you’re worried about the validity of your GMAT score and whether or not you can still use it, worry no more. With the scores last for five years, you have plenty of time to apply to your desired school and advance in your career. So, what are you waiting for? Put that score to good use today!
Introduction to GMAT and its importance in higher education
The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a standardized exam that measures a student’s ability to succeed academically in graduate business programs. The test assesses a student’s skills in quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning, and analytical writing.
GMAT scores play a significant role in the admission process for graduate business schools. Besides a student’s academic background, work experience, extracurricular activities, and recommendations, the GMAT score is also taken into consideration by admissions committees. A high GMAT score can improve a student’s chances of being accepted into a top-tier business program.
GMAT score validity period in various countries
When taking the GMAT, it’s important to understand how long your score will be valid so you can plan accordingly. The validity period for GMAT scores varies from country to country, so here’s what you need to know:
- In the United States, Canada, and most other countries, GMAT scores are valid for five years.
- In India, GMAT scores are valid for three years.
- In Australia, GMAT scores are valid for five years.
- In China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, GMAT scores are valid for five years.
- In Japan, GMAT scores are valid for five years.
- In South Korea, GMAT scores are valid for five years.
- In Singapore, GMAT scores are valid for five years.
It’s important to note that the GMAT score validity period refers to how long your score will be accepted by graduate business schools, not how long the score will be listed on your official score report. Your official GMAT score report will include scores for all GMAT exams taken in the past five years.
Here’s an example of how this works: If you took the GMAT in 2017, your scores will be valid through 2022 in most countries. However, if you plan to apply to a business school in India, your scores will expire in 2020 since the validity period there is three years.
GMAT Score Validity Period Table
| Country | Validity Period |
|---|---|
| United States, Canada, and most other countries | 5 years |
| India | 3 years |
| Australia | 5 years |
| China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan | 5 years |
| Japan | 5 years |
| South Korea | 5 years |
| Singapore | 5 years |
Being aware of how long your GMAT score will be valid is essential when it comes to planning your business school application timeline. Make sure you check the validity period for the country where you plan to apply to avoid any unpleasant surprises down the line.
Can a GMAT score be cancelled or deleted?
It is natural to be concerned about the safety and confidentiality of your GMAT score, and you might wonder if and how you can cancel or delete the result of your test. Here’s what you need to know:
- Once you take the GMAT, your score is automatically sent to the schools you selected before the test. You cannot choose to delete or hide your score from your schools of choice or from your own record. This is a standard policy enforced by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), the organization responsible for administering the GMAT.
- You have the option to cancel your score immediately after taking the test. If you feel that you did not perform well or if something unforeseen happened during the exam, you can choose to cancel your score before seeing it. However, keep in mind that if you cancel your score, it will not appear on your record, and you will have to retake the GMAT in order to apply to business schools.
- If you do not cancel your score immediately after the test, you will have the opportunity to cancel your score within 72 hours after seeing it. This is available even for those who initially declined to cancel their score. If you cancel your score within 72 hours, it will not be reported to the schools you selected, but it will be noted on your official record that you cancelled your score. Note that cancelling your score within 72 hours does not entitle you to a refund.
In conclusion, while it is not possible to delete or hide your GMAT score from the schools you intended to apply to, you do have the option to cancel your score either immediately after taking the test or within 72 hours after seeing it. It is important to carefully consider your decision, as cancelling your score may negatively impact your application and require you to retake the GMAT.
The Process of Sending GMAT Scores to Business Schools
If you are planning to pursue a graduate business degree, you may be wondering how long your GMAT score is valid. In addition, you will need to know how to send your scores to your target business schools. This guide will provide you with detailed information about the process of sending your GMAT scores to business schools.
How Long Does Your GMAT Score Last?
- Your GMAT score is valid for five years. This means that you can use your GMAT score to apply to business schools for up to five years after the date you took the exam.
- You can retake the GMAT exam if you are not satisfied with your score. However, you must wait at least 16 days before retaking the exam. You can take the GMAT exam up to five times in a rolling 12-month period.
- If you take the GMAT exam multiple times, business schools will typically consider your highest score.
The Process of Sending GMAT Scores to Business Schools
Once you have taken the GMAT exam and received your scores, you will need to send your scores to your target business schools. Here are the steps you need to follow:
- Log in to your GMAT account on mba.com.
- Click on “Send Scores” and select the business schools that you want to receive your scores. You can select up to five schools for free. If you want to send your scores to more than five schools, you will need to pay an additional fee.
- Confirm the accuracy of the information you have provided and submit your request.
Once you have submitted your request, your GMAT scores will be sent to your target business schools. It typically takes up to 20 calendar days for the schools to receive your scores. However, if you need to send your scores urgently, you can opt for express delivery for an additional fee.
GMAT Score Sending Fees
Here are the current fees for sending GMAT scores:
| Number of Schools | Fee |
|---|---|
| Up to 5 | Free |
| Each additional school | $35 |
| Express delivery | $20 |
Keep in mind that these fees are subject to change. It is a good idea to check the GMAT website for the most up-to-date information.
In conclusion, your GMAT score is valid for five years, and you can retake the exam up to five times in a rolling 12-month period. The process of sending your GMAT scores to business schools is straightforward and can be done through your GMAT account on mba.com. Make sure to check the current fees and allow sufficient time for your scores to reach your target schools.
GMAT Score Report and Its Contents
The GMAT score report is an important document for every test-taker who aims to pursue a graduate degree in business. The report includes comprehensive information on the candidate’s performance, which is sent electronically to the schools the candidate has selected.
The Contents of a GMAT Score Report Are as Follows:
- The candidate’s personal information and headshot
- The candidate’s GMAT scores in various sections, including Verbal, Quantitative, Analytical Writing Assessment, and Integrated Reasoning
- The date when the exam was taken and the date the score was sent to schools
- The candidate’s percentile ranks in each section, which indicate how the candidate fared in comparison to other test-takers
- The candidate’s Total GMAT score, which ranges from 200-800 and represents the candidate’s overall performance on the exam
The score report is designed to be easy to read, highlighting key statistics and personal information. However, it is essential to understand all the information contained in the report, especially the percentile rankings, which are crucial in assessing a candidate’s competitiveness in comparison to other applicants.
Understanding Your GMAT Percentile Rankings
The percentile rankings indicate the percentage of test-takers who scored lower than the candidate in each section. For instance, if a candidate’s score falls within the 90th percentile in the Verbal section, it means the candidate performed better than 90 percent of all test-takers.
Here is a table of percentile rankings based on the most recent data available:
| Section | 90th Percentile | 75th Percentile | 50th Percentile | 25th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Verbal | 41 | 34 | 27 | 20 |
| Quantitative | 49 | 44 | 38 | 31 |
| Integrated Reasoning | 8 | 6 | 4 | 3 |
| Total Score (Composite) | 710 | 650 | 570 | 500 |
The percentile rankings are an indicator of how competitive a candidate is relative to other applicants. It is best not to get too caught up in percentile rankings alone, and instead focus on achieving a high overall score across all sections of the exam.
In conclusion, the GMAT score report is a detailed document that provides schools with comprehensive information on a candidate’s performance on the exam. Understanding the contents of the score report, and particularly the percentile rankings, is crucial in assessing a candidate’s competitiveness and preparing a strong application packet.
Exam pattern and section-wise score distribution of GMAT
The GMAT exam is a standardized test designed to measure various skills that are important for success in graduate management programs, such as analytical writing, quantitative reasoning, and verbal reasoning. The exam consists of four sections:
- Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA)
- Integrated Reasoning (IR)
- Quantitative (Q)
- Verbal (V)
Each section is designed to test a specific skill set, and the scores are reported separately for each section. The total GMAT score ranges from 200 to 800, and it is calculated based on the scores of the Quantitative and Verbal sections only.
Section-wise score distribution
- AWA: The scores for this section range from 0 to 6, in half-point increments.
- IR: The scores for this section range from 1 to 8, in one-point increments.
- Q: The scores for this section range from 0 to 60, in one-point increments.
- V: The scores for this section range from 0 to 60, in one-point increments.
It is important to note that while the AWA and IR sections are not included in the total GMAT score, they are still reported on the score report that is sent to schools. The scores for the AWA and IR sections are reported separately, on a scale of 0 to 6 and 1 to 8, respectively.
Exam pattern
The GMAT exam is a computer-adaptive test, which means that the difficulty level of the questions is based on the test-taker’s performance. The exam begins with a question of moderate difficulty, and the computer chooses subsequent questions based on the test-taker’s response to the previous questions.
The AWA section consists of one essay prompt, and test-takers have 30 minutes to complete it. The IR section consists of 12 questions, and test-takers have 30 minutes to complete it.
The Quantitative and Verbal sections consist of 31 questions each, and test-takers have 62 minutes to complete each section. The questions in these sections are multiple-choice, and test-takers must answer each question in order to proceed to the next question. Test-takers are not allowed to return to previous questions.
| Section | Number of Questions | Time Allotted |
|---|---|---|
| AWA | 1 | 30 minutes |
| IR | 12 | 30 minutes |
| Quantitative | 31 | 62 minutes |
| Verbal | 31 | 62 minutes |
Overall, the GMAT exam is designed to measure a wide range of skills that are important for success in graduate management programs. By understanding the exam pattern and section-wise score distribution, test-takers can develop effective study strategies and optimize their performance on the exam.
Comparison between GMAT and other standardized tests for business school admissions
The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is one of the most widely accepted standardized tests for admission to graduate business programs worldwide. However, it is not the only test accepted by business schools, and there are other standardized tests that students can take as an alternative to the GMAT.
- The Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) is a standardized test that is accepted by some business schools as an alternative to the GMAT. The GRE is used primarily for admission to graduate programs in non-business fields such as engineering and social sciences, but some business schools have started accepting it as well.
- The Executive Assessment (EA) is a newer standardized test that is designed specifically for executive MBA programs. It tests the same skills as the GMAT but is shorter in length, only taking 90 minutes to complete.
- The Graduate Admissions Test (GAT) is a standardized test that is accepted by some business schools in Australia and New Zealand. It tests the same skills as the GMAT but is tailored specifically to the Australian and New Zealand education systems.
Despite the availability of these alternate tests, the GMAT is still the most widely accepted standardized test for admission to graduate business programs. This is due in large part to the fact that the GMAT is specifically designed to test the skills and knowledge that are most important for success in business school. The table below provides some additional information about the GMAT and how it compares to some of the other standardized tests that are accepted by business schools:
| Test Name | Number of Sections | Total Test Time | Accepted by |
|---|---|---|---|
| Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) | 4 | 3 hours, 30 minutes | Most business schools worldwide |
| Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) | 6 (two verbal, two quantitative, one analytical writing, one experimental) | 3 hours, 45 minutes | Some business schools worldwide |
| Executive Assessment (EA) | 3 | 90 minutes | Some executive MBA programs |
| Graduate Admissions Test (GAT) | 4 | 3 hours, 30 minutes | Some business schools in Australia and New Zealand |
While some business schools do accept alternate tests in lieu of the GMAT, it is important for prospective students to research each school’s admission requirements and preferences before choosing which test to take. In general, the GMAT remains the most widely accepted and respected standardized test for admission to graduate business programs worldwide, making it the most popular choice for prospective students.
How often can one take the GMAT exam?
Many students wonder how often they can take the GMAT exam. The short answer is that you can take the test once every 16 calendar days and no more than five times within any rolling 12-month period.
- 16 calendar days: After taking the test, you must wait at least 16 calendar days before scheduling a new test appointment. This rule is designed to prevent you from retaking the exam so frequently that it becomes impossible to measure any real improvement in your abilities.
- Five times within any rolling 12-month period: The GMAT exam now has a lifetime limit of eight attempts. In addition, you may not take the test more than five times within any rolling 12-month period. This rule is designed to ensure that students have enough time to properly prepare for the exam, without the temptation of repeatedly retaking a test.
It’s important to note that these rules apply regardless of whether you cancel your score or the scores are reported to schools. If you take the test, you must wait at least 16 days before taking it again, and you cannot take it more than five times within any 12-month period.
Before scheduling your next exam appointment, it’s important to take the time to properly prepare for the test. Taking the exam too frequently without proper preparation can hurt your chances of improving your score. Consider using official GMAT preparation materials or enrolling in a GMAT preparation course.
| GMAT Test Restrictions | Details |
|---|---|
| Time between exams | At least 16 calendar days |
| Number of times in rolling 12 months | No more than five times in any rolling 12-month period |
| Lifetime limit on exam attempts | Eight attempts |
Overall, it’s important not to rush taking the GMAT exam without giving yourself ample time to prepare. By following the rules and taking the time to properly prepare, you can improve your chances of achieving your target score.
The Significance of GMAT Scores in Scholarships, Fellowships and Financial Aids
The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) score is an important factor in deciding whether you qualify for scholarships, fellowships, and financial aids for pursuing Masters of Business Administration (MBA). A good GMAT score can increase your chances of gaining financial support for your studies. While each program’s requirements for funding may vary, GMAT scores are often an essential criterion.
- Merit-Based Scholarships: Many prestigious business schools offer merit-based scholarships to students who show exceptional academic potential. A high GMAT score could make you a viable candidate for such scholarships.
- Need-Based Financial Aid: If you have financial need, your GMAT score can play a crucial role in increasing your chances of receiving financial aid. A high score makes you stand out among other applicants, which could result in more financial aid.
- Fellowships: Fellowships are awarded to individuals who demonstrate exceptional potential in their field. Many organizations that offer fellowships use GMAT scores as a key factor in their selection process. A high GMAT score could make you an eligible candidate for a fellowship.
It’s important to keep in mind that each program has its own requirements for scholarships, fellowships, and financial aids. Before deciding to take GMAT, it’s crucial to research and understand the requirements of each program you’re considering applying to.
Additionally, the validity of GMAT score also plays a vital role in determining whether you qualify for these financial support programs. The GMAT score lasts for five years from your test date. Thus, if you took the test more than five years ago, the scores will not count. Therefore, it’s crucial to ensure that you take the test at an appropriate time before applying for the program.
| Program | Minimum GMAT Score | Financial Support Provided |
|---|---|---|
| Harvard Business School | 730 | Scholarships, Loans, and Fellowships |
| Stanford Graduate School of Business | 737 | MBA Fellowships, Loans, and Grants |
| Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania | 732 | Scholarships and Grants |
In conclusion, GMAT scores are an essential component in deciding whether you qualify for scholarships, fellowships, and financial aids for pursuing MBA. A high GMAT score increases your chances of obtaining financial support. Therefore, it’s necessary to research and understand each program’s requirements, and take the test at an appropriate time to validate your GMAT scores.
Preparing for the GMAT exam – Tips and Strategies
Preparing for the GMAT exam can be a daunting task, but with the right tips and strategies, you can be well on your way to getting a high score. Here are some of the top tips and strategies to keep in mind:
- Give yourself enough time to study: Depending on your starting point, it may take anywhere from several weeks to several months to get prepared for the exam.
- Create a study plan: Determine how much time you can realistically devote to studying each day and map out a study plan to stay on track.
- Use official GMAT study materials: The official GMAT study materials include a wide range of resources, from practice exams to video tutorials, that will help you get a feel for the exam format and types of questions you’ll be asked.
In addition to these tips, it’s important to stay focused and motivated throughout your study process. Here are a few more strategies that can help:
- Practice time management: The GMAT exam is timed, so it’s important to practice answering questions quickly and thoughtfully. You can also use time management techniques, such as the Pomodoro technique, to keep yourself on track during study sessions.
- Focus on your weaknesses: Everyone has their own areas of strengths and weaknesses when it comes to test-taking. Focus on your weaknesses by practicing those types of questions more often and seeking out additional resources on those topics.
- Take care of your physical and mental health: Don’t forget to take breaks, eat healthy, and get enough sleep during your study process. These factors can play a big role in your performance on exam day.
Remember, preparing for the GMAT exam takes time and effort, but with the right tips and strategies, you can be well-prepared and confident on test day.
How Long Does Your GMAT Score Last?
Are you planning to take the GMAT test? Wondering how long your GMAT score will last? Here are seven frequently asked questions about the GMAT score validity:
1. How long is the GMAT score valid?
Your GMAT score is valid for five years from the date of your exam.
2. Can I retake the GMAT after my score has expired?
Yes, you can retake the GMAT exam after your score has expired.
3. Can I send all my GMAT scores to B-schools?
Yes, you can send all your GMAT scores to B-schools, but you need to ensure that you cancel your scores if you don’t want them to be reported to the schools.
4. How many times can I take the GMAT?
You can take the GMAT exam up to five times in a rolling 12-month period and up to a maximum of eight times in total.
5. Do schools accept old GMAT scores?
It depends on the school. Some schools accept GMAT scores that are more than five years old, while others require you to take the exam again if your score has expired.
6. Can I cancel my GMAT score?
Yes, you can cancel your GMAT score after completing the exam. However, you need to do it before viewing your unofficial score at the test center.
7. Will my GMAT score be affected if I retake the exam?
No, your GMAT score will not be affected if you retake the exam. B-schools usually consider your highest score while evaluating your candidacy.
Closing Thoughts
Now that you know how long your GMAT score will last, you can plan your exam accordingly. Remember to take the exam when you feel ready and confident, and don’t forget to research your target schools’ GMAT score requirements. Thank you for reading, and we hope to see you again soon for more useful information.