| Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... |
Taking the GMAT is stressful for those desiring admission to a top business school. There are so many activities vying for your time and attention: your job, your family and friends, your application package, your GMAT studying, and a host of others. You might not have even given thought to when you’re going to take the exam. Now that we’ve brought it up, let’s look for some answers to the question: “Can I take the GMAT whenever?”
In general, the answer to the question is “yes.” In this article, we’ll look at factors you should consider before scheduling your GMAT, including the registration process, taking the exam at a test center or online, restrictions for taking the exam, and some study strategies.
Here are the topics we’ll cover:
- The GMAT: An Overview
- GMAT Test Availability
- GMAT Scheduling Restrictions
- When Should You Start Studying?
- Key Takeaways
- What’s Next?
Let’s first get a basic overview of the GMAT.
The GMAT: An Overview
The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a test taken by business school applicants. It helps graduate business programs make admissions decisions. The GMAT is the most widely accepted entrance exam for MBA programs and other graduate business programs, such as Master of Finance and Executive MBA programs. The computer-adaptive GMAT is designed and administered by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC). According to GMAC, more than 2,400 schools and 7,700 MBA and master’s programs around the world accept GMAT scores. Over 100,000 test-takers sat for the GMAT in 2023.
What’s on the GMAT?
The GMAT consists of 64 questions, and you are given 2 hours and 15 minutes to complete it. It is separated into 3 sections, each of which contributes equally to your total GMAT score.
Quantitative Section
The Quantitative Reasoning section of the GMAT tests many of the same subjects that you studied in high school, such as arithmetic, algebra, and statistics. You’ll encounter questions on topics such as number properties, linear and quadratic equations, inequalities, percentages, ratios and proportions, combinations, probability, and rates. You’ll have 45 minutes to answer the 21 multiple-choice Quant questions.
Verbal Section
The Verbal Reasoning section of the GMAT tests Reading Comprehension (RC) and Critical Reasoning (CR). You’ll be presented with 3 or 4 RC passages asking a total of 13-14 questions. The remaining 9 or 10 questions will test you on Critical Reasoning. You’ll have 45 minutes to complete the GMAT Verbal section.
Data Insights Section
The Data Insights (DI) section of the GMAT tests your ability to analyze and compare data in charts, tables, graphs, and other formats. You will need to use your quant and logic skills to process and interpret data quickly. In addition, the Data Insights section incorporates verbal elements into some of its questions. You’ll encounter 5 question types: Table Analysis, Graphic Interpretation, Two-Part Analysis, Multi-Source Reasoning, and Data Sufficiency.
There are 20 DI questions, and you have 45 minutes to answer them.
KEY FACT:
The GMAT has 3 sections: Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights.
Next, let’s discuss GMAT availability.
GMAT Test Availability
You can take the GMAT year-round as an in-person exam at a designated test center, or as an online exam at home. GMAT test centers are located in 114 countries around the world, and the online GMAT is currently available to test-takers in many countries; check the current availability of online testing countries at mba.com. Before deciding which version to take, you should learn how the at-home and in-person GMAT compare. Regardless of where you take the GMAT, the exam will be in English. The cost of taking the exam at a test center is $275, and the GMAT Online costs $300.
KEY FACT:
The GMAT is administered year-round as either an in-person exam taken at designated test centers worldwide or an online exam taken at home.
Taking the GMAT at a Test Center
To take your GMAT at a test center, you must complete your GMAT registration at mba.com by creating your online account. Then, you’ll be able to register for your exam. First, find a convenient test center location, and then specify the date and time you want to take the exam. Once you confirm your test location, date, and time, you will pay your exam fee.
Taking your exam at one of the GMAT test centers has some advantages. The environment will be controlled, so there will be no interruptions, noise, or other environmental issues. You’ll be using test-friendly computers provided by the test center. Also, test center personnel will be available to resolve technical issues should they arise.
TTP PRO TIP:
A GMAT test center provides a quiet environment, test-friendly computers, and responsive test center employees.
Taking the Online GMAT at Home
If you take the online GMAT, you’ll have more flexibility in scheduling your test date and time. You may schedule your exam 24/7 to fit your needs. So, no matter if you’re an early bird or a night owl, or if you have a nontraditional work schedule, you’ll be able to choose a date and time that works for you.
Note that you must provide your own computer that meets all technical specifications mandated by GMAC. You’ll need to have a quiet location, and you’ll have to clear your space. In addition, you’ll be overseen by an online proctor for the duration of your test.
TTP PRO TIP:
The GMAT Online allows you to take the exam in the comfort of your own home.
Next, let’s review the restrictions on GMAT scheduling.
GMAT Scheduling Restrictions
Anyone age 13 or older can take the GMAT, although test-takers between 13 and 17 years of age need their parents’ consent to do so. You do not need a degree or a specified number of course credits. And of course, anyone who sits for the GMAT must pay the registration fee, although a limited number of fee waivers are available for test-takers with demonstrated financial need.
KEY FACT:
The GMAT costs $275 if taken at a test center and $300 if taken online at home.
How Soon After Taking the GMAT Can You Take It Again?
If you wish to retake the GMAT, you must wait at least 16 days between attempts. You may take the GMAT no more than 5 times within a rolling 12-month period. Recently, the GMAT lifetime limit of 8 attempts was lifted, and there is now no maximum number of times you can take the GMAT.
KEY FACT:
You must wait at least 16 days before retaking the GMAT, and you can take it no more than 5 times in any 12-month period.
When Should You Take the GMAT?
You have virtually unlimited flexibility in scheduling your GMAT test date. Because you have the option of taking the exam in person at a test center or online at home, you may choose essentially any date or time to take the test. Just make sure that you take the GMAT such that you receive your test results in time to submit them to your chosen schools before your application deadline. Official results are typically available about 3-5 days after your test date.
This may sound easy enough: if your application deadline is September 15, for example, you might make the (shortsighted) decision to schedule your GMAT for around September 7th, giving you plenty of time to ensure your scores are sent to schools before your deadline. However, this tight schedule deprives you of the option for a retake in case you need to get a better score. It’s wise to build a retake option into your GMAT test scheduling timetable.
With all this said, you should schedule your GMAT no later than 1 1/2 months before the admissions deadline of your desired school. This gives you enough time to get your official scores and submit them. More importantly, it also allows time to schedule a retake if you feel you need to increase your GMAT scores and even provides a cushion for studying your weak areas before your retake.
TTP PRO TIP:
You should schedule your GMAT no later than 1 1/2 months before your school’s admissions deadline.
Now that we know when to schedule the GMAT, let’s discuss when to begin studying.
When Should You Start Studying?
The date you choose to start studying for the GMAT is not carved in stone. However, if you begin too early, you might peak too soon before exam day. Similarly, if you start studying too late, you will have to pick and choose which topics to skip and which ones to study. You’ll have to scramble for time and you’ll likely be stressed out and poorly prepared on test day. So, what is the best time to start your GMAT preparation?
Don’t leave this important decision to chance! Guessing wrong could result in a disastrous score, let’s discuss some crucial steps to help you make an informed decision about your start date.
TTP PRO TIP:
Deciding when to start your GMAT preparation requires planning.
First, Determine Your Target Score
Too often, I encounter students who have given no thought to their GMAT target score. When asked, they give a vague response like, “as well as I can” or “enough to get into a top ten school.” Yet they have no idea what score that translates into.
Research the schools that interest you to determine your target score. Read the most recent list of the top 20 business schools in the US. Look up the GMAT scores of students accepted at the schools you’re interested in. If a school provides a range of acceptable scores, don’t set your sights on a score at the low end of the range. Go for a score at least in the middle of the range. If your application has any weak areas, such as a low GPA or less work experience than the norm, aim for an even higher target score.
Another reason for establishing your target score is to make you competitive for qualifying for a scholarship. Many scholarships include your GMAT score as one of the requirements for being considered. Be sure to find out the GMAT scores required for qualifying. You could earn a scholarship worth tens of thousands of dollars if you have a great GMAT score!
TTP PRO TIP:
To determine your target score, research the GMAT scores of accepted students at the schools that interest you.
Once you know your target score, you’ll need to take a practice exam.
Take a Practice Exam to Determine Your Baseline GMAT Score
After you have determined your target score, you need to take a practice GMAT exam to establish your baseline score. You can obtain two 2 free full-length practice exams at mba.com. You may also buy 2 additional exams.
Don’t study too much for this first practice exam. Familiarize yourself with the basic structure and format of the GMAT, but don’t worry about memorizing formulas or mastering the rules of critical reasoning questions! The practice test will provide a baseline score, which you should compare to your target score. The difference between these scores will help you determine how much preparation you may need.
TTP PRO TIP:
Take a practice GMAT exam to establish your baseline score.
After determining the score increase you need, the next step is to decide how much study time you’ll need to achieve it.
Determine How Much Study Time You Need
You can calculate your needed score increase by comparing your baseline score to your target score. This will guide you in your GMAT preparation. Use the following chart as an estimate of the number of hours you should plan to spend for your prep, based on your baseline score and the score increase you need.
| Score on Practice Test | Desired Point Increase | Time Required |
|---|---|---|
| 525 | 50-80 | 180 hours or 3 months |
| 605 | 50-80 | 240 hours or 4 months |
| 505 | 100-150 | 300 hours or 5 months |
| 605 | 100-150 | 360 hours or 6 months |
| *Note that the number of months in the third column is based on studying 15 hours per week. | ||
The chart provides general information, using average figures. Your situation may vary significantly from the information in the chart. For example, you might have a strong aptitude for the material tested on the GMAT. Or you may be able to study more than 15 hours a week. The time required would be affected by these and other variables.
TTP PRO TIP:
Calculate the point increase you need to reach your GMAT target score to estimate how much time you’ll need to study.
Next, you’ll need to determine how much weekly study time you can commit to. Let’s discuss.
Decide How Much Time You Can Commit To Studying
You probably have many commitments. You have work, family, friends, and community, all of which make demands on your time. You may be wondering how you’ll be able to put in the time for GMAT prep, in addition to all these other activities.
Use the following perspective concerning your GMAT preparation. A great GMAT score makes you competitive for getting into a great school, and getting your degree from a great school puts you in a position to get a satisfying and lucrative job after you graduate. So, every hour you study is an investment in the rest of your life.
TTP PRO TIP:
Treat GMAT studying as an investment in your future.
Great athletes view practice as a necessity. It is the opportunity to become so well-tuned that their game-day performance is just an extension of practice. Think of your GMAT studying in the same light. Be committed to making every hour of study meaningful and productive.
You should commit at least 15 hours to studying each week. It is enough to allow you to learn and remember information, but it is not extreme. You could study for just an hour each weekday and 5 hours each on Saturday and Sunday and meet the goal.
Remember, studying for your GMAT will last for just a few months. If you consider the potential return for investing just a few months into getting a phenomenal GMAT score, the hard work is definitely worth it.
Commit at least 15 hours to studying each week.
Next, let’s discuss the importance of sticking to your study schedule.
Make a GMAT Study Schedule and Stick To It
At this point, you know that your test date should be about 1 1/2 months before your application deadline. You know the approximate number of months you’ll need to study, based on your baseline and target GMAT scores. So, put the rubber to the road and get started with it!
The first thing to do is to create your weekly study schedule. You might want to use a paper or digital calendar to give yourself a visual reminder of your scheduled study times. You may find that an actual calendar holds you more accountable for ensuring that you study when you commit to doing so.
Don’t cheat! Enter your study days and times into your calendar, and once you commit, don’t miss your appointment with yourself! Adopt the mindset that you are as responsible for meeting your study commitments as you would be for getting to work or an appointment on time.
TTP PRO TIP:
Create a GMAT study plan and stick to it.
Key Takeaways
Here are the key points we’ve discussed in this article:
- The GMAT consists of 3 sections: Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights. Each section score contributes equally to your total score.
- You can take the GMAT anytime and nearly anywhere, at either a test center or online at home. You must wait at least 16 days between retakes, and you may take the exam no more than 5 times in a rolling 12-month period.
- You should schedule your GMAT test date no later than 1 ½ months before your application deadline. This gives you a cushion in case your score is not high enough. You’ll have a bit of time to study and retake the exam before your deadline.
- To determine your start date for studying, you need to determine your baseline and target GMAT scores. The difference between these will help you determine how many hours or months you should plan to prepare.
- Once you’ve chosen your test date and your start date for studying, make a study schedule that you can follow and commit to it.
What’s Next?
Now that you know you can take the GMAT whenever you wish, you can get a leg up on beginning your studying by reading this article about GMAT study resources.
Interested in expert help to have you ready to crush the exam? Sign up for a free consultation to learn how working with a TTP GMAT tutor can help you achieve your GMAT goals.
