After completing all GMAT sections, waiting for your score to appear on the screen can feel like an eternity. Are you curious if your score will bring joy or disappointment? What would you do after achieving your desired GMAT score? What strategy will you implement if you fail to do so? Are you planning to apply in Round 1, or will you need to delay your application to Round 2 or Round 3 of the MBA application process?
Your mind is always active, getting ready for what’s to come. Upon glancing at your screen, you see your GMAT score falling short of your goal. Disappointed, you stand up and head back home. As you journey back, you are lost in contemplation about your destination. Life has yet to unfold as you had hoped. You may consider retaking the GMAT.
If you have experienced what was mentioned in the previous paragraph, you are not the only one. Remember to take a moment to relax and recharge when necessary. Take advantage of that day to eliminate any fear, stress, or anxiety this experience may have triggered. Reflect on the strengths of your most recent GMAT try. You’ve already completed the test at least once. You’re already familiar with what to anticipate for your GMAT retake. Planning effectively for your GMAT retake and executing your strategy is key to reaching your desired score.
An outline for the GMAT retake
| Is retaking the GMAT possible? | Yes |
| GMAT score | 200-800 |
| How many times can you sit for a retake? | 5 times in a rolling 12-month period Up to 8 times in a lifetime |
| GMAT retake fee | Rs 250 |
Note: The GMAT retake price varies depending on the exam venue.
Is it useful to retake the GMAT?
For many aspiring business school applicants, the decision of whether to retake the GMAT exam is a significant one. Some believe it’s a one-time achievement, while others consider the option of trying again.
Should I retake the exam? It all comes down to your tastes. If your score is below the desired target, consider retaking the test. If you feel unsatisfied with your results and believe that putting in more effort could lead to a significant score increase, retaking the exam might be a good option!
How often is it possible to retake the GMAT?
There is a 16-day waiting period between exams of the same format (both in a testing centre or online). There is no waiting period when switching formats, such as starting at a testing centre and then moving to the GMAT Online.
You can sit for the GMAT exam up to five times within a continuous 12-month, regardless of the test format. For instance, you could complete the test three times online and twice in person within 12 months, reaching your five-test limit. Similarly, the GMAT can be taken up to eight times throughout your life, regardless of format.
When is the right time to think about retaking the GMAT?
Below are a few steps that can guide us in determining when to choose for a retake:
Step 1: I am very nervous about taking standardized tests.
We all experience a sense of anxiety when facing the GMAT exam. Feeling a bit of anxiety can be beneficial as it can provide you with the adrenaline needed to stay energized and focused during the exam. However, some individuals experience severe symptoms that greatly impact their daily functioning.
Being well-acquainted with something can reduce our anxiety about it. Consider using your first GMAT as a trial run to familiarise yourself with the entire testing process. It will greatly assist you in improving your ability to handle the anxiety you experience during your second test, even though you may still feel nervous on test day.
It’s advisable to schedule your practice test 4 to 8 weeks before your test date. This way, you can use it as a dry run to gauge your readiness before the real deal. Your score is insignificant! It’s merely a practice run.
Step 2 – Examine your Enhanced Score Report (ESR) in detail.
The Enhanced Score Report provides valuable insights into your most recent GMAT exam performance.
Analysing ESR can assist in pinpointing areas with lower proficiency levels. It’s important to note that we’ve chosen to use ‘ability’ instead of ‘accuracy’ in this context.
Emphasis on ability over accuracy: Your GMAT score is determined by your ability level, not just your accuracy.
Why is that? Since the GMAT is an adaptive test, it focuses more on your ability to handle challenging questions than just your accuracy in answering them.
For a deeper understanding, refer to the application of this step in the selected case study.
Step 3: Tracking Your Achievements
One effective method for monitoring progress is using ability quizzes. Quizzes that assess abilities provide more precise estimates than practice tests.
One great benefit of ability quizzes is that they not only give you a reliable estimate of your skills but also offer valuable insights on areas for improvement to reach the next level. Therefore, it’s no wonder that e-GMAT’s Scholaranium receives higher ratings than GMAT Prep mock tests on GMAT Club.
Create a plan for your GMAT Retake.
Developing a well-thought-out plan to excel in the test is important to optimize your efforts.
- Reflect on your test-day encounter: It’s crucial to assess your performance and identify areas that need extra effort for improvement.
- Establish a goal score for yourself: While getting ready for the test, match your desired score with the admission criteria of your preferred university. Look at the GMAT scores required for an MBA in the United States.
- Focus on improving your areas of weakness: Allocate sufficient time to improving the weaker areas. Think of it as a journey towards self-improvement, similar to levelling up your gaming abilities.
How long will it take you to prepare? Timing is crucial! Strive to strike a balance between preparing for the GMAT, enhancing your application, and ensuring it meets your application deadline.
