The GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) is a standardized exam used by business schools to assess the potential of applicants to their MBA programs. A high GMAT score is a deciding factor for admission to many prestigious business schools and a valuable asset for those pursuing a career in business. However, the validity period of the GMAT score is a source of confusion for many test takers.
The GMAT is a computer-adaptive test that assesses candidates’ analytical writing, quantitative, verbal, and reading skills. This exam is given for admission to reputed business school graduate programs such as MBA or postgraduate programs in finance-related fields. There has been a lot of speculation about GMAT scores and their validity. Questions like how long the GMAT is valid, how many years can I use my GMAT scores, etc. are common questions among students.
To better understand the validity of GMAT scores, we have prepared this post with all the details regarding the validity of the GMAT exam and related aspects.
What all is covered in this post?
This blog will help you by providing a better understanding of the following aspects:
Topics covered
GMAT – Recent Updates
The GMAT Syllabus has some changes compared to the previous year’s question patterns. We have highlighted the following points to help applicants understand the changes:
- The GMAT math syllabus will include reflection questions;
- Conversion questions will be added to the new GMAT syllabus;
- Adding a question that is made up of terms like “both”, and “neither”.
- Availability of coordinate geometry in the GMAT Geometry section of the GMAT curriculum;
- There have also been major changes to the GMAT Online Exam and curriculum, making it the “Enhanced GMAT Online Exam – Addition of the GMAT AWA Section.”
Types of GMAT tests and their score validity
The GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) consists of four sections: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, Integrated Reasoning, and Analytical Writing Assessment. Marks from each section are combined to produce a total score that ranges from 200 to 800.
A GMAT score is valid for five years from the date of the test. This means that after five years, business schools will no longer count scores in the admissions process. However, it is important to note that the validity period is determined by the schools themselves and can vary greatly from school to school. Some schools may place more importance on the most recent scores, while others may consider scores from several years ago.
It should be noted that GMAC, which administers the GMAT, allows applicants to retake the exam 16 days after their last attempt. However, it is advisable to thoroughly prepare for the exam before retaking it, as multiple attempts are possible
For how many years GMAT score is valid?
GMAC, the conducting body of the GMAT, considers your GMAT score valid for five years after the date of your exam. Therefore, if you took the GMAT on September 1, 2023, your score will be valid until September 1, 2028.
If your GMAT score is valid, it will appear on the GMAT score report you send to schools and in your score history in your mba.com account.
What You Should Know?
Your GMAT score appears on the score report you send to schools and in your score history in your mba.com account for 5 years after your test date.
The thing about the validity of the GMAT score is that business schools may calculate it in a different way than the test taker does. Therefore, it is important to check the individual policies of the schools you plan to apply to before submitting your GMAT scores so that you can be sure that you are submitting scores that will be accepted by the desired programs.
To know about the exam dates, refer to our GMAT Exam 2023
How long does it take to get your GMAT score?
The GMAT exam is a standardized test that is used by business schools worldwide to assess the potential of aspiring MBA students. The test measures the skills of a candidate in areas such as verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, integrated reasoning, and analytical writing. After taking the GMAT, one of the most common questions that candidates ask is “how long does it take to get my score?”
Typically, it takes around 20 minutes to receive your scores after completing the GMAT exam. The scores for the quantitative and verbal sections are available immediately after you finish the test. However, the analytical writing assessment score takes longer to be processed, and candidates can expect to receive it within 48 hours.
It is important to note that the scores from the GMAT are considered official only if they are received from the Graduate Management Admissions Council (GMAC). This organization administers the GMAT exam. The scores can be obtained online via the GMAT website or by phone.
It is also possible to receive your scores through the mail, but this can take up to two weeks. This can be a disadvantage for candidates who are in a rush and need their scores as soon as possible. Therefore, opting for online or phone score reports is recommended if you need your scores quickly.
Why do GMAT scores expire?
GMAT scores are valid for five years after the test date. After that, points expire and cannot be used for admission. The primary reason for this expiration policy is to ensure schools have access to the most recent and accurate information about a candidate’s academic potential. The GMAT is an important factor in determining whether a candidate is a good fit for a graduate management program, so it is important to have updated scores. In addition, the content and format of the GMAT exam can change over time, and the five-year lapse ensures that candidates are tested against the most recent material.
An expired score does not prevent a candidate from retaking the exam. In fact, many candidates choose to retake the exam to improve their scores. However, it is important to note that schools will only consider the most recent grade, so it is best to take the exam while the grade is still valid.
How is the GMAT score calculated?
The GMAT score is calculated based on three sections: the Verbal Reasoning section, the Quantitative Reasoning section, and the Integrated Reasoning section. Each section is scored on a scale of 0 to 60, and the overall GMAT score ranges from 200 to 800.
The Critical Thinking section assesses the candidate’s ability to analyze and understand written material, evaluate arguments and recognize connections between ideas. The Quantitative Reasoning section measures the candidate’s ability to understand, analyze and solve mathematical problems. The Integrated Reasoning section measures the candidate’s ability to analyze and solve complex problems using data from a variety of sources.
The raw scores from each section are converted to scaled scores using a mathematical formula to calculate the total score. The scaled scores are then combined to produce a total score ranging from 200 to 800. The score report also includes a percentage ranking that shows the percentage of candidates who scored lower than the candidate. For example, a percentage rating of 90 means that the candidate scored more than 90% of the test takers.
The GMAT score is just one of many factors considered in graduate management programs. Schools also consider a candidate’s credits, work experience, essays, and letters of recommendation when making an admissions decision. However, the GMAT score is an important part of the admissions process and can have a significant impact on a candidate’s chances of being accepted into a graduate management program.
Epilogue
Good to have you, finally, on this other side! Looking forward to getting admission to an esteemed business school of global repute? Hope we’ve been able to help you with most of the knowledge that you were asking for. We’ve just finished presenting to you all the details of the GMAT score validity for MBA & other Master’s courses. Nevertheless, do you need some handholding to get you through this? How about a discussion with our expert career counsellors to study abroad with decades of experience concerning education in this field?
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Also Read:
- GMAT Exam Paper Pattern
- GMAT vs. GRE
- Crack MBA Entrance Exams
- How to Prepare for GMAT Exam
- Looking For an MBA (Finance)
- IELTS Syllabus
- Graduate Managment Admission Test
- GMAT Accepting Colleges in India
GMAT Score Validity: FAQs
GMAT scores are valid for five years after the date of the exam. After that, the scores expire and cannot be used for admission purposes.
Yes, you can still take the GMAT even if your score has expired. However, schools will only consider your most recent score.
If you take the GMAT again after your score has expired, the new score will replace the expired score and will be used for admission purposes.
No, an expired GMAT score cannot be used for admission purposes for any school or program.
The GMAT score is valid at all test centers and is not tied to a specific test center. If you take the GMAT at a different test center than your expired score, the new score will replace the expired score and will be used for admission purposes.
No, GMAT scores are non-refundable and cannot be extended. It is important to plan ahead and take the exam within five years of when you plan to use the score for admission purposes.
Anushree Rastogi is a Senior Content Writer at iDreamCareer, bringing over 5 years of expertise to the field of career counseling. She has done a PGDM in Marketing and Finance and possesses a unique blend of skills that allows her to craft engaging and informative content. She is passionate about helping individuals navigate their career paths and has dedicated her career to providing valuable insights through her content. Her commitment to excellence and keen understanding of the career landscape make her a trusted guide for those seeking professional direction. With a flair for clear and engaging writing, Anushree is on a mission to empower others to make informed and fulfilling career choices.
