This section includes many Frequently Asked Questions about the GMAT Exam. If you cannot find the answer to your question here, please Contact Us .
Frequently Asked Questions about the GMAT Exam
REGISTERING FOR THE TEST
- How do I register to take the GMAT?
- Can I take the GMAT in the UK?
- When is the GMAT test available?
- How much does it cost to take the GMAT?
- What if I need to reschedule my test date?
- What if I have to cancel my test date?
- I have a disability / I am dyslexic – can I apply for extra time or special accommodations on the GMAT?
ON TEST DAY
- What should I take with me to the testing center?
- What can I take into the exam room with me?
- Can I use a calculator in the GMAT?
- Will I be given anything to write on during the exam?
GMAT SCORES
- How is the GMAT scored?
- What is the average GMAT score?
- What is a good GMAT score?
- Do business schools have a minimum GMAT score requirement?
- How do business schools use my GMAT score?
- How long are GMAT scores valid for?
- Can I cancel my GMAT score if I feel I have done badly?
RETAKING THE TEST
- How many times can I take the GMAT?
- I’m not happy with my GMAT score – how soon can I retake the test?
- If I take the test more than once, will business schools see all my scores?
Frequently Asked Questions about the GMAT Exam
REGISTERING FOR THE EXAM
How do I register to take the GMAT?
You should register online at the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) website at www.mba.com . In the UK you can also call the test center administrators (Pearson) on 0161 855 7219 during the hours of 9am–6pm local time.
Can I take the GMAT in the UK?
Yes. In the UK there are test centers available in major cities and towns. In London there are centers at Holborn, Crawley and Watford. For a full list of testing locations, please see www.mba.com
When is the GMAT test available?
The GMAT is a computerized test which is available year-round at testing centers globally. You must book an appointment to sit the test. Testing centers operate on individual schedules with some open on weekends, and most have morning and afternoon slots available. See www.mba.com to book your appointment.
How much does it cost to take the GMAT?
A GMAT appointment costs US$250, plus local taxes for the country in which you take the test. In the UK this is VAT which is currently 20%. You can pay online with a credit or debit card.
What if I need to reschedule my test date?
You can do this via the test appointment booking system on www.mba.com . If you reschedule your appointment at least 7 full days before your original appointment then you will need to pay a reschedule fee of US$50. If you reschedule less than 7 full days before your original appointment, then you will be charged the full registration amount.
What if I have to cancel my test date?
You can do this via the test appointment booking system at www.mba.com . If you cancel at least 7 full days in advance of your appointment you will receive a partial refund of US$80. If you cancel less than 7 full days in advance of your appointment you will forfeit your entire registration fee.
I have a disability / I am dyslexic – can I apply for extra time or special accommodations on the GMAT?
Yes. Test takers with documented disabilities, including dyslexia, can apply for special testing accommodations on the GMAT. Accommodations can include additional time on the test, additional rest breaks, a sign language interpreter, a reader or record taker etc. For full details of how to apply for special testing accommodations, you must download both the GMAT Information Bulletin and the Supplement for Test Takers for Disabilities from www.mba.com . Please note that you must submit your applications early, as decisions regarding special accommodations can take 6 to 8 weeks.
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ON TEST DAY
What should I take with me to the testing center?
You should take personal identification (see www.mba.com for a full list of acceptable forms of ID); the appointment confirmation letter or email you received when booking your test; and the names of the GMAT programs to which you intend to send your scores.
What can I take into the exam room with me?
Nothing at all! You will not be allowed to take any items into the exam room with you, including pens, paper or bottled water. You will be given a small locker outside the testing room in which you can store your personal belongings.
Can I use a calculator on the GMAT?
No, the use of calculators is not allowed on the GMAT.
Will I be given anything to write on during the exam?
You will be given 5 drywipe noteboards to write on at the start of the test, and you can request more during the test. These must be given back to the administrator at the end of the test. You will not be allowed to take any of your own writing materials into the testing room.
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GMAT SCORES
How is the GMAT scored?
You will receive 4 scores on the GMAT: an overall score, a subscore for the Verbal section, a subscore for the Quantitative section, and a score for the Analytical Writing Assessment section. Your overall score will be from 200 to 800; the subscores will be scored from 0 to 60, and the Analytical Writing Assessment score will be scored from 1 to 6. For each of your scores, you will also receive a percentile rank, which shows the percentage of examinees who scored below you (based on everyone who has taken the GMAT in the last 3 years). So if you score in the 70th percentile, it means that 70% of test-takers scored lower than you did.
What is the average GMAT score?
The overall GMAT score ranges from 200 to 800. The average GMAT score among test-takers worldwide is 540. Two-thirds of test takers score between 400 and 600.
What is a good GMAT score?
A “good” GMAT score is only relative to the MBA programs to which you are applying! You will need to do some research on the schools to which you want to send your scores and set yourself realistic goals based on the average scores accepted by those programs. Top tier schools will usually be looking for a score in the 90th percentile or above (eg Wharton has an average GMAT score of 713; Harvard 708; INSEAD 702; and London Business School 680).
Do business schools have a minimum GMAT score requirement?
Most schools will not set a minimum requirement for GMAT scores, although most will publish the average GMAT score of their students. This information is usually readily available on schools’ websites, so do your research and find out the average scores for the schools you want to apply to, and then aim for a minimum of that score.
How do business schools use my GMAT score?
GMAT scores provide admissions teams with a standardized and consistent measure for all applicants, and so will use GMAT scores as a filter for the applications they receive. You may have great essays, but if you do not have a good GMAT score, your application will not be looked on as favorably as that of a candidate who has great essays AND a good GMAT score. It is one part of your application, but it’s a vital part.
How long are GMAT scores valid for?
GMAT scores are valid for 5 years. Every time you take the test and send your score to a school, the school will be able to see every GMAT score you have attained in the previous 5 years.
Can I cancel my GMAT score if I feel I have done badly?
If you feel you have not done well on the GMAT, you may cancel your score, BUT you can only do this immediately after completing the test, and BEFORE you see your scores. After your scores are displayed to you at the end of the test, you may not cancel them.
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RETAKING THE TEST
How many times can I take the GMAT?
You can retake the GMAT up to 5 times in any 12-month period, but no more than once in any 31-day period. You can request to GMAC in writing if you want to take it more than that, but applications are only considered after you have actually taken the 5th test. You must have good reason to make the request or it will not be considered. Also, if you score an 800 on the exam, you will not be allowed to retake the test for another 5 years!
I’m not happy with my GMAT score – how soon can I retake the test?
You can only take the test once every 31 calendar days. If you attempt to take the test before that time period has elapsed, your new scores will not be reported and you lose your test administration fee.
If I take the test more than once, will business schools see all my scores?
Yes they will. Your score report will list all of the scores from every time you have taken the GMAT in the last 5 years. Your scores are valid for 5 years.
