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As a college student, you are always short on time, money, and sleep. But you are still drowning in exams-midterms and finals, assignments, projects, papers, and a lot more. With so much going on, it’s understandable you want to postpone taking your GMAT exam or log in years of work experience before finally revisiting college for an MBA degree.

plan your GMAt studies

IN THIS BLOG:

1.    You’re sharp & you have time for GMAT Exam
2.    Take the GMAT Exam Now for Maximum Flexibility!
3.    Know The GMAT exam beyond an MBA
4.    After the GMAT Exam, Build Your MBA Application Profile
5.    Use Your College Resources for GMAT Exam Prep

Whether you want to go to business school now or postpone it for later, taking your GMAT exam in college is anyway a great idea! This blog discusses why taking the GMAT exam sooner rather than later is a good idea.

Why take the GMAT as an undergrad?

A small but increasing number of experts observed that an MBA degree pursued directly after undergrad enables students to avoid the opportunity costs they may otherwise have to bear if they wait longer. Though the individual situations may vary, you will have fewer things to take care of at 22 than at 28.

GMAT is not anyone’s idea of fun, yet there are several good reasons to jump ahead and take the exam while still pursuing your graduation.

GMAT Exam Dates 2023

1. You’re sharp & you have time for GMAT Exam

The college environment is conducive to studying as constant practice and regular exams hone your test-taking skills. You also have an almost set routine wherein you can make time for the GMAT prep.

When you are in college, your test-taking skills are sharp. Once you graduate, your test skills get rusty as you lose touch with regular practice. In college, your learning mode is always on, which will easily help you get a hold of GMAT concepts.

Even though college life feels hectic, it gets more difficult once you’re in the professional world. You have limited time and energy at your disposal. It is easier to fit your GMAT exam prep into your undergrad schedule than when you’ll be clocking in a full-time job.

2. Take the GMAT Exam Now for Maximum Flexibility!

Your GMAT exam score will be ready when you are. For admissions to the top b-schools, an outstanding GMAT score is a winning element on your application. The score is valid for five years, and if you are not happy with your score, you can schedule another GMAT exam for a later date.

Additionally, you might want to continue your postgraduate studies directly after your undergrad, and taking the GMAT exam earlier allows you that flexibility. If you already have a GMAT score ready, you have the option to apply to other management programs besides an MBA, such as MiM or ISB’s Young Leader Programme.

How do you get a 770 on the GMAT?

Have you taken the GMAT before?

Taking your GMAT exam sooner gives you the freedom and flexibility to decide on the right management program and b-school. Getting an early GMAT score gives you the flexibility to take up new opportunities when they show up.

3. Know The GMAT exam beyond an MBA

The GMAT exam is more than just your score. It demonstrates your commitment to business schools and a management career and that you are not weighing many other career options.

Taking the GMAT exam while you are still in college is an indication for b-schools that you are clear and decisive about your goals. So, ace that GMAT score, and if you are still not convinced, reschedule for a better score.

For b-schools, your GMAT score reflects that you can handle the academic rigors of the course. Moreover, employers value your GMAT score too. Top management consulting and investment banking firms consider your GMAT scores during their hiring process.

4. After the GMAT Exam, Build Your MBA Application Profile

The admission committee takes a holistic view of applications when shortlisting candidates. Your GMAT score is just one part of your MBA application, and other elements include your essays, resume, recommendation letters, academic transcripts, etc.

Keeping your plans flexible can prove highly valuable at the early start of your career. To make it to the top b-schools, you’ll need a good GMAT score and a strong profile. If you take the GMAT exam in college, you can later focus on building other aspects of your MBA application.

B-school applicants bolster their MBA applications with substantive work experience and outstanding test scores. You may want to join an NGO for community service or take on a leadership role in a project.  For instance, if you already have a stellar GMAT score in your hand, you can postpone your MBA application for an extraordinary opportunity at work.

5. Use Your College Resources for GMAT Exam Prep

While you are on the college campus, you will have access to study groups, test-takers, and an environment conducive to studying. The college library will be full of students preparing for different competitive exams. You’ll also have college professors and peers who can help you with the GMAT exam prep.

Taking the GMAT exam as a graduate student will give you a chance to take advantage of these resources. Your brain is in a default learning setting, and these additional resources will up your game of GMAT exam prep.

You do not get similar benefits in a professional environment; your colleagues will not go home and prepare for the GMAT exam. Whereas college gives you immense resources, most of which will go away as soon as you graduate and enter the working world.

Though individual decisions may vary, taking your GMAT exam while still in college is an optimal decision for many. Several students realize that taking the GMAT earlier reduces the opportunity costs they have to deal with, and more b-schools encourage them for the same; maybe it’s time you, too, should start preparing for your GMAT exam.

Book a free fifteen-minute session with our expert and join the growing number of undergrads sitting for the GMAT this year.

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