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If you’ve already taken the GMAT exam and are not satisfied with your score, we know the question looming over your head–should I retake the exam now or wait for GMAT Focus Edition to roll out? Or, is it even a good idea to retake the GMAT exam altogether? Read on as this blog answers all the questions haunting you about the GMAT exam retake. 

In this blog: 

  1. An overview of GMAT retake
  2. Is it worth retaking GMAT?
  3. When should you consider for GMAT retake
  4. Factors that you should consider before retaking
  5. Understand the timing
  6. Which retake to go for? Standard GMAT or GMAT Focus Edition?
  7. Chalk out your retake strategy

An overview of GMAT retake

Is retaking 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 $250*

* Retake fee for GMAT varies based on the test location 

Is it worth retaking a GMAT? 

Often the question of whether to retake the GMAT exam looms large for many of the aspiring business school applicants. While most of them think that it is a one-shot goal, others explore the possibility of giving it another shot. 

‘Is it worth retaking the exam?’ totally depends on your individual preferences. If your score falls short of the targeted score, then you should definitely go for the retake. Also, if you are not satisfied with what you got and you are confident that you can put in more effort to significantly increase your score, then why not retake the exam!

Also read: How important are GMAT scores for your B-school admissions?

When should you consider for GMAT retake

Here are some scenarios which might help us to understand when to choose for retake: 

Scenario 1: Say you have zeroed in Stanford, Harvard and Yale University to apply, and your application deadline is nearing, your GMAT score is 710. The average GMAT cut-off for your desired schools are: 

  • Stanford University- 737 
  • Harvard University- 730
  • Yale University- 725

If you have been scoring above the cut-offs in your practice sessions, then why not work to re-correct your goof-ups and give it another try? In this case, choosing a retake would be wiser. But if your score is the same as what you were obtaining in your practice tests, then you know where to put your hard work to get into one of your targeted B-schools.

Scenario 2: Now let’s say your score is 750, above average than top B-schools cut-off. Should you still decide to go for a retake? If you are super confident of your capabilities to score higher or if there’s no pressing deadlines, then why not? 

On the contrary, if you want to make the other application components stronger, then you should stick with your score. Pro tip: Prioritise between improving your score or efforts for improving your application. 

Scenario 3: Suppose you obtained a satisfactory score which will help you to get into one of your safety schools. Should you still think of retaking the test? Not really! Your GMAT score doesn’t always have to be at an A-level school’s range. If the time that’s left can be effectively used to improve your application, then the score shouldn’t be much of a worry. 

Also read: MBA courses with the highest GMAT scores

Factors to consider before GMAT retake

Before you decide to delve into it, please consider these factors. 

  1. Only after 16 days of your previous attempt, you can retake the test. 
  2. After reflecting on your previous attempt, if you feel there’s a scope of improvement, then go ahead.
  3. If you have worked on your areas of improvement to ace the exam
  4. If your other application components are strong, then retaking GMAT would help to make your profile stronger. 
  5. On the other hand, if you have a low GPA, then a strong GMAT score can cover up for that.
  6. When choosing a GMAT exam date, leave enough time window between the test and application deadlines to allow for retakes. 

Understand the timing for GMAT retake

If you’re wondering, ‘How soon can I sit for retake?’, here’s an answer. According to the retake policy, test-takers can sit for GMAT after 16 days of their previous attempt up to 5 times in a calendar year but not more than 8 times in total. 

However, online retakes are permissible only for one sitting, though the time limit stays the same i.e. after 16 days of the online exam. So if you have exhausted the first round of online retake and decide to take another shot, this time you will have to sit for the physical retake. 

Suggested Read: GMAT Exam Dates 2023

Should you retake current GMAT or GMAT Focus?

Given that the GMAT exam registration for Focus Edition will begin from August 2023 & test appointments from fourth quarter of 2023, there must be a confusion whether to sit for the new edition or the standard one.

For those who have already given the standard GMAT, the dilemma must be real. But fear not, the standard GMAT will remain available until early 2024. So, you can choose to revisit the past or jump aboard the GMAT Focus Edition bandwagon and grab its newness. 

Also read: Will the GMAT scores change with the new GMAT Focus Edition?

Chalk out your GMAT retake strategy

To maximise your efforts you should curate a structured strategy for acing the test. 

  • Analyse your test-day experience: It’s important to review your performance and to look for scope of improvement in areas that require additional hard work. 
  • Set up a target score for yourself: Along with your preparations, align your target score with your dream school’s requirements. Checkout the GMAT scores needed for an MBA in the US.
  • Work on your weak areas: Dedicate ample amount of time to work on the low-scoring areas. Consider it as a path towards personal growth, just like upgrading your gaming skills.
  • Estimate your preparation time: Timing is everything! Find a balance between GMAT preparation, bettering your application and aligning it with your application deadline.

Up your GMAT prep with Jamboree’s GMAT videos and other free GMAT prep resources, built over 30 years of research and experience. Or even better, enrol for a free demo class and learn from our GMAT experts. Book your slot here!

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