GMAT Retake Strategy Steps: Complete Guide for Indian Students
GMAT
The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a critical component of the application process for top business schools worldwide. A good score can significantly improve your chances of admission to prestigious institutions. However, if you feel that your initial GMAT score doesn't accurately reflect your abilities, retaking the GMAT may be an option using the GMAT retake policy. Using the GMAT retake strategy steps the GMAT scores can be boosted, check how in the article.
Those who want to retake GMAT exam can do so by understanding that there is an additional fee, a time gap and a minimum number of attempts. Let us check out in detail about the GMAT Retake policy, the GMAT retake policy steps and why applicants should consider retaking the GMAT exam. In this article, we will also provide you with a detailed strategy for retaking the GMAT from India, including steps to follow, the cost involved, and the GMAT retake policy in order to meet the GMAT cutoffs for admissions abroad.
- What is GMAT Retake Policy?: Overview
- Why Consider Retaking the GMAT?
- 10 GMAT Retake Strategy Steps to Ace GMAT Scores
- GMAT Retake Fee
- Should I Avoid Retaking the GMAT?
- GMAT Retake Policy FAQs
What is GMAT Retake Policy?: Overview
GMAT Retake Policy is a provision available for applicants who wish to take or appear for the GMAT exam again. GMAT retake policy is applicable in certain situations and applicants must adhere to the two rules and they are as follows:
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Retake Limit on GMAT Retake Policy
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Visa applicationApplicants can take the GMAT up to 5 times in a year (or 12-month period) and up to 8 times in total in an individual’s lifetime. However, retaking the test multiple times without significant preparation can lead to diminishing returns.
Waiting Period on GMAT Retake Policy
After taking the GMAT, applicants must wait for 16 days minimum before retaking the exam. This waiting period is mandatory, regardless of the score you received on your GMAT.
Why Consider Retaking the GMAT?
Before making up your mind to analyse the strategies about GMAT retake options, let’s first explore why applicants might want to retake the GMAT in the first place. There could be several reasons, including:
- Factors like stress, illness, anxiety or external distractions can cause applicants to underperform on GMAT. On the second attempt, the anxiety may be lower.
- In case, the initial GMAT score falls short of the average scores of the target B-schools abroad, a retake might be necessary.
- For those who have identified areas of weakness in their GMAT exam preparation, retaking the GMAT might be the right choice to aim for a better score.
- Panicking on questions that were slightly difficult and either leaving them or spending too much time on them. Since applicants would have got practice on tricky questions, the stress would be lower on the next attempt. Check: Is GMAT Tough?
- Poor time management strategies and problem-solving skills. May be an improved time management strategy and better problem-solving skills with additional practice may be possible on the next attempt.
The list is endless, but if applicants feel that they can improve their shortcomings and GMAT scores, they must retake GMAT exam.
10 GMAT Retake Strategy Steps to Ace GMAT Scores
For those planning to retake the GMAT exam, it's important to have a clear strategy in place to improve GMAT scores. Here are some essentially curated GMAT retake strategy steps to follow:
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Evaluate the Current GMAT Score
The first step towards the GMAT retake strategy is to evaluate the current GMAT exam score. Analyse the breakdown of the scores in each section: Quantitative, Verbal, Integrated Reasoning, and Data Insights (DI) and understand what went wrong and where.
Tip: If your score in one section is much lower than the others, consider focusing your preparation on that particular section or topic.
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Understand the GMAT Retake Policy
It’s important to familiarise oneself with the GMAT retake policy before scheduling another retake. The policy outlines the number of times you can retake the GMAT, the time you need to wait before retaking it, and the associated fees.
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Calculate How Much Time You Need for GMAT Prep
Based on your performance, applicants need to understand how much time they would need to cover GMAT topics for preparation and then apply for a retake. Also follow the GMAT retake strategy steps to avoid repeating old mistakes on the exam.
Tip: Create a prep plan and stick to it to understand your progress and performance.
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Assess Your Readiness for Retaking the GMAT
Before scheduling your retake, it’s essential to assess whether you’re truly ready to take the test again. Consider the following questions:
- Have you worked on your weaknesses?
- Have you improved your preparation strategy?
- Are you feeling confident about the material you struggled with before?
If you’re unsure about your readiness, you might want to give yourself more time to prepare for the GMAT or consider essential strategies to ace the exam. Check: What is a Good GMAT score?
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Create a Targeted Study Plan
Once you've identified the areas that need the most improvement, create a study plan tailored to your needs. Break down your study sessions into manageable chunks and allocate more time to areas where you struggled previously. Ensure that your study plan covers all sections of the GMAT, but emphasize your weaker areas.
Tip: Focus on quality, not just quantity. Consistent, focused study sessions will yield better results than long, unfocused hours of studying.
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Utilize GMAT Prep Materials and Resources
Use a mix of official GMAT prep materials (like the GMAT Official Guide) and trusted third-party resources. GMAT prep courses can be beneficial, particularly if they offer personalised feedback and strategies for improvement. Practice tests are also invaluable, as they help you simulate test-day conditions and get a sense of the time pressure involved.
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Take GMAT Practice Tests
Taking practice tests is a critical part of any GMAT retake strategy. It helps you identify the overall progress, refine your time management skills, and familiarise yourself with the test format. Ensure to take full-length tests and simulate the actual testing environment to get an accurate sense of your performance. This is another major GMAT retake strategy step towards getting better scores.
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Review and Learn from Mistakes
After each GMAT practice test, take the time to review your answers, especially the incorrect ones. Understand why you made certain mistakes and figure out how you can avoid them in the future. This review process will help you strengthen your understanding and boost your confidence.
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Refine Your Test-Taking Strategies
The GMAT is not just a test of knowledge; it’s also a test of strategy. Focus on improving your time management, pacing, and ability to answer questions efficiently. Work on strategies for tackling difficult questions, and learn how to guess strategically when time is running short.
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Apply for the GMAT Exam Following the Retake Policies
Once the applicants have completed their GMAT prep, have confidence in their preparation and are ready to re-apply can retake the GMAT exam. Thus, this is the last step in the GMAT retake strategy.
Tip: Don’t rush into things, plan everything properly keeping your college application deadlines under check. Once everything is in place, and you have completed the gap days, you should consider retaking the GMAT exam.
Applicants who can follow the above-mentioned GMAT retake strategy steps will also be able to ace the exam in the second attempt. The reason is, that 70% of the chances increase after applicants follow these GMAT retake strategy steps.
GMAT Retake Fee
The GMAT retake fee in India is the same as the initial exam fee that is, USD 275 (at GMAT test centre) or USD 300 (GMAT at home). However, there may be additional charges in case applicants plan on rescheduling their GMAT exam dates and they are as follows:
| GMAT Reschedule Fees |
GMAT at a Test Center |
GMAT Online |
|---|---|---|
| More than 60 days before the actual GMAT appointment |
USD 55 |
USD 60 |
| 15-60 days before the actual GMAT appointment |
USD 110 |
USD 120 |
| 14 days or less before the actual GMAT appointment |
USD 165 |
USD 180 |
In case applicants choose to shift their GMAT exam dates, will additionally have to pay this fee. In case of GMAT exam cancellation, another fee will be incurred. Get all the details at GMAT exam fees.
Should I Avoid Retaking the GMAT?
While it may seem tempting to retake the GMAT in the hope of improving your GMAT score, there are a few factors to consider before doing so. Avoid retaking the GMAT unless you have a solid strategy for improving your score. Retaking the GMAT without adequately addressing your weaknesses may result in a similar or even lower score, which could hurt your chances of admission. So make up your mind accordingly and avoid retaking the GMAT if there is no gain at the end also if you cannot follow the GMAT retake strategy steps properly.
Retaking the GMAT can greatly improve your score and increase your chances of admission to top business schools. However, it requires careful planning, a solid study strategy, and a commitment to improving your skills. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can maximise your chances of success on your GMAT retake from India.
Some of the best books to prepare for GMAT Focus Edition are as follows:
- The GMAT Focus Official Guide
- The Critical Reasoning Bible
- All the GMAT guides (Manhattan Prep)
- Total GMAT Math (Jeff Sackmann)
- GMAT Prep Plus (Kaplan)
Ideally these are some of the most important GMAT Focus books to prepare for the exam.
GMAT exam is actually very tough, as only a handful number of students crack the exam. Out of 200,000 students, only 6% of the students qualified the exam. SIne the competition is very high, these tests are a hard nut to crack. Students preparing for GMAT exam will have to prepare rigorously and solve question papers in order to crack the exam. GMAT is hard to crack but not impossible. With the right strategies, students can aim to crack the exam.
Check out: Is GMAT exam tough?
As such there is no particular preference for choosing the best month to appear for GMAT exam. It is up to the applicants to choose a relevant GMAT exam date based on their admission intakes abroad and regster accordingly. Those who wish to submit GMAT scores for Fall intake should register for July-August months. While those applying for Spring intakes can appear for the exam in September-December months. It is completely up to the students because they need time to prepare and select an apt GMAT exam date.
Preparing for the GMAT test takes time and sincere efforts. You can prepare for the exam in six to eight months or it can be 3-4 months depending on your practice and ability. You need to give consistent efforts to get a good GMAT score. Make sure that you understand the GMAT pattern and syllabus before you purchase any study material. You must start with the GMAT official study material and then move on the other standard resources such as the Manhattan Prep guides. You must also appear for GMAT mock tests every week to gauge your progress.
650 - 690 is a good score, however, if you score above 700 then it is great and it also enhances your chances of securing admission to a top B-school. However, a good GMAT score is not the only criterion for securing admission to a top MBA college. Students need to build a holistic profile that should have a decent balance of work experience, academic excellence, extracurricular activities, etc. Nonetheless, a good GMAT score will definitely help you in improving your candidature. Make sure to cover every aspect of the GMAT syllabus with the correct resources.
To cover the GMAT syllabus in 3 months, you can follow a structured study plan and make efficient use of your time. Here's a suggested approach to cover GMAT syllabus:
- Understand the GMAT syllabus: Learn the topics covered by the GMAT's syllabus, including Analytical Writing, Integrated Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Verbal Reasoning. You can prioritise your study topics with this assistance.
- Create a study schedule: Divide your 3-month study period into weekly and daily goals. Allocate specific time slots for each section of the GMAT syllabus. Ensure that your schedule is realistic and allows for regular practice and revision.
- Gather study materials: Gather pertinent study materials that span the whole GMAT course, both online and off. Textbooks, question banks, GMAT prep books, and online materials may all be included in this.
- Focus on weak areas: Identify your weak areas and allocate more time to study and practice those topics.
- Practice regularly: Set aside dedicated time for GMAT practice questions and mock tests.
- Seek guidance and support: Consider enrolling in a GMAT prep course or working with a tutor who can guide you through the syllabus and provide feedback on your progress.
- Review and revise: Regularly review the topics you have covered and revise key concepts. Make use of flashcards, summaries, and mnemonic techniques to reinforce your learning.
- Take mock exams: As you approach the end of your 3-month study period, take full-length mock exams to simulate the actual GMAT test conditions. Analyze your performance, identify areas for improvement, and adjust your study plan accordingly.
Keep in mind that perseverance and commitment are essential for success. Stick to your study schedule, stay inspired, and keep a good outlook throughout the GMAT prep process. Good fortune!
GMAT is a computer-adaptive test, it adapts to the performance of the candidate while he is giving the test. The difficulty level of the questions changes based on whether the candidate is answering the questions right or wrong. If the candidate is answering the questions right, the level of the questions will rise, similarly, if the candidate is answering the questions wrong, the candidate will start getting easy questions. Also, as the next question is generated based on the performance in the current question, the candidate cannot visit the previous question. The candidate needs to answer a question about whether he is able to solve it or not in order to move ahead in the exam. If you get an easy question while taking the GMAT exam, you need not panic whether the previous question was correct or incorrect. Instead of wasting your time, you must focus only on solving the current question.
Remember to analyze your weaknesses, create a focused study plan, and give yourself enough time to prepare. If you approach the retake with the right mindset and strategy, you’ll be in a strong position to achieve your target score and advance toward your MBA abroad goals. Plus ensure you meet the instructions and are eligible for GMAT exam before a re-attempt.
GMAT Retake Policy FAQs
Q. After how many days can I retake GMAT?
A. After taking the GMAT exam, you must wait a minimum of 16 days before retaking the test. This is part of the official GMAT retake policy and is designed to give you time to improve your skills and knowledge before trying again.
If you feel that you could benefit from additional preparation, you may choose to wait longer before retaking the GMAT. However, if you feel confident and ready to take the test again sooner, you’ll need to follow the required 16-day waiting period.
Q. What are the steps to follow after 16 days of taking GMAT?
A. Once the 16-day waiting period is over, you can register for your GMAT retake. Here are the next steps:
- Register for GMAT by visiting the official GMAT website and choosing the date and location that work best for you.
- Review Your Strategy: Revisit your study plan and ensure that you’re addressing the areas where you previously struggled.
- Take Practice Tests: Continue taking full-length practice tests to gauge your progress.
Q. What are the benefits of GMAT retake policy?
A. There may be situations where retaking the GMAT can be an added advantage and prove beneficial for the applicant, and they include:
- Applicants have a hope to improve their GMAT scores in case they don’t clear in the first go.
- Applicants get a chance to rework on their weak areas and re-appear on GMAT.
- This policy gives applicants more confidence to ace their exams.
- There are multiple attempts available which is another benefit.
Q. Why should I wait for 16 days to retake GMAT?
A. As mentioned in the article, the minimum waiting period between GMAT attempts is 16 days. This is the official GMAT retake policy and applies regardless of whether you performed well on your initial attempt or not.
While this 16-day waiting period might seem restrictive, it’s important to use this time effectively. Focus on improving your weaknesses, refining your test-taking strategies, and gaining more confidence in your abilities.
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Applicants looking at applying for GMAT in India should know that GMAT exam is conducted in two ways - one is at the GMAT exam centre (traditional method) and the other can be taken from home (referred to as GMAT Online). Both of them have a different fee per se.
As per GMAC, this is how much GMAT exam costs in India based on how the applicant wishes to appear:
Applicants must check the current exchange rate and then calculate the exact GMAT exam cost while applying from India based on the test centre testing or GMAT Online testing.