Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a critical component of the application process for top business schools worldwide. 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?
- Why Consider Retaking the GMAT?
- GMAT Retake Fee
- Should I Avoid Retaking the GMAT?
What is GMAT Retake Policy?
GMAT Retake Policy is a provision that allows test takers to re-take the GMAT exam. Conditions associated with this policy are-
- Test can be taken for up to 5 times in a year and only 8 times in the entire lifetime of an individual.
- Test takers must wait for at least 16 days before retaking the GMAT exam.
Why Consider Retaking the GMAT?
- 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.
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.
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Should I Avoid Retaking the GMAT?
It might seem like a good idea to retake the GMAT to improve your scores, but you must consider the following points before proceeding.
- Have a good strategy for improving your score
- Follow the GMAT retake strategy steps properly.
You can prepare for the exam in six to eight months depending on your ability. Make sure that you understand GMAT pattern and syllabus. You must start with GMAT official study material. You must also appear for GMAT mock tests every week.
The length of the preparation will vary person to person. While some may take longer time the others may take lesser time. So there is no one concrete answer to how long it will take to prepare for GMAT.
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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.