Table of Contents
- 1. GMAT Test Dates: When is the Best Time to Take the exam?
- 2. When Should I Take the GMAT?
- 2.1 Typical Admission Deadlines
- 3. Online v. Offline Testing
- 4. Where to Take GMAT Exam?
GMAT Focus Test Dates: When is the Best Time to Take the exam?
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When Should I Take the GMAT Focus?
A study of successful applicants reflected that the key time to take the GMAT is 3 months before your target business school’s admission deadline. If you plan to take the test online or offline, MBA.com allows you to book an appointment 6 months in advance. If planning for half a year intimidates you, 2-3 months is an acceptable time to prepare for your upcoming exam.
Typical Admission Deadlines
Most business schools have three different application cycles:
- Round 1: September/October
- Round 2: Beginning of January
- Round 3: April
Keeping these deadlines in mind will help you allocate enough time to prepare accordingly, book GMAT exam dates, and send out score reports to your target schools. To prepare with a calculated study schedule, check out our preparation courses.
Online v. Offline GMAT Focus Testing
GMAT online test dates are more flexible compared to in-person GMAT exam dates. Regardless of what fashion you choose to take the exam in, registering for the exam online is the first step.
Taking the exam online versus offline has no major differences. It’s more of a personal preference. Here are some pros of each:
| GMAT Online Exam | In-Center GMAT Exam | |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Sections | All 3 sections (64 questions) | All 3 sections (64 questions) |
| Duration of test | 2 hours, 15 minutes | 2 hours, 15 minutes |
| Registration Fee | Fees range depending on location | Fees range depending on location |
| Rescheduling Fee | Reschedule and cancel fees based on location, currency and advance notice. | Reschedule and cancel fees based on location, currency and advance notice. |
| Appointment Availability | 7 days a week, around the clock | 7 days a week during test center operating hours. |
| Score Sending | Send 5 free score reports to programs within 48 hours of receiving your Official Score. Additional score reports are available for a fee. | Send 5 free score reports to programs within 48 hours of receiving your Official Score. Additional score reports are available for a fee. |
| Score Scale | 205–805 | 205–805 |
| Validity | 5 years | 5 years |
| Scratch Work Resources | A physical whiteboard, dry erase marker, and eraser are permitted, and access to an online whiteboard is provided. | 5 laminated pages and 2 dry erase markers are provided. |
| Location | No commute. You can take exam from home. | Official GMAT testing centre |
| Your Score | View your unofficial score on screen immediately following the exam. Your Official Score Report will be available typically within 3-5 business days.* | View your unofficial score on screen immediately following the exam. Your Official Score Report will be available typically within 3-5 business days.* |
| Retaking the exam | 5 attempts are permitted in a rolling 12-month period and 8 attempts in a lifetime across both delivery channels and exam versions. | 5 attempts are permitted in a rolling 12-month period and 8 attempts in a lifetime across both delivery channels and exam versions. |
Where to Take GMAT Focus Exam?
To find the most suitable testing location for you, we suggest following the registration steps linked above and using www.mba.com to match the nearest testing center.
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