What Is GMAT retake?
The GMAT retake policy allows you to sit for the exam again to try for a higher score, but it comes with specific rules and attempt limits. Understanding these guidelines is crucial for planning your test strategy and avoiding surprises on test day.
Definition
A GMAT retake is simply taking the GMAT exam again after you have already taken it at least once. The purpose is usually to improve your score, but you must adhere to the official retake policies set by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC).
Why It Matters on the GMAT
Knowing the retake rules helps you manage your test attempts wisely. For example, you can take the GMAT up to five times in a rolling 12-month period, and no more than eight times total in your lifetime. Also, you must wait at least 16 calendar days between attempts. These limits mean you cannot simply retake the test whenever you want; you need to plan strategically, especially if you are aiming for a specific score.
A Concrete Example
Suppose you take the GMAT on March 1st and score 650, but you need a 700+ for your target school. You decide to retake. You cannot schedule a retake until March 17th (16 days later). If you retake on March 20th and score 680, you might want to try again, but you must wait another 16 days. If you have already taken the exam three times this year, you have only two more attempts left in the 12-month period. You must also keep in mind the lifetime cap of eight attempts.
Common Mistakes
- Assuming you can retake immediately without waiting 16 days.
- Ignoring the 5-attempts-per-year and 8-attempts-lifetime limits, which can force you to stop before reaching your target.
- Not checking the cancellation policy—if you cancel a scheduled retake, it may still count as an attempt under certain conditions.
How to Practice It
To practice effectively, treat each GMAT attempt as a valuable resource. Before retaking, thoroughly analyze your previous score report to identify weak areas. Use official practice tests to simulate the real exam and ensure you are scoring at your target level before scheduling a retake. Also, keep a calendar of your attempts to avoid hitting the limits prematurely. Finally, consider whether a retake is worth the time and cost, as some schools may view multiple attempts unfavorably.