The GMAT™ Offers Unlimited Potential - Literally
The Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) has recently announced a significant change in its testing policy. The longstanding 8-attempt lifetime limit on GMAT exams has been removed, opening new possibilities for candidates worldwide.
Just as with the inception of the latest edition of the GMAT exam, this policy change is designed to give you more control over your business school application journey. Now, you have the freedom to take the GMAT as many times as you feel necessary to showcase your strengths and demonstrate your eagerness for graduate business programs.
It's also important to note that while the lifetime limit has been lifted, the rule of a maximum of 5 attempts within a rolling 12-month period still applies.
Why does this matter? Who takes the GMAT more than 8 times?
The truth is that a majority of test takers do not sit for the GMAT eight times. However, this policy change offers peace of mind to test-takers as it alleviates the pressure of a "final" attempt, allowing you to approach each test with confidence and reduced anxiety. You can now focus on performing your best without the thought of running out of testing opportunities.
But, most importantly, the removal of the lifetime limit offers a unique opportunity to refine your critical reasoning and data analytical skills – abilities highly prized by business schools and employers alike. With each attempt, you can assess your performance, identify areas for improvement, and work on enhancing these crucial competencies.
This iterative process of preparation and testing aligns perfectly with the academic rigor you'll encounter in business school and the analytical demands of the business world. It's not just about improving your score; it's about developing the skills that will serve you throughout your career.
Showcase your best score – not all of them (unless you want to)
No matter how many times you take the GMAT, you have the flexibility and control to review your Official Score before deciding whether you want to send it to business programs (more on that here). And crucially - each Official Score Report you send to a program will only contain the Total and Section Scores from a single exam. No other exam scores from previous exams will be sent. That means you can send the results from your third and best GMAT attempt while keeping the results from your first two attempts for your eyes only.
Don’t let anything stop you from making your business aspirations a reality
The removal of the GMAT lifetime attempt limit is more than just a policy change – it's an invitation to take charge of your future. Whether you're taking the GMAT for the first time or looking to improve your score, this new policy provides the flexibility and opportunity to put your best foot forward in your business school applications.
Remember, success in the GMAT, like success in business, often comes from strategic planning and continuous improvement. Embrace this change, plan your approach, and take confident steps towards your graduate business education goals.
And who knows, maybe you can even break the Guinness World Record for most GMAT exams taken in a lifetime...!