Take the GMAT®

A lot of people get a little nervous before taking tests, but the Graduate Management Admission Test® (GMAT®) is one examination you don’t want to put off.

In fact, the sooner you prepare yourself to take it, the better! Here’s why:

  • Your GMAT score is valid for five years, so you have the flexibility of “banking it”—choosing to start your graduate studies right after university or later on.
  • If at first you don’t succeed, you can take the GMAT exam again. Remember, though, that all of your GMAT scores from the past 5 years will appear on your Official Score Report.
  • By taking the GMAT exam, you have a better chance of being targeted by business schools that are a good match for you—and learning more about their programs and admissions processes. Help them find you by creating an mba.com profile and opting in to being contacted by schools.

Watch the Video

Daniel (University of Texas, Austin), Greg (George Mason University), and Julie (American University) share their tips on preparing for the GMAT exam.

Preparation is Everything

Most GMAT test takers start preparing about 3 to 6 months before the actual test date. Think about how you can best prepare, given your discipline, motivation, and personal preference:

  • Self study
  • One-on-one tutoring
  • Study groups
  • Prep courses

However you choose to prepare, focus on building these kinds of skills:

  • Test-taking skills – standardized test/computer adaptive 
  • Math, English, grammar, and writing skills

For more in-depth information, see The GMAT.