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DISCUSSION FORUM

• Best time to take the GMAT From: Abennett  May 10, 2012 Posts 1

  This May I received my undergraduate degree and am considering taking the GMAT before I begin work this summer. However, I do not plan on applying for a MBA program for at least 3-4 years. I have heard that adcomms might dislike seeing a GMAT score achieved so far before application...that they would prefer a more recent score. Is this true? I have done extensive research on this topic and seem to continually find conflicting information.   Reply

• Re: Best time to take the GMAT From: Fanaticalfan  May 11, 2012 Posts 1,159

  In reply to

  Absolutely not. As far as Wharton is concerned, your score is what your score is. As long as it is within the 5 year validity timeframe, the age of the score is irrelevant. FF   Reply

• Re: Best time to take the GMAT From: victormlee  May 13, 2012 Posts 2,531

  In reply to

  I generally agree with FF. Perhaps one scenario in which GMAT "aging" might have some influence is if, say, your GMAT score were lower than you would have liked, but you subsequently demonstrated in other ways that you improved in the following years on the dimensions in which you did not perform as well GMAT-wise. In such a case, some AdCom readers might give slightly less weight to your GMAT score.  It all ultimately depends on context. At the end of the day, take the GMAT when you feel you are most prepared - within the five year validity period. That is the most important consideration. Good luck, Victor WG '11 PS - For many people, taking the GMAT while working full-time in a time-consuming job can be stressful; it is not a bad idea to take the GMAT while you still are in the "student" mindset and have the student timeframe.   Reply

• Re: Best time to take the GMAT From: victormlee  May 13, 2012 Posts 2,531

  In reply to

  I generally agree with FF. Perhaps one scenario in which GMAT "aging" might have some influence is if, say, your GMAT score were lower than you would have liked, but you subsequently demonstrated in other ways that you improved in the following years on the dimensions in which you did not perform as well GMAT-wise. In such a case, some AdCom readers might give slightly less weight to your GMAT score.  It all ultimately depends on context. At the end of the day, take the GMAT when you feel you are most prepared - within the five year validity period. That is the most important consideration. Good luck, Victor WG '11 PS - For many people, taking the GMAT while working full-time in a time-consuming job can be stressful; it is not a bad idea to take the GMAT while you still are in the "student" mindset and have the student timeframe.   Reply