Wondering about the validity of your GMAT scores? The answer is “5 years!” Understanding the timeline is crucial as it can impact your business school applications. Whether you want to apply immediately or take a few years off, the GMAT score validity allows you to pursue your MBA at a flexible time. This blog gives insights on the GMAT scoring system, what to do if your GMAT score expires, and how it can be reinstated.
Key Highlights of the Blog:
- The validity of a GMAT score is up to five years from the date of the exam.
- The Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights sections of the GMAT exam are graded on a scale of 60 to 90.
- The GMAT does not have negative markings, so you won't be penalized for incorrect answers.
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What is the GMAT Score Validity?
GMAT score is valid for five (5) years and it can be reported for a maximum of 10 years. GMAC considers the 5-year period as the GMAT validity years because GMAC believes that during a five-year period, your reasoning abilities would not noticeably deteriorate. But business schools might have their own rules about the GMAT validity period and the grade they accept. So, do verify with the institution of your choice before applying.
Your score is invalid and unacceptable by any institution after 10 years. To stay updated with the most recent requirements of graduate programs, the GMAT periodically updates itself. So, if someone took the GMAT two decades ago, the present trend and the skills would also be substantially different. Consequently, it becomes obsolete.
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How Does GMAT Scoring Work?
The GMAT scores are based on your number of correct responses. The exam is automated, and the difficulty level of the questions depends on how you answer them. It is important to note that the individual question scores remain unchanged, and do not depend on the difficulty level of the questions. There is no negative marking in the GMAT exam. Some more details about the GMAT scoring are as follows:
- The Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights sections of the GMAT exam are scored individually on a scale from 60 to 90.
- There is no negative marking in the GMAT exam.
- The total score in the GMAT Focus Edition is 800, combining the scores from the 3 sections.
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What Happens After GMAT Scores Expire?
A GMAT score stays valid for 5 years. They will expire after 5 years, and if you haven’t sent them to your target schools during that time, you will have to re-take the exam. Here are a few things that happen after your GMAT scores expire:
- Expired GMAT scores are no longer available to be sent to schools or programs as part of your application. If you wish to apply to a program after your scores have expired, you have to retake the GMAT to obtain a new, valid score.
- While expired scores are no longer reported to schools, they also won't appear on future score reports that you send out after retaking the exam. This means only your active, valid scores will be visible to the programs you're applying to.
- If you plan to apply to a program and your scores are close to expiration or already expired, you have to retake the GMAT. This could involve revisiting study materials, taking practice tests, and enrolling in a prep course to refresh your skills.
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What is a Cancelled GMAT Score & How to Reinstate it?
A canceled GMAT score is a score that you choose not to report after completing the GMAT exam. Canceled GMAT scores can be reinstated under specific conditions, such as within 4 years and 11 months from your test date. This reinstatement window ensures that the score remains valid for 5 years after your test date.
There is a fee of $100 (INR 8,380) associated with reinstating a canceled GMAT score. The fee is generally lower than the cost of retaking the GMAT, making it a cost-effective option if you believe your score might still be competitive.
From the Desk of Yocket
Understanding the validity of your GMAT score is essential for planning your MBA journey. Whether you are navigating the complexities of score expiration or considering the reinstatement of a canceled score, having this knowledge empowers you to make informed decisions. With a clear grasp of these details, you're better equipped to maximize the impact of your GMAT performance on your business school applications.
Want to know more about the GMAT exam? Schedule a consultation call with Yocket experts today! Our team is here to offer personalized guidance, ensuring your profile shines and your dream school becomes a reality. Don’t leave your future to chance—connect with us and make your MBA aspirations come true!