Five Times Is Enough: GMAT’s Annual Limit Means “Don’t Mess Around”

In the last year, the maker of the GMAT has instituted changes making it easier for you, the test-taker, to pick and choose your best score to send to business schools. In addition, the lifetime limit of eight GMAT exams was lifted! However, I would like to remind you of an equally important fact – you have limited number of test-taking attempts each year. If you were planning to take the GMAT for the first or second time, do not take your preparation lightly. Make every attempt count.

You can only take the GMAT five times within a year. Set your goals at the start for the GMAT score that you want.

If you are applying to business school programs this year, you should not only study for the GMAT but also research schools' "Class Profiles" to find the statistics from the last admitted MBA classes.

• Your minimum goal is to reach the lower end of your target school’s 80% range of GMAT scores.
• An even better goal is to exceed your school’s average GMAT score, obviously more of a challenge.

Currently, the GMAT average score at Top 15 business schools starts at about 675, and if you are aiming for higher brackets, your GMAT preparation needs to be both intensive and strategic.

At the beginning of the GMAT preparation process, all of your goals may seem to be in reach – and they are, if you don’t mess around.

Don’t go into the test center to “see how you do” without preparation or a plan. You only have five attempts at the exam this year, and you don’t want to waste any of them. Start by going to mba.com to take a full practice test, so that you can assess where you currently stand on both GMAT math and verbal sections.

Most likely, you will discover that you need to study. Then, after you have reviewed some practice questions, should you walk into the test center? Take another practice test first. Don’t waste one of your GMAT exam attempts without first assessing whether you are really ready.

Determine early on if you need coaching in the form of a GMAT class or tutoring.

Many people end up retaking the GMAT at least once. If you are going to retake the exam, assess whether you need a new strategy.

The first time that you took the GMAT, it is possible that you did not perform at your best. If so, it is time for you to decide whether to retake the exam (for seven questions to consider, read Retaking the GMAT).

If you decide to retake the GMAT, you may see some gains, if you prepare. Based on the 2016 data (the most recent data available), of all test-takers , 28% were retaking the test. For the second try, a GMAT test-taker who originally scored in the the 62^nd to 87^th percentiles gained about 20 points on average, and test-taker who scored in the 88^th percentile and above gained about 10 points. (Sidebar: if you scored in the 99^th percentile on the GMAT, you really don't need to retake the exam.)

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If you have reported a GMAT score previously and hope to report an improved score, be aware that the business schools may look for a 40-point gain, the standard error of the difference between two scores. However, as long as you have raised your score to get inside a school's 80% range or (hopefully) have met or exceeded the GMAT average, you're good.

Be an optimist, but a realistic optimistic. If you are far from your GMAT score goals, you will need to assess how long it may take you to better prepare for your next attempt. Take advantage of the Enhanced Score Report on mba.com to get more information on your performance by section, question type, and time management. Accept that it will take time, focused preparation, and expert help to bring your GMAT score up.

To state the obvious, a low score is a wasted attempt.

Please do not go into the exam thinking, “Oh well, if I don’t make my target score, it’s no big deal; I’ll just try again.” If you wipe out, you have only four more attempts for the year! Bring your A game to every single attempt. Go in with realistic goals based on business school research; go in with a few practice tests under your belt; go with the best preparation. You’ll have a less stressful experience, and with luck your GMAT test day will be "One and Done."