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When Should You Take the GMAT?

📚 Additional Study ResourceThis content is not part of the original "30 Day GMAT Success" book by Brandon Wu. It has been created as a supplementary resource to help GMAT students with additional practice questions, guides, and study materials.

Quick Answer​

Take the GMAT 6-9 months before your application deadlines, ideally between April and August for Round 1 applications (September-October deadlines). This timing allows for one retake if needed and adequate time for application preparation. For Round 2 (January deadlines), take it by October.

Optimal GMAT Timeline by Application Round​

Round 1 Applications (September-October Deadlines)​

MilestoneIdeal TimingLatest AcceptableWhy This Timing
First GMAT AttemptApril-MayJulyAllows 2 retake opportunities
Retake (if needed)June-JulyAugustTime to improve weak areas
Final RetakeAugustSeptemberEmergency option only
Score FinalizedBy August 1September 1Focus shifts to essays

Round 2 Applications (January Deadlines)​

MilestoneIdeal TimingLatest AcceptableWhy This Timing
First GMAT AttemptJuly-AugustOctoberHoliday season consideration
Retake (if needed)September-OctoberNovemberAvoid December rush
Final RetakeNovemberDecemberRisky due to holidays
Score FinalizedBy November 1December 15Essays during holidays

Round 3 Applications (March-April Deadlines)​

MilestoneIdeal TimingLatest AcceptableNotes
First GMAT AttemptOctober-NovemberJanuaryLower acceptance rates in R3
Retake (if needed)December-JanuaryFebruaryConsider waiting for next year
Score FinalizedBy January 15March 1Limited scholarship opportunities

Working Backwards from Your Target School​

Step-by-Step Timeline Planning​

  1. Identify Application Deadline

    • Round 1: September 15 (example)

  2. Subtract 6 Weeks for Essays

    • Essay Start: August 1

  3. Subtract 4 Weeks for Recommendations

    • Recommendation Requests: July 1

  4. Subtract 8 Weeks for GMAT Retake Buffer

    • Latest First Attempt: May 1

  5. Subtract 12 Weeks for Preparation

    • Begin GMAT Prep: February 1

Timeline by Years Until Application​

Years Until MBAWhen to Take GMATAdvantagesConsiderations
2+ yearsNowScore valid 5 years, less pressureMay forget content, life changes
1-2 years12-18 months beforeIdeal timing, fresh for appsStandard timeline
6-12 monthsImmediatelyStill manageableCompressed timeline
Less than 6 monthsASAPPossible but stressfulConsider delaying application

Seasonal Considerations for GMAT Timing​

Best Months to Take GMAT​

April-August (Peak Season)

  • ✅ Aligns with Round 1 deadlines
  • ✅ Weather generally good for test day
  • ✅ Time for retakes before deadlines
  • ⚠️ Test centers may be busier

September-November (Good Alternative)

  • ✅ Works for Round 2
  • ✅ Less crowded test centers
  • ✅ Good for career switchers
  • ⚠️ Overlaps with application season

Months to Avoid​

December

  • ❌ Holiday distractions
  • ❌ Limited test dates
  • ❌ Family obligations
  • ❌ Year-end work demands

January-February

  • ❌ Post-holiday adjustment
  • ❌ Only for Round 3 or next year
  • ❌ Weather issues (snow days)
  • ❌ Fewer test slots

Career Stage Timing Strategy​

Current Students​

Junior Year:

  • Take GMAT spring semester
  • Apply senior year for deferred admission
  • Score valid for 5 years

Senior Year:

  • Take GMAT fall semester
  • Apply for 2+2 programs
  • Or save score for later

Working Professionals​

Years of ExperienceOptimal GMAT TimingApplication TimingStrategy
1-2 yearsYear 2Year 3-4Build experience first
2-4 yearsImmediatelySame yearSweet spot for MBA
4-6 yearsASAPWithin 6 monthsDon't delay further
6+ yearsEvaluate EMBAConsider Executive MBADifferent test requirements

Career Switchers​

Pre-Switch Strategy:

  • Take GMAT at current job
  • Use score to support switch
  • Apply from new role

Post-Switch Strategy:

  • Establish 6-12 months in new role
  • Then take GMAT
  • Show career progression

Special Timing Scenarios​

International Applicants​

Additional Considerations:

  • Visa processing time (add 3-6 months)
  • TOEFL/IELTS scheduling
  • Credential evaluation time
  • Time zone for online GMAT

Recommended Timeline:

  • Start 12-15 months before deadline
  • Take GMAT 9-10 months prior
  • Allow extra retake buffer

Military Applicants​

Deployment Considerations:

  • Take before deployment
  • Online GMAT if deployed
  • Consider test waivers
  • Coordinate with service obligations

Optimal Timing:

  • 12-18 months before separation
  • During stable assignment
  • Before PCS moves

Company Sponsorship:

  • Coordinate with HR timeline
  • Consider company application cycles
  • May have different deadlines
  • Often need higher scores

GMAT Retake Timing Strategy​

Mandatory Waiting Periods​

AttemptWait Time RequiredStrategic Timing
1st to 2nd16 days minimumTake 3-4 weeks to prepare
2nd to 3rd16 days minimumTake 4-6 weeks if major gaps
3rd to 4th16 days minimumConsider different approach
After 5 in yearMust wait until next yearRarely recommended

Retake Decision Timeline​

Immediately After Test:

  1. Accept or cancel score (you see it first)
  2. If 30+ points below target → Cancel
  3. If within 30 points → Keep

Within 72 Hours:

  • Review official score report
  • Identify weak areas
  • Decide on retake necessity

Week 1 Post-Test:

  • If retaking, book next date
  • Begin targeted preparation
  • Don't lose momentum

Life Event Coordination​

Major Life Events to Consider​

Life EventGMAT Timing RecommendationWhy
Wedding3+ months before or afterAvoid stress overlap
Job ChangeBefore starting new jobUse transition time
RelocationComplete before movingFamiliar test center
New Baby6+ months before due dateSleep deprivation impact
Health IssuesAfter full recoveryNeed peak performance

Professional Milestones​

Before Taking GMAT:

  • Complete major project
  • After performance review
  • Post-bonus period
  • Between busy seasons

Avoid During:

  • Product launches
  • Audit season
  • Major deadlines
  • Team transitions

Test Date Selection Strategy​

Day of Week Considerations​

Weekday Morning:

  • ✅ Less crowded
  • ✅ Quieter test center
  • ✅ Better parking
  • ⚠️ Need time off work

Weekend:

  • ✅ No work conflict
  • ⚠️ More crowded
  • ⚠️ Family obligations
  • ⚠️ Less appointment availability

Time of Day Performance​

Test TimeBest ForAvoid If
8:00 AMMorning peopleNot a morning person
12:00 PMFlexible schedulesYou get post-lunch fatigue
4:00 PMNight owlsYou have evening commitments

Academic Calendar Alignment​

For Educators​

Best Times:

  • Summer break
  • Spring break
  • Winter break
  • Before semester starts

Avoid:

  • Finals week
  • Start of semester
  • Parent conferences
  • Grading periods

For Students​

Optimal Windows:

  • Summer after junior year
  • Winter break senior year
  • After graduation
  • During light course load

Preparation Time Requirements​

By Starting Score​

Diagnostic ScoreTarget 700+Recommended Prep TimeFirst Test Date
Below 500200+ hours4-6 monthsAllow 8 months before deadline
500-550150-200 hours3-4 monthsAllow 6 months before deadline
550-600100-150 hours2-3 monthsAllow 5 months before deadline
600-65050-100 hours1-2 monthsAllow 4 months before deadline
Above 65030-50 hours3-4 weeksAllow 3 months before deadline

Deadline Buffer Strategy​

  • First attempt: 4 months before deadline
  • Second attempt: 2 months before deadline
  • Emergency attempt: 1 month before deadline
  • All materials complete: 2 weeks before deadline

Aggressive Approach (Risky)​

  • First attempt: 2 months before deadline
  • Only retake: 1 month before deadline
  • Materials complete: Week of deadline
  • No buffer for issues

Score Validity Considerations​

5-Year Validity Window​

Take GMAT Early If:

  • Uncertain about MBA timing
  • Want option flexibility
  • Currently have study time
  • In academic environment

Wait to Take If:

  • Specific schools in mind
  • Clear timeline
  • Need work experience first
  • Major life changes pending

Frequently Asked Questions​

Should I take the GMAT before gaining work experience?​

Yes, if you're still in academic mode and have time. Your score is valid for 5 years, and you'll be competing against candidates with more experience who may have less time to prepare.

Can I take the GMAT too early?​

Technically no, since scores are valid for 5 years. However, taking it more than 2-3 years before applying means you may forget the content when writing essays about your analytical abilities.

What if my target school's deadline is in 30 days?​

Consider applying next year or in the next round. Rushing GMAT preparation rarely yields optimal scores. If you must proceed, take the GMAT immediately and plan for a lower score.

Should I wait until I'm "ready" to take the test?​

No. Book a date 2-3 months out and prepare for it. Without a deadline, preparation tends to drag on indefinitely. You can always retake if needed.

When should sponsored candidates take the GMAT?​

Take it before beginning the sponsorship discussion. A strong score strengthens your negotiation position and shows commitment to the MBA path.

Your Action Plan​

This Week​

  1. Check target school deadlines
  2. Take diagnostic test
  3. Calculate preparation time needed
  4. Book test date accordingly

This Month​

  1. Begin preparation
  2. Register for test date
  3. Block calendar for study time
  4. Inform family/employer of plan

3 Months Before Test​

  1. Intensify preparation
  2. Take practice tests weekly
  3. Book backup test date
  4. Arrange test day logistics

Timeline recommendations based on analysis of successful applicants to top 50 MBA programs and GMAC testing data.