The GMAT just gets friendlier and friendlier.
At least, the GMAC’s policies do. (The test itself? Not a big source of warm-fuzzies for most people.)
About two years ago, the GMAC implemented a new score preview feature at the end of your GMAT test, where you get to decide whether or not to keep or cancel the score. Originally, canceled scores showed up on the score report that is sent to schools, but then the GMAC decided that no, canceled scores would not show up. Hallejuah that was awesome.
It’s even better now.
Previously you had to decide within two minutes at the end of the test whether to cancel. If you canceled and wanted to reinstate, you could do so for up to 30 days.
Now, you can:
- Keep the score – but then change your mind and cancel it within four days after testing (for payment of a $25 fee)
- Cancel the score – but then change your mind and reinstate it for up to four years (for payment of a $50 fee, reduced from what was originally $100)
Wow. Talk about taking the pressure off.
You should still have a clear number in mind, decided in advance, for what score you would keep and what score you would cancel. It’s not realistic to think that you’re going to make a clear-headed decision at the end of that very difficult and incredibly stressful test. Figure that out in advance – but then if you panic at the end and cancel (or don’t) – or you get caught up in the agonies of self-doubt and second-guessing and wish that you had canceled (or hadn’t) – then now you have some flexibility. You can even hit up EssaySnark for some advice on your situation. We can let you know what we think, based on a review of your profile, or through our one-off Private Consult service.
There’s also some important points to keep in mind about how or if a canceled score will impact your application which we cover in many places on the blahg.
There are a wide range of reasons why the GMAT is preferred over the GRE if you’re angling for admission to a top MBA program. We’ve not heard of the GRE implementing these types of ever more applicant-friendly policies. Bravo to GMAC for these changes.
You can read up on the whole policy for canceling scores on MBA.com .
Tell us what you think.