How Late Can You Take the GMAT/GRE for MBA Applications?

Some business school applicants may have tons of time to put together an MBA application. However, more often than not, they only have a couple of months to a year to write their essays, polish their resumes, obtain letters of recommendation, and study for and take the standardized test that’s required for almost every program. On top of that, it usually takes a couple of attempts to reach the target score, particularly if you’re aiming for highly competitive schools like the M7 programs.

With all this in mind, a question frequently arises: How late can an applicant take the GMAT/GRE in order to still submit an application on time? Well, the answer depends on the program. This article will outline what each of the M7 business schools allows and provide some additional resources to help with GMAT/GRE preparation for MBA applications.

GMAT/GRE Test Deadlines for MBA Applications

As a general rule of thumb, most MBA programs, including all of the M7 schools, allow applicants to take both the GMAT and GRE exam up to or on the application deadline. Test takers receive an unofficial score on the day they take the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or Graduate Record Examination (GRE), which can be submitted with their business school admissions application.

The new, shorter GMAT Focus Edition (open since November 7, 2023) still provides an unofficial score immediately upon completing the practice test. It's important to note that acceptance offers from business school admissions committees are conditional on verifying this unofficial score with the official score provided by the test provider. The admissions committee will make decisions based on the score provided, and cross-check it with the official score when it arrives. The new, shorter GRE also still provides an unofficial score immediately after taking the test (and official scores are available much faster, typically within 8-10 days!)

Columbia Business School differs slightly in the test scores it accepts, requiring GRE test dates and other scores to be sent at least one week before they expire. Similarly, Wharton recommends that applicants take the GRE or GMAT at least two weeks prior to the application deadline to ensure test scores are submitted on time.

GMAT/GRE Deadlines for the M7 Programs

Here are the dates that a GMAT/GRE test schedule must fall on or between for each M7 MBA program for the 2024-2025 application cycle:

*Note: Updates for the 2024-2025 academic year may still be pending for some schools.

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Updating GRE/GMAT Scores After the Application Deadline

Let’s say that an applicant submits average or below-average GMAT/GRE scores in order to get their application in on time. But, then they take it again and score better than all the other attempts. Some schools allow test takers to update their official score to this new one even after their application has already been submitted, but others will not. Here’s where each M7 program stands:

• Stanford GSB: No updates are allowed.
• Harvard Business School: No updates are allowed; however, if the applicant is invited to interview, they can let the interviewer know and it may be taken into consideration.
• Chicago Booth: Updates are allowed, but not in the online portal. Instead, applicants should email their new scores to the admissions committee, using the email that’s associated with the application.
• University of Pennsylvania Wharton: No updates are allowed.
• Northwestern Kellogg: Applicants are encouraged to add updated GRE/GMAT scores and can do so on the “Supplemental Information” page of the “Upload Materials” section in the online application status portal. Note that Kellogg cannot guarantee that any information submitted after the deadline will be reviewed.
• MIT Sloan: Sloan says that applicants are always welcome to submit updated scores after the deadline; however, like Kellogg, it cannot guarantee that they will be reviewed.
• Columbia Business School: No updates are allowed.

For other programs outside of the M7, check the information available on the school’s official website or call the admissions office to verify.

GMAT/GRE Resources for Test Takers

Studying for and taking these standardized tests is a long and arduous process, so here are a couple of other resources that can be helpful:

• Top 50+ Free Resources for GMAT & GRE Practice
• GMAT vs. GRE for Business School–Which to Take and How to Ace Both
• My Top Piece of Advice for Every MBA Applicant
• MBA Application Deadlines of the Top 25 Business Schools (2024-2025)
• Navigating the MBA Standardized Test Options and Upcoming GMAT Changes
• How I Got Into Harvard Business School With Low Test Scores

For personalized help on areas of improvement, book time with an expert GMAT/GRE coach. They’ll be able to help identify weaknesses and learn the foundational skills required to reach the target score.

FAQs

Can I submit a GRE score after the deadline?

• Yes, you can send GRE scores before applying to universities. This can be done through your ETS account on the test day or at any time after. Sending scores early ensures they are on file when your application is reviewed.

When should I take my GMAT for my MBA?

• As a general rule, aspiring business school students should try to take the GMAT two months before their chosen program's application deadline. Many business schools have a rolling admissions process and accept applications three months out of the year: Round 1 Deadline: September. Round 2 Deadline: January.

Is the GMAT or GRE better for an MBA?

• Should you take the GMAT or GRE for MBA admission? While the GMAT is designed specifically for business school applicants, the GRE is a test that can gain students admittance to graduate programs across almost all subjects, including the MBA. Traditionally, the GMAT has taken precedence over the GR

Which is the best month to take GMAT?

• Round 1 (Fall Deadline): Start preparing in April, take the GMAT by July or August, and submit your application in September. Round 2 (Winter Deadline): Prep in September and October, test in November or December, and apply in January.

Is 730 a good score on GMAT?

• A good GMAT score for the top 10 business schools like Harvard, Stanford, Wharton, and more is 750. A good GMAT score for the next 10 business schools is 730 to 740.

Does Harvard prefer GMAT or GRE?

• There is no minimum GMAT or GRE to apply and we do not have a preference toward one test or the other. 63% of the Class of 2026 submitted GMAT scores and 41% submitted GRE scores, with some students submitting scores from both tests.

Is 470 a bad GMAT score?

• A score of 470 places you in the lower percentile of test-takers, indicating that a significant portion of your peers has achieved higher scores. This can undoubtedly pose challenges in gaining admission to competitive MBA programs, particularly those with stringent admission criteria.

How late can I take the GMAT?

• Most programs, and all of the M7 schools, allow you to take the GMAT/GRE up to or on the application deadline. Test-takers are provided with an unofficial score on the day that they take the test and this is what can be provided to schools in the application

What is a realistic GMAT score?

• The average score among GMAT test-takers between 2019 and 2024 was around 553. But most top-25 programs will want to see applicants in the 85th percentile or higher – about a 640 total score – says Susan Cera, MBA admissions director at Stratus Admissions Counseling.

Is it better to take the GMAT in the morning or afternoon?

• Schedule the test at the time of day when you are most alert and most energized. For example, if you're a morning person, it would be best to schedule your GMAT in the morning. In fact, I would say that you should not schedule your GMAT for the afternoon or evening.

Do graduate business programs accept both GMAT and GRE scores?

• Yes, many graduate business programs now accept GRE scores in addition to GMAT scores. Business schools accept either exam, allowing applicants to choose the test that best suits their strengths. It's important to check individual program requirements, as preferences may vary.

Can I take the GMAT online for graduate business programs?

• Yes, the GMAT online exam is available as an option for students applying to graduate business programs. This remote version of the GMAT offers flexibility for test-takers who prefer to take the exam from home.

Who administers the GRE for graduate business programs?

• The GRE is administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS). Many business schools accept the GRE as an alternative to the GMAT, providing applicants with additional options for test submission.

Are there specific requirements for GRE test takers applying to business schools?

• Yes, GRE test takers applying to graduate business programs should ensure their scores meet the program's submission deadlines. While most business schools accept GRE scores, they may have specific score ranges or requirements that align with their admissions criteria.

Can I submit scores from both GRE and GMAT for my application to graduate business programs?

• Some graduate business programs allow applicants to submit both GRE and GMAT scores if desired. However, it's generally recommended to choose one exam unless explicitly stated by the business schools accepting applications.