If you’re preparing to take the GMAT, you have options to choose either in-person or online GMAT test dates. In this post, we’ve covered some more vital information about the GMAT test dates for 2024-2025—read on to find out more!
Table of Contents
- GMAT Test Dates (2024-2025)
- How to Register for the GMAT
- When do I need to register for the GMAT?
- When should I plan on taking the GMAT?
GMAT Test Dates (2024-2025)
So just when are GMAT test dates available this year? There are a number of in-person options, but you also have a huge variety of online, at-home GMAT testing options. The GMAC (test-maker) began to offer the remote GMAT in April 2020; it’s offered every day, with multiple time slots.
However, popular days and times can still fill up—the remote proctor aspect of the testing means that there are still limits to how many test-takers can sign up for the exam at a given time.
Ready to get started? Here is the breakdown of how to register for the GMAT and what to consider when choosing your GMAT test date.
How to Register for the GMAT
There are three basic steps test-takers need to complete in order to select and set GMAT dates.
Step 1: Set up an account and profile
Before you consider GMAT test dates, the very first thing you should do is register for the GMAT. This will get you into the system so that you have the ability to look at your choices for GMAT exam dates and GMAT test centers, if you’re planning on taking it in person.
First, you’ll need to create an account with the Graduate Management Admissions Council (GMAC), the company that makes the GMAT exam. Go to GMAC’s “Create Your Account” page to register. Once that’s done, you’ll have the ability to browse and see your options for GMAT dates (and locations, if you are taking the GMAT in-person).
- If you’re requesting GMAT accommodations, follow the steps outlined in the post—you’ll need to get approval before registering.
Step 2a: Find a test center with available GMAT dates
Once you’ve registered with GMAC and have the ability to look at GMAT exam dates, the next step is to find a GMAT test center. For in-person dates, look under “Future GMAT Test Center Exams” and click “Register Now” or “Register as a Test Taker with Disabilities.” Each of these buttons will take you to options for your location.
Remember, the farther in advance you book your GMAT, the more options you’ll have for both GMAT locations and GMAT dates.
Step 2b : Pick a date for the online GMAT
If you are taking the GMAT online, the test is available 24/7. The key to picking a GMAT test date online is finding the day and time that work best for you.
To find test dates for a remote GMAT, select “Register for the GMAT Online Exam” under “Future GMAT Online Exams” on your MBA.com “My Account” page. Click on dates to see available time options.
Step 3: Schedule Your Exam
Once you know which test format you want to take and are registered to take the GMAT, you’re ready to actually select your GMAT test date. Follow the on-screen instructions within your GMAT account.
GMAT Registration Checklist
For GMAT exam registration, you’ll need to give the following info on the appointment scheduling form:
- Full name (this needs to match the name on your ID exactly, so have your passport handy!
- Mailing address
- Phone
- Gender
- Date of birth
- Nationality
- Credit card or debit card (VISA, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover)–learn more about GMAT payment methods here.
Of course, there’s a lot more to registering for the GMAT and choosing your test date than just accessing and navigating the official GMAT website. Timing is a crucial consideration too. Below, we’ll look at when to register, and how to select the GMAT test date that’s right for you.
When do I need to register for the GMAT?
You can register for the test anywhere between six months to 24 hours in advance of your GMAT test date (or GMAT test dates if you are retaking the test; remember you need to allow for a 16-day window between test days!). Unlike the SAT, the GMAT is offered on an ongoing basis, but if you wait too late to register, spots may fill up and you may not get the dates/times you prefer.
When should I plan on taking the GMAT?
If you’re like most typical GMAT preppers, you should start prepping 7-8 months before your application deadline, and take your test 4-5 months before you apply.
By giving you this advice, I am assuming the following:
- You will take 3 months to study before the exam
- You will spend 15-20 hours a week studying
- You will retake the test if you are not happy with your score, and allow yourself a month or two for possible retake studies
- You will use 2 months to prepare other aspects of your application (writing essays, working with recommenders, doing research and visiting schools, soul-searching, etc.)
- You will prepare for those other non-GMAT aspects on the “home stretch” of your B-school admissions journey, in the last several weeks before your final application deadline
MBA Application Dates
These timelines will help guide you as you start planning your preparation calendar and considering GMAT exam dates for the next year. These timelines are based on the most common deadlines for rounds of applications at top MBA programs. Most top schools set MBA application deadlines three times a year, in three rounds. Check with specific schools for exact deadlines for Round 1, Round 2, and Round 3. And check out this article for help figuring out which round you should apply in. As you can imagine dates for MBA application rounds have a lot of implications for GMAT dates.
MBA Applications Round 1
| Dec. – Feb. | March | April – May | June | July – August | Sept. – Oct. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Study | Take GMAT | Study | Retake GMAT | Essays, etc… | Round 1 due |
MBA Applications Round 2
| March – May | June | July – August | Sept. | Oct.-Nov. | Dec. – Jan. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Study | Take GMAT | Study | Retake GMAT | Essays, etc… | Round 2 due |
MBA Applications Round 3
| June – August | Sept. | Oct. – Nov. | Dec. | Jan. – Feb. | March – April |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Study | Take GMAT | Study | Retake GMAT | Essays, etc… | Round 3 due |
Sending and receiving GMAT scores
Keep in mind that the GMAC says it can take up to 20 days for your test to be reported to schools. That could actually mean 21 days, depending on whether your test day scores get transmitted from the test center to GMAT central the same day you take the test or the next day. There’s also a small chance that there could be unexpected delays. So, beyond GMAT exam dates, you should consider the dates of arrival for your GMAT exam report.
To be safe, you’ll want to book your GMAT date at least 21 days prior to your application deadline, so that there is ample time for your scores to be processed and sent to your school. That’s why I recommend taking your GMAT 7-8 months before your deadline instead of just 6-7.
Your personal GMAT timeline
Of course, your mileage may vary, in terms of how much time you really need and when you should register for the GMAT. If you have more or less time per week, then you’ll need to adjust your GMAT study plan.
If all this planning sounds stressful, Magoosh is here to help!
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