GMAT - Disadvantage in writing the GMAT?

Does anybody know if there is a disadvantage in writing the GMAT several times. I'm currently in my 3rd year of my undergraduate and am thinking of applying to for MBA programs. However, I'll only go if I get into my top choices. If I don't do very well on the GMAT this time but work for a couple years and write it again would I be penalzied for the previous score?

7 Comments
 
Best Response

Well if you write the Gmat now, and then again several years down the road I can't see any MBA program making a big deal about it. I do have a few questions though. What do you want to gain out of your MBA if you were to take it now, and how would you be able to contribute to a class of people who have work experience? Also, do you believe that you will be able to get in to a top MBA prgram straight fom undergrad (not saying it is impossible, but unless you have extensive leadership experience and a 3.7 or greater GPA, a high gmat score is unlikely to help your chances). Either way, best of luck.

Taking the GMAT now could even be a good idea in that you have time to study for it while in undergrad, and the math is still fresh in your mind. The GMAT is good for 5 yrs, so you could gain the necessary experience and then apply.

 

I have about a 3.8 and pretty good leadership experience. I go to a non target school, so Im hoping it will give me access to the BB firms. Having said that I do have a internship with a Canadian firm lined up. Its just an option that Im considering, but I just want to make sure I dont hurt my chances my writing it early.

 

I don't think it will be a major problem. I would advise you to focus on it now while you are still in school and knock it out the first time. It's much more difficult to prepare when you are working. Also, it is still better to only take it one time.

It doesn't seem like you are considering this, but someone brought it up: DO NOT get your MBA without at least 2 years of work experience. (4 is better, but doesn't always work for banking analysts). Even if you can get in to a good school, you'll regret it when recruiting comes around.

 
spectzixdo most people take GMAT in college? because its easier to focus and do well

I don't think so. A lot of people who end up getting an MBA didn't know they would end up getting an MBA...like a lot of engineers and people from different backgrounds, etc. So they would have no reason to take it until they decide to get an MBA.

Also, since the GMAT is only good for 5 years, people who are not sure if they will go shouldn't take it in college either.

BUT, if you think there is a very high likelihood of your getting an MBA within 5 years, I think it is advisable to get it out of the way.

 

Quod illum et aut adipisci ea voluptatem. Est amet laudantium fugiat modi voluptatibus iste corrupti. Impedit est enim perferendis labore impedit voluptatem.

Quia voluptates et sit. Qui saepe aut nemo commodi. Similique sit dolor sit iste reiciendis. Labore quaerat iusto dolor voluptatibus aliquid autem qui non. Amet id quos nemo est excepturi quo. Nobis inventore mollitia blanditiis iure. Necessitatibus ex rerum pariatur fuga inventore consequuntur corporis. Harum natus provident soluta est.

Hic autem deleniti ea voluptatem dolore laborum qui magni. Quia est aut dicta et id ea dolore. Recusandae iure natus omnis eos dolor expedita ullam dolores. In recusandae accusantium velit est eius cum. Rerum eos omnis enim modi. Veritatis incidunt distinctio ratione dolor.

Est odit voluptatem sapiente corrupti aspernatur magni. Perspiciatis quisquam incidunt ad quidem totam. Et nobis illo laudantium ipsam. Repudiandae sint dolor rerum sint suscipit nesciunt beatae.

Career Advancement Opportunities

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 08 97.8%
  • Goldman Sachs 02 97.3%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.5%
  • Evercore No 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 01 98.4%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.8%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.3%

Professional Growth Opportunities

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.8%
  • JPMorgan No 97.3%

Total Avg Compensation

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (50) $259
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (25) $178
  • Intern/Summer Associate (14) $159
  • 1st Year Analyst (84) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (75) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”