Should I take my GMAT?

I am seeking advice on whether I should take my GMAT this week or not. I have been studying for approximately one month and do not feel adequately prepared. However, I won't be able to study for the next few months, and I'm afraid that if I don't take the test now, I'll forget everything and have to start over.

Should I go ahead and take the exam this week to see how I perform, or should I wait until I'm fully prepared? Even if I perform poorly, is it worthwhile to take the test just to receive a detailed score report? For context, I don't need the score immediately; I'm simply preparing in advance.

Thank you!

3 Comments
 

Hey there! Based on the most helpful WSO content, it's generally recommended to take the GMAT when you feel fully prepared. However, there's a silver lining here. If you take the test and don't do as well as you'd hoped, schools will typically consider your highest score. So, if you're not under immediate pressure to submit your scores, taking the test could provide you with a valuable learning experience and a detailed understanding of where you stand.

Remember, preparation is key. The WSO threads suggest preparing for 2-3 months and taking 6-10 practice tests during your preparation. If you've only been studying for a month and don't feel ready, it might be beneficial to wait until you're more confident. But if you're worried about forgetting what you've learned, taking the test now could be a good way to gauge your current level and identify areas for improvement.

In the end, the decision is yours. Just remember, the GMAT isn't a one-shot deal. You can take it more than once. So, whether you decide to take it now or later, keep your chin up and your mind open to learning. Good luck!

Sources: Ask mbaMission about Business School Admissions, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/investment-banking/should-i-take-the-gmat?customgpt=1, Should I retake the GMAT? 710 (41Q 47V 6AWA)

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

If you will lose your money whether or not you take it, you should write it. 
 

Could be worth writing to see how you sit though, assumed you can afford the expense. 

 

Consequuntur accusamus qui est quaerat quidem nemo quo cum. Delectus incidunt a error. Atque ratione saepe qui sit aliquid nulla. Illum iste non qui magnam deleniti.

Facere tenetur incidunt modi et. Totam ut minima reiciendis laboriosam in ut. Minus error maiores aliquid sit. Sint unde quis praesentium odio quis iste omnis.

Career Advancement Opportunities

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.3%
  • Morgan Stanley 08 97.8%
  • Goldman Sachs 02 97.2%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Evercore No 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 01 98.3%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.8%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.2%

Professional Growth Opportunities

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 98.3%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.8%
  • JPMorgan 01 97.2%

Total Avg Compensation

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (48) $259
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (25) $178
  • Intern/Summer Associate (14) $159
  • 1st Year Analyst (83) $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

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
3
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
4
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
5
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
6
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
7
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
8
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
9
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
10
Linda Abraham's picture
Linda Abraham
98.8
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...”