Restrictions on retaking the GMAT

There are certain restrictions and guidelines set by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) regarding retaking the GMAT. These restrictions aim to maintain the fairness and integrity of the test. Here are the details:

1. Waiting period between attempts:
- You can retake the GMAT after a minimum of 16 days from your previous attempt.
- There is no limit on the total number of times you can take the GMAT in your lifetime.
- However, you cannot take the GMAT more than five times in a rolling 12-month period.

2. Reporting of scores:
- If you have taken the GMAT multiple times, all your scores from the past five years will be reported to the business schools you choose to send your scores to.
- The schools will have access to your complete GMAT score history, including canceled scores and scores from tests taken more than five years ago.

3. Score cancellation:
- After completing the GMAT, you have the option to cancel your score immediately or within 72 hours of the exam.
- If you choose to cancel your score, it will not be recorded on your official GMAT score report, and no one, including the schools, will be able to see it.
- However, canceled scores will still be included in your score history for your own reference.

4. Score reinstatement:
- If you have canceled your GMAT score but later decide to reinstate it, you can do so within four years and 11 months from the test date.
- You can reinstate your score by contacting GMAC and paying a fee.

5. Test preparation:
- It is essential to adequately prepare for the GMAT before retaking it. GMAC provides several resources to help test-takers improve their scores, such as official GMAT practice exams, study guides, and online tools.
- It is recommended to identify the areas where you need improvement and focus your preparation accordingly.

Conclusion:
In summary, there are restrictions and guidelines in place for retaking the GMAT. These include a waiting period between attempts, reporting of all scores to business schools, the option to cancel scores, and the opportunity to reinstate canceled scores within a specific timeframe. It is crucial to prepare adequately for the GMAT to maximize your chances of achieving a desirable score.