How do schools view retakes of GMAT or EA?

One of the most common questions we hear from MBA applicants is about retaking the GMAT or EA. Specifically which scores will business schools consider. Whether it’s about score improvement possibilities or how schools view multiple attempts, let’s dive into everything you need to know about managing your test scores during the MBA admissions process.

Understanding Score Reporting: GMAT vs EA Test #

First, let’s clear up how score reporting works for both tests:

For the EA test, you can select schools to receive your scores before taking the assessment. These schools will receive your results once the official scores are available. You may also add more schools to send scores to at a later date. With the GMAT, you have a 48-hour window after your test to send free score reports to five schools.

Here’s the crucial part: Once you send these reports, there’s no taking them back. Schools will see those scores, period.

Strategic Score Reporting: Two Tales #

Let’s look at two contrasting scenarios to understand this better and see who used a better GMAT retake strategy:

Sarah’s Story:
Sarah took the GMAT and, excited about her 625, immediately sent her scores to her target schools. Two months later, after structured preparation, she retook the test and scored 705. While both scores were now visible to the schools, her improvement demonstrated her commitment to excellence.

Michael’s Story:
Michael took a different approach. Despite scoring 675 on his first GMAT attempt, he waited to send any scores. After focused preparation and score improvement strategies, he retook the test and scored 725. When he finally submitted his applications, schools only saw his best score.

The Smart Approach: If you’re uncertain about your performance, it’s generally wiser to hold off on sending your scores to schools immediately. You can always submit these scores later if your subsequent attempts don’t yield better results or if you decide against retaking the test. While this approach means foregoing the free score reporting option – incurring a small additional cost later – it gives you the invaluable advantage of making decisions with complete information rather than rushing to judgment.

The Hidden Costs of Multiple Attempts #

Here’s something crucial to consider: GMAT retakes and score improvement attempts come with significant costs, both financial and emotional:

1. Financial Impact: Each retake costs approximately $300, whether it’s the GMAT or EA test. That’s equivalent to application fees for two MBA programs (typically around $150 each). Before committing to multiple retakes, consider if those resources might be better spent on expanding your list of target schools.
2. Emotional Toll: Every retake adds layers of stress and can impact your self-confidence. Many test-takers find themselves in a difficult emotional space after multiple attempts, especially if they’re not seeing the desired score improvement.

The Psychology of Retakes #

We’ve seen countless cases where unplanned retakes have severely impacted candidates’ confidence. Some students even abandon their MBA dreams after multiple unsuccessful attempts, not because they lack potential, but because each disappointing result chips away at their self-belief.

The key issue often isn’t the number of retakes, but the lack of structured preparation between attempts. Without proper strategy and practice, each retake becomes a confidence-eroding exercise rather than a step toward improvement.

The Truth About Multiple Attempts #

Let’s debunk a common myth about GMAT retakes: Schools don’t automatically view multiple attempts negatively. In fact, many MBA admissions committees have quite the opposite view. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Schools May Encourage Retakes: Some institutions even advise admitted students to retake the GMAT if they’re seeking scholarships. This clearly shows that GMAT retakes aren’t the red flag many assume them to be.
2. Improvement Shows Determination: When schools see significant score improvement between attempts, they often view this positively. It demonstrates:

• Commitment to excellence
• Ability to identify and address weaknesses
• Strong work ethic
• Resilience under pressure

When Retakes Might Raise Concerns #

However, there are situations where multiple GMAT retakes might work against you in MBA admissions:

• Frequent retakes with minimal or no score improvement
• Very short intervals between attempts
• More than 4-5 attempts without significant improvement

These patterns might suggest to admissions committees that you’re struggling to:

• Assess your own abilities realistically
• Prepare effectively for the test
• Make strategic decisions about your application

Making Smart Decisions About Retakes #

At Wizako, we’ve helped numerous students navigate their GMAT retakes successfully. Our 780-scoring instructors emphasize the importance of structured preparation between attempts. Here’s what we recommend:

1. Take adequate time between attempts (usually 4-6 weeks minimum)
2. Focus on systematic GMAT preparation rather than random practice
3. Work with expert guidance to identify and address weak areas
4. Set realistic score improvement goals based on your current performance

The Bottom Line #

While GMAT retakes and score improvement journeys are common in MBA admissions, they require careful consideration. Each retake represents not just a significant financial investment ($300) that could potentially fund additional school applications, but also an emotional investment that shouldn’t be taken lightly.

Remember the strategic value of patience in score reporting – while waiting to send scores means passing up the free reporting window, this small additional cost buys you the freedom to make informed decisions about which scores to submit. This investment in flexibility often proves worthwhile in the long run.

Success in GMAT or EA test preparation isn’t about the number of attempts, but about the quality of preparation between attempts. Work with experienced mentors, follow a structured study plan, and make informed decisions about when to report your scores to schools. Most importantly, protect your confidence and motivation by ensuring each retake is backed by thorough preparation and a clear strategy for improvement.