COVID-19 GMAT/GRE/EA Testing Update
Testing, testing, testing! For better or for worse, GMAT, GRE and Executive Assessment (EA) are key topics of conversation throughout the MBA application process.
Testing practices have changed drastically for 2020 MBA Applicants as online GMAT and GRE options emerged this spring. Recently, MIT Sloan introduced a test-optional policy, meaning that candidates for the 2020-2021 admissions cycle can now submit their applications without a test score.
One of the latest changes is the Graduate Management Admissions Council’s decision to allow candidates to take the online GMAT exam twice.
Starting in late September, online test-takers will have the ability to retake the online GMAT, an adaptation that reduces the restrictions of having to take the test at home.
Despite this effort to add flexibility to the online GMAT exam, the GMAC still urges candidates to take the test in person if possible:
“If test centers in candidates' locations are open and they feel safe accessing a test center facility, candidates are encouraged to do so. We are closely following local government directives to ensure the health and safety of our test-takers and test center staff. All our test centers that are currently open have enhanced safety, social distancing, and hygiene practices in place.”
Regardless of whether you are planning to take the test online or in person, you will want to make sure your study plans are in order. Whether you are just beginning and do not know where to start or you are weak in a few areas and looking to learn some new tricks, Personal MBA Coach offers customized tutoring services to help.
Our tutors will set up a schedule just for you, create a study plan, and schedule regular meetings to help you reach your goals. We conduct GMAT / GRE / Executive Assessment tutoring sessions remotely via Skype / Zoom, and we use whiteboard-sharing software so we can each draw on the screen. As with all of our services, satisfaction is guaranteed.
Your Personal MBA Coach tutor has one thing in mind: your success! The level of customization and support is unmatched and because our tutoring is boutique, just like our admissions consulting, tutors work with only a limited number of students each year. Personal MBA Coach tutors have scored in the 99th percentile on the GMAT and GRE and are graduates of MIT, Harvard, and UPenn.
Candidates often ask Personal MBA Coach what score is needed for success. While naturally this varies from school to school, it is becoming less common to see students earn admission to the top 10-20 schools with a GMAT score below 700. For the Wharton class of 2022, the average GMAT was 722 (the average GRE was 161V/161Q). For Columbia Business School, the class of 2022 average was 726. Harvard Business School reported a median GMAT score of 730 and a median GRE score of 163V/163Q for the class of 2022. We do expect scores to rise this season due to the increased competition. The GMAT / GRE scores from last application season were a bit lower as schools tried to fill vacant seats caused by COVID and visa restrictions.
Have other questions about the GMAT/GRE/EA exams? Check out this blog: Your GMAT, GRE & Executive Assessment FAQs.
Are you looking for help with your MBA Applications? Personal MBA Coach is willing to be your guide. Founded by a Wharton and MIT graduate, we regularly help applicants navigate their applications each year. We also conduct mock interviews with former M7 interviewers on our team.
Personal MBA Coach has been guiding candidates through all aspects of the MBA application process for 13 years with a 96% success rate. Call us today at +1 617-645-2424 or email [email protected] for a free consultation on your profile along with how we can help make your MBA dreams a reality!
Take a look at these blogs for additional MBA admissions consulting advice:
How to Ensure Your MBA Letters of Recommendation Shine
MBA Application Extras: Short Answer Questions, Optional Essays and Videos