GMAT Dates and Scores

<p>Hi,
I am currently doing a 1 year internship of a 5 year engineering program. I was interested in doing my GMAT this year end as I have some free time and also as I am targetting biz schools in 2010 - 2011 (After 2-3 yrs of work experience). I have a few concerns:
1)How long is the validity of the GMAT Scores?
2)If I decided on the universities now and send them my scores, will they still be valid when I apply almost 4 years later?
3)Would it be a problem if I do my GMAT this early?
Thanks for any help/feedback in advance !</p>

<p>GMAT scores are valid for five years I think.</p>

<p>I'm pretty sure it won't be a problem taking your GMAT this early. ITs probably best for you because your test taking abilities from college are still fresh.</p>

<p>Okay, thanks ! what is the average time you need to prepare for the exam ? I was just looking at some stuff yesterday, the exam looks hard !!!</p>

<p>I'm going to start seriously looking over it several months beforehand. The more prep work the better. Buy books, take practice tests, go to workshops, and hope for the best. I hope that's the formula for success.</p>

<p>Also a question with the GPA, say I apply to B-schools only 3 - 4 years after graduation, would my GPA matter a lot ? Also work experience, would it have to be business/admin experience or would any quality work experience do ?</p>

<p>I have heard that the farther you are removed from undergrad the less your GPA matters, while work experience becomes increasingly important.</p>

<p>hmm, that is a huge concern for me. My GPA isn't that high (shaking at a 3.0) but I have good work experience and really good ECs..</p>

<p>If your GPA isn't high, you can compensate by having a high GMAT score. You can take it now or wait until you are sure you want to apply to B schools. Schools usually don't keep GMAT scores sent to them unless they are accompanied by applications within that year. However, you can request to send the scores taken within 5 years to be sent whenever you are ready to apply.</p>

<p>Do I have an option of sending my GMAT scores to other schools later ?</p>

<p>Within 5 years, yes.</p>

<p>I have only looked at the GMAT Official Guides and gathered information about the substance of the test. I'm planning on taking it after I graduate from college and before I start work. My theory is that I will still be in the academic mode and some of the areas will still be fresh in mind (particularly the quant stuff). I'm not aware of any statistics that prove this out... it just seems like common sense to me.</p>