Length of time between taking GMAT and applying

Graduate School Business School - MBA
1

<p>I took the GMAT a year after college (age 23)- figuring I would be a better "test taker" right away rather than when I was 25 and more seriously considering the MBA. I did pretty well, a lot better than I thought I would (710), but I had no intention of applying to school for a few years.</p>

<p>I'm almost 25 now and I want to apply to top- and second-tier schools when I'm 26-27 or so. I understand that the shelf life of the GMAT score is five years; my question is, do top schools look any differently at a score if it is four years old rather than, say, one year old?</p>

<p>A lot can change in four years with a person and I just want to make sure that I didn't slip up by taking the test too early. I understand they're going to be way more concerned with experience, statement, the score, etc than how long ago I took it, but as with any competitive application, they need to break ties somehow, and I'm wondering if they ever use this against a person.</p>

<p>Thanks for your help.</p>

2

<p>If your college GPA is good enough for the top 15 schools,then I think your GMAT score taken within 5 years is fine. However, if your GPA was subpar and you are trying to tell the Adcom how you have matured and changed for the better then I think they might just want to see a more recent GMAT to confirm your "improvement."</p>

3

<p>Every GMAT prep site I've read says that your scores are good for five years. </p>

<p>Go here and see:</p>

<p>GMAT</a> Prep</p>

<p>A 710 is great. As long as your quant and verbal scores are both good, then you should not need to take it again if you apply within five years.</p>