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The GMAT costs $275 at a test center and $300 online. Rescheduling fees range from $55 to $180, depending on notice period. You can send scores to five schools free within 48 hours of your test; each additional score report costs $35.
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Preparing for the GMAT requires financial planning, especially when applying to graduate business programs. Knowing the costs involved and how they can add up helps in budgeting and avoiding surprises. This article breaks down all major GMAT-related expenses, explores cost-saving strategies, and shares practical advice to help you plan effectively.
The base fee for taking the GMAT is a flat fee in US dollars. This covers one test attempt at either a test center or via the online examination. Prices may vary slightly depending on your region due to local currencies and taxes. It is important to check the current fee on the official mba.com site before registering to confirm exact pricing in your country.
If you need to change your test date, location, or format, a rescheduling fee applies. The fee depends on how close you are to the GMAT date: changing far in advance costs less, while last-minute modifications cost significantly more. You can adjust or reschedule your appointment through your mba.com account, though last-minute changes might not be supported. Always check deadlines for when rescheduling remains allowed.
If your plans change and you must cancel your GMAT appointment entirely, you will recover only a portion of the registration cost. The amount refunded depends on timing: canceling early releases a higher refund, while canceling closer to test day results in a smaller one. No refunds are issued within 24 hours of the scheduled examination. Be aware of this window to avoid forfeiting the full fee.
Your registration includes sending official scores to five programs at no additional cost, provided the forwarding is done within 48 hours of score release. Score reports sent to additional schools incur a fee each time. These extra reports can be ordered at any time during the five-year score validity period. Planning your target schools in advance allows you to optimize this benefit and minimize additional costs.
After taking the test, you have the option to cancel the score immediately at no cost if it does not meet your expectations. If you decide to cancel later, up to 72 hours afterward, a fee applies. The cancellation means the score will not appear on your official record, and you can freely retake the test if you prefer not to include it in your school applications.
If you cancel a score and later change your mind, you can request reinstatement within the five-year validity period. A reinstatement fee applies in this case. Once reinstated, that score becomes part of your official record and can be sent to schools. This is useful if a school requests an explanation for canceled scores or if your later application benefits from showing a cancelled attempt.
Candidates from outside the U.S. may face additional charges based on currency conversion and regional tax rates. mba.com will list costs in local currency, though billing is often done in dollars. Keep an eye on exchange rate fluctuations to ensure the amount matches your expectations. In some countries, taxes may be included in the posted price, while in others they are applied during checkout.
Retaking the GMAT adds cost and requires planning. You may register up to five times within a rolling 12-month period. Each additional attempt incurs the full registration fee. Reschedule or cancel only as a last resort. For example, if a lower score shows on your record, it may be prudent to cancel it to avoid a negative impact when sharing official scores.
GMAC offers a range of official prep materials, some of which are free and others paid. Free resources include a limited set of practice questions and two full-length practice examinations available through mba.com. For more extensive practice, candidates can purchase the GMAT Official Guide, additional Verbal and Quantitative Review books, and extra practice tests. These paid materials can add up to a notable expense, especially if you buy the full set. However, they feature real, retired questions and are widely seen as the most accurate way to understand test difficulty and format. While not strictly necessary, using at least some official material is strongly recommended by GMAT preparation experts for effective preparation.
Taking advantage of five free official score reports is a major opportunity. Shortlisting schools before taking the test helps you use these slots efficiently and avoid unnecessary extra reporting fees.
If your test date needs to change, early rescheduling saves you money. Waiting too long before your test date can increase the cost significantly. Take GMAT prep mocks regularly to know your level and to decide whether you need to reschedule your test.
GMAC provides fee assistance programs for applicants with financial need. Qualifying candidates may receive discounts on registration and score report costs. Partner organizations in certain countries may support access to official GMAT preparation and help waive standard fees. Check the official assessment services website for eligibility criteria and application instructions.
To recap, when planning, include the following in your GMAT budget:
By summing these potential expenses, you can prepare a realistic budget and minimize surprises.
A seasoned MBA admission consultant can help you gauge your readiness for the GMAT and schedule the test in alignment with your target application deadlines, avoiding unnecessary rescheduling fees. The consultant can also identify the five most suitable schools for your free score reports, based on your goals, profile, and expected score, saving you the cost of additional reports. Starting early with such a consultant also enables meaningful profile enrichment, allowing you to strengthen your academic, professional, and extracurricular profile before applications. Alongside, the consultant can guide you through GMAT or GRE preparation, application strategy, essay writing, recommendations, and interview readiness, maximizing your chances of top admits and scholarships.
Understanding the direct and indirect costs of the GMAT is essential for thoughtful planning. The examination has several fee types, registration, score reporting, rescheduling, cancellation, and reinstatement, that can add up if not managed strategically. Advanced planning, early decision-making, and consideration of fee assistance options help candidates manage expenses effectively. By recognizing all cost components and incorporating them into your preparation plan, you reduce stress and maintain control of both your study timeline and your budget. A disciplined and informed approach helps you focus on performance rather than unexpected fees, turning cost management into part of a strong GMAT strategy.
