Does a No-Show GMAT Exam Count as an Attempt?
The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a crucial component in many business school applications. Understanding the implications of not showing up for your scheduled exam is important for maintaining your test attempt count and avoiding unnecessary complications. This article aims to clarify the rules regarding whether a no-show GMAT exam counts as an attempt.
What Counts as an Attempt?
According to the official GMAT website and the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), a no-show for a scheduled GMAT exam will be counted as an attempt. This means that if you register for the GMAT but do not appear on the exam day, your attempts will increase by one, regardless of whether you took part of the exam or not. This is an important consideration since multiple attempts can have negative implications for your GMAT score and your application to business schools.
Refunds and Cancellation Policies
It is important to note that if you do not cancel your registration before the exam date and do not show up for the test, you will not be issued a refund for the fee. The GMAT is a customized exam that allocates resources based on the number of registrants, and cancelling within the deadline allows you to avoid this fee and ensure your attempts do not count.
Only taking part or all of a scheduled GMAT counts as an attempt. Therefore, if you miss a scheduled GMAT, the exam you did not take will not be counted as an attempt, but you will still not be eligible for a refund. This is important for financial and time management purposes, as planning a rescheduled exam can help you avoid issues with your attempt count and score history.
Specific Policies and Lifetime Limits
If you are a no-show on test day and did not cancel your GMAT, the exam does not count toward your lifetime limit of test attempts. However, keep in mind that your no-show record will be noted in your account. Although this information will not be sent to business schools during your application, it might impact your decision-making process regarding rescheduling.
According to Apurva R. Tidken, a Study Abroad Head at Tarkashastra, rescheduling is a better option in unforeseen circumstances or if you feel unprepared. Rescheduling can be done up to 7 days before the exam day, and it avoids the no-show status, which can be recorded and potentially appear in your application history.
Conclusion
The no-show for a GMAT exam does count as an attempt, which is why it is crucial to cancel your registration if you are unable to attend the exam. Understanding the cancellation policies and lifetime limits can help you make informed decisions and avoid unnecessary complications in your GMAT journey.
For the most current information regarding test attempts and cancellations, always refer to the official GMAT website or contact the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC).