Can you still take the original GMAT?

No, you can no longer take the original, classic GMAT; it was officially retired on January 31, 2024, and replaced by the GMAT Focus Edition, which is now the only version available for registration, though older classic scores remain valid for five years from the test date.

Can you still take original GMAT?

You'll be able to take the legacy version of the GMAT until at least “early 2024,” though GMAC has not yet released a specific retirement date. We're guessing the classic GMAT will be available during January 2024, but we're also guessing it will be retired sometime in Q1 (January to March) of 2024.

Is the old GMAT discontinued?

GMAT focus Edition started on November 7, 2023. The previous version of the GMAT Exam was discontinued after January 31, 2024. Starting from February 1, 2024, the only version of GMAT available is the GMAT Focus Edition.

Can you still take the GMAT 10th edition?

The GMAT Exam (10th Edition) is the previous version of the test that was available between 2012 and 2024.

What is the difference between the old GMAT and the new GMAT?

The GMAT Focus Edition has a total score range of 205-805, while the old GMAT had a range of 200-800. The GMAT Focus provides an Enhanced Score Report for free, while the old GMAT required an extra payment for it. The new GMAT provides flexibility in choosing the section order, whereas the old GMAT had a fixed order.

Should You Still Take the GMAT Even if it's "Optional?"

Can I score 700 in GMAT in 3 months?

Yes, scoring 700 on the GMAT in three months is feasible but challenging, heavily depending on your starting score and dedication; it requires a strategic, intense study plan focusing on weaknesses, using official materials, consistent practice tests, and dedicated hours, with higher starting scores (e.g., 600+) making it more likely than starting from scratch (e.g., 480). 

Is 740 a good GMAT score for Harvard?

Yes, a 740 GMAT score is excellent for Harvard Business School (HBS), as it meets or exceeds the typical median score (around 740), placing you in a very competitive academic position, though admission also heavily depends on your essays, work experience, and leadership potential. It removes academic test concerns, but a truly strong application with stellar recommendations and impact is still crucial. 

Can I use old GMAT books?

GMAT Official Advanced Questions: Basically a mini Official Guide but with only hard questions. Great resource for putting the finishing touches on your GMAT prep. What about older versions of the GMAT Official guide? Older versions of the OG are completely fine.

Is getting 750 in GMAT tough?

Getting a 750 on the GMAT is very difficult, placing you in roughly the 98th percentile (meaning 98% of test-takers score lower), but it's achievable with strategic dedication, mastering core concepts, focusing on high-level precision in both Quant (aiming for Q50+) and Verbal (V42+), using official materials, and maintaining a strong mindset with regular practice and error analysis, often taking several months. 

Is GMAT harder than LSAT?

The LSAT is generally considered harder for most, especially those weak in logic, due to its deeper focus on complex reasoning, "trickier" verbal questions, and higher time pressure, while the GMAT is tougher for those who struggle with its quantitative or Data Insights sections, with some finding its computer-adaptive format challenging. The LSAT's logical reasoning and reading comprehension are significantly more in-depth than the GMAT's, testing logic to a higher degree, but GMAT's quant section is a major hurdle for many. 

Has anyone got 805 in GMAT?

Yes, people have scored 805 on the GMAT Focus Edition, which is the highest possible score, with individuals like Julia Shackelford and Shrutav publicly sharing their rare achievements after dedicated (and sometimes rapid) preparation. These scores represent the 100th percentile and are exceptionally rare, achieved through intense study, strategic approaches, and often mentorship, with some scoring it shortly after lower attempts. 

Can I do an MBA without GMAT?

Most reputable international MBA programs allow you to request a GMAT waiver. They examine your analytical and quantitative aptitude for your admission to the MBA program. Some universities waive off GMAT on the basis of your MS degree, CPA, CFA kind of exams, relevant job roles, and expired GMAT or GRE scores.

Does Harvard prefer GMAT or GRE?

There is no minimum GMAT or GRE to apply and we do not have a preference towards a particular test.

Is classic GMAT still available?

It launched in 2012 and was replaced by the GMAT Exam (Focus Edition) on February 1, 2024. To learn more, please visit GMAT History.

Is getting 700 in GMAT tough?

Yes, scoring 700 on the GMAT is considered tough, placing you in the top 12% of test-takers, requiring high accuracy (around 80-90% in practice), strong strategies, and significant focused study, especially if you're starting from a lower score, but achievable with dedicated effort and targeted practice for those with existing 600+ skills. 

Which is harder, GRE or GMAT?

GMAT is generally seen as tougher in quant with complex reasoning and Data Insights, while the GRE is considered tougher in verbal due to extensive vocabulary (Text Completion/Sentence Equivalence), though the GMAT's critical reasoning is challenging, making the "harder" test dependent on individual strengths; math-focused people often prefer GMAT, while verbal-strong ones may find GRE better, with the GRE allowing a calculator and the GMAT offering more control over question order.
 

What is a top 1% GMAT score?

A top 1% GMAT score means being in the 99th percentile or higher, which generally translates to a score of 715-725+ on the GMAT Focus Edition, indicating exceptional performance, though scores near the top (like 735+) hit the 100th percentile. Achieving this requires mastery of the test, often involving perfect sectional scores (V90, Q90, DI90) for the highest tiers, as few test-takers reach these elite levels.
 

Is 645 the new 700?

"645 is the new 700" refers to the GMAT Focus Edition, where a score of 645 on the new test scale is considered equivalent in performance and percentile to a score of 700 on the old, discontinued GMAT Classic exam, meaning it's a strong, competitive score for top business schools despite the lower number. The GMAT Focus uses a scale of 205-805 (instead of 200-800), so while the number looks lower, admissions committees understand the concordance and evaluate it as the strong performance it represents, often around the 88th-89th percentile.
 

How rare is an 800 GMAT?

Reports vary about how many perfect 800's are achieved each year, but out of 200,000 people taking the GMAT each year, we think there are somewhere between zero and 30 perfect scores. You have a better chance of being hit by lightning as you're winning a Powerball lottery!

Is 525 a bad GMAT score?

A GMAT score of 525 is at about the 34th percentile. If your GMAT score is 525, it means that you scored better than 34% of those taking the test and, equivalently, you scored less than 66% of the test takers.

Is 2.5 months enough for GMAT?

You can certainly complete the prep is 2.5 months. In fact, we have a 12 week study plan which covers every topic of Focus along with practice and testing weeks.

Can I get 700 in GMAT without coaching?

Yes, you can absolutely reach 645 on GMAT Focus (or 700 on the old GMAT) without coaching—if you: ✅ Have strong self-discipline and follow a structured plan. ✅ Use official and high-quality study resources. ✅ Take full-length adaptive practice tests and learn from mistakes.

What is an Ivy League GMAT score?

For example, if you want to get into Ivy League schools like Harvard, your GMAT score should be in the 720-740 range. Top 20 business schools prefer students with 700+ scores. In addition to the GMAT scores, there are many issues you need to consider before applying to an MBA program.

Which Ivy League MBA is easiest to get into?

There's no truly "easy" Ivy League MBA, as all are highly selective, but Cornell (Johnson) often appears with the highest overall acceptance rate among the Ivies, though its acceptance rate is an average of vastly different programs, with some business-focused schools (like Dyson) being much tougher, while other Cornell colleges might be higher, creating a statistical mirage. Other Ivies like Dartmouth (Tuck) and UPenn (Wharton) also have competitive rates that, for highly qualified candidates, might feel relatively more accessible than ultra-low rates at HBS or Yale, but it's self-selected pools. 

How hard is it to get a 500 on GMAT?

About 75% of all test-takers will score at least a 500. A 590 is still a pretty common GMAT score. However, once you're up to the 670 mark, you definitely have a good score: only one out of every five people (about 20%) who take the GMAT will score that well.