Ever since the GMAT Online version of the exam was lauched, there have been some “challenges” that we have fought against from day 1. The first challenge was the prohibition of paper or a physical whiteboard to take notes during the exam. You had to make do with an uncomfortable online whiteboard (a horrible experience!) Many of our adventurous students practiced for several hours to become profficient at the use of that whiteboard, and many more refused to take the exam under such conditions. We sent several emails to GMAC to change this policy, and after a few months, in June 7, they changed their policy, allowing test takers to use a physical whiteboard (https://www.mba.com/exams/gmat-online/prepare-for-your-exam/whiteboard-options). That change was a major game changer, and many of our students decided to take the exam.
The next challenge would be more difficult to overcome: the exam can be taken only ONCE, creating a dark atmosphere of uncertainty and fear among students. In Peru, the testing center will remain close for a while because of the COVID-19 pandemic, so dozens of my students saw the GMAT Online exam as their only chance to get the score they needed to apply for first or second round this year. Seeing the GMAT Online as your only shot creates a huge amount of stress, something that can severely damage your performance. Nevertheless, we would never give up! Once again we sent several emails to GMAT in order to chance their “NO RETAKE” policy. It’s been a few months, and they finally listened (they have probably received thousands of emails from GMATers all over the world!).
An email that gives hopes to thousands of people has been received by many GMATers who have already taken the GMAT Online Exam. The official email, sent by MBA.COM, reads as follows:
“Dear GMATer,
Great news! Soon you’ll have the option to retake the GMAT™️ Online exam.
Since you’ve already taken the GMAT™️ Online exam, you’ll have the option to retest starting late September. Retesting can help you meet your b-school goals by offering you:
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- Opportunity to improve your score;
- Peace of mind and the flexibility of having an online retesting option given the uncertainty of test center availability; and
- Additional time to plan your prep strategy and application submissions.
We are excited to offer the option to take the GMAT™️ Online exam twice as yet another enhancement to help you reach your b-school goals.
Stay tuned for additional details.”
The information has not been updated in the official GMAT website yet, but it should appear soon. We are extremely excited about these news, and we are waiting anxiously to hear more information.
We will let you know as soon as we know more details.
Cheers!
Mariano Aguilar
