How to succeed in your GMAT

What is the GMAT?

The GMAT is currently delivered as the GMAT Focus Edition, a streamlined version of the exam designed to reflect the skills most relevant to modern business study.

The test is divided into three core sections, each designed to assess the key skills you'll need for an MBA:

• Data insights (45 minutes) - evaluates your ability to interpret and analyse data in multiple formats.
• Quantitative reasoning (45 minutes) - tests numerical problemsolving and data interpretation.
• Verbal reasoning (45 minutes) - assesses reading comprehension and critical reasoning.

The exam is computer-adaptive, meaning the level of difficulty adjusts based on your performance as you progress:

• accuracy matters more than guessing or skipping
• getting harder questions generally signals stronger performance.

Business schools use GMAT scores to:

• assess your academic readiness
• compare applicants from diverse backgrounds
• support scholarship decisions.

Explore which MBA you should choose and compare your options.

Should I take the GMAT if it's optional?

Even if a course doesn't require the GMAT, submitting a score can still work in your favour. This is particularly true if your undergraduate grades aren't as strong as you'd like, or if you're applying to highly competitive schools.

You might also consider taking the GMAT if you:

• are aiming for merit-based funding
• have limited quantitative experience
• want to demonstrate your academic ability as an international applicant.

In these cases, a strong score can help admissions teams assess your potential more confidently.

How does GMAT scoring work?

Your total GMAT score ranges from 205 to 805, with individual section scores typically falling between 60 and 90.

You'll usually receive your official results within a week, and your score remains valid for five years.

What is a good GMAT score?

What counts as a 'good' GMAT score depends on the programmes you're targeting. As a general guide:

• 555-595 - competitive for many MBA programmes
• 605-645 - strong score
• 655-695 - very competitive
• 705+ - exceptional/top global programmes.

Although leading UK institutions such as London Business School report an average of 645, a lower score doesn't rule you out. Alongside your GMAT result, admissions teams will also take a holistic view of your application, considering your:

• career goals
• interview performance
• leadership potential
• work experience.

If you want to improve your choices, you can:

• apply to GMAT-optional programmes
• explain academic weaknesses if needed
• retake the exam (up to five times in 12 months).

Importantly, you can choose which scores to send to business schools, giving you flexibility if you decide to retake the test.

Where should I take the GMAT?

You can take the GMAT either at your local test centre or online from home. Choosing the right option depends on your:

• exam conditions
• preferences
• schedule.

Test centres are available in most major UK cities, including:

• Edinburgh
• London
• Manchester.

Taking the exam in person can provide a more structured, distraction-free environment, with professional supervision and standardised conditions. This option is often a good choice if you:

• feel more focused outside your home environment
• prefer a formal setting.

Alternatively, the online GMAT allows you to take the test remotely. This can be more convenient, especially if you don't live near a test centre or need greater flexibility with scheduling. However, you'll need:

• a quiet, private space
• reliable internet connection.

Whichever format you choose, the content, scoring and difficulty remain the same.

When should I take the GMAT?

Timing plays a crucial role in your MBA application strategy.

Ideally, you should take the GMAT three to six months before your application deadline. This gives you enough time to:

• prepare thoroughly
• receive your results
• retake the exam if necessary.

How long should I study for the GMAT?

Your preparation time will depend on your current skill level:

• If you already have a strong background in maths and verbal reasoning, you may only need six to eight weeks of focused study.
• For most candidates, a two- to three-month preparation period is more realistic.
• If you're aiming for a significant score improvement, you may need four to six months.

Discover our advice on planning your postgraduate application.

How can I prepare for the GMAT?

• Start by taking a diagnostic test to understand your baseline and identify areas for improvement.
• Focus on building core skills in quantitative reasoning, critical thinking and data analysis.
• Develop your exam strategy - particularly time management and question selection.
• Taking full-length, timed practice tests will help you get used to the exam format and conditions.
• Reviewing your mistakes is just as important as practising questions. By identifying patterns in your errors, you can target weaker areas and avoid repeating them.

Using official resources, such as the GMAT Official Prep will ensure you're working with accurate and representative materials.

Many candidates choose to use specialist preparation providers to support their revision. Companies such as Manhattan Prep and Kaplan offer structured courses and practice materials, which can be particularly helpful if you prefer guided learning or need support building a study plan.

Alongside paid options, there are also plenty of free resources available, including:

• forums
• online practice questions,
• study communities.

Ultimately, the most successful preparation strategies are consistent and manageable.

Explore our 5 top revision tips.

What's the difference between the GMAT and the GRE?

Many MBA programmes accept both the GMAT and Graduate Record Examination (GRE), so your choice should reflect your strengths.

Explore which postgraduate degree is right for you.

How much does the GMAT cost?

In the UK, the GMAT typically costs:

• £250 at a test centre
• £275 if taken online.

You should also factor in additional fees. As a general guide:

• Cancelling your booking: the amount refunded depends on when you cancel, with refunds ranging from £50 to £110.
• Rescheduling your test: from £50 if you change your booking well in advance, rising to £165 for late changes.
• Sending additional score reports: £25 to £30 for each business school beyond those included with your registration.

Read our guide on funding an MBA.

What common GMAT mistakes should I avoid?

One of the most common mistakes is underestimating the time needed to prepare. Leaving your revision too late or relying on just one practice test can limit your progress. It's also important not to neglect entire sections, particularly data insights.

Another key pitfall is failing to review your mistakes properly. Simply completing practice questions isn't enough - you need to understand why you got something wrong and how to improve.

Finally, try to avoid booking your test too close to application deadlines. Giving yourself time for at least one retake can make a significant difference to your final score.

Find out more

• Learn more about MBA courses.