What time of day should you take the GMAT?

Meghan Daniels is the Associate Editor at Knewton. Get more of your GMAT questions answered at the Knewton Answers forum.

Given the importance of the GMAT, you should do whatever you can to give yourself an edge on test day. However, the vast majority of test-takers neglect to take advantage of an important feature of the GMAT that can help maximize their scores.

The fact that you can choose the exact date and time that you want to take the GMAT is a big deal. When was the last time you were allowed to schedule an important exam for yourself? From kindergarten through college, almost every standardized test or exam is administered according to a predetermined schedule that you have no control over. But the GMAT is different. The scheduling power is finally in your hands.

Are you using this unique exam feature to your advantage?

Maybe you would prefer to take the GMAT first thing in the morning, so that you can approach the test with a fresh and open mind? Maybe you feel tired in the morning, and instead do your best work in the afternoon or the evening? On a timed test like the GMAT, you must be focused and efficient. Choosing the best time of day could be the extra boost you need to achieve your target score.

Two-step scheduling process that we recommend for GMAT test-takers:

First, figure out what time of day you do your best GMAT work. If you don’t have a sense of this already, evaluate how you perform on GMAT problems and CATs while studying during various times of day.  

Second, log on to mba.com and schedule an appointment sufficiently in advance, to make sure you can get the time of day that you need. Most test-centers allow you to sit for the GMAT as early as 8:00 a.m., and some have appointments until 6:00 p.m.

It can be very tempting to schedule your GMAT appointment according to other demands on your time (your job, your family, etc.). Remember: the GMAT is incredibly important, and you need to make it your number one priority on test day. Choosing your GMAT appointment strategically could end up giving you the edge you need to get into your top-choice business school.