The Graduate Management Admission Council, which administers the GMAT, can withhold or cancel a score it believes is invalid, and it moves quickly. A score can be placed under review after testing, a planned cancellation is usually communicated by email, and the appeal is an internal review with a short window. GMAC also states that its duty to share information about invalid scores with schools doesn’t depend on where a candidate is in the process, whether they’ve applied, been admitted, or even graduated.
A note on rules: GMAC updates its exam policies over time, and the rules that govern a particular matter are the ones in effect for that matter. This article describes GMAC’s process as GMAC has published it. GMAC’s current policies and the notice a candidate receives are the controlling sources.
When Can GMAC Cancel or Withhold a Score?
GMAC’s published policies reserve the right to cancel or withhold a score in a range of circumstances, including when a score is believed to be invalid for any reason. GMAC states that it will notify candidates by email in advance of a planned cancellation or invalidation, while also noting that there are circumstances in which scores may be canceled or withheld without prior notice or an opportunity to appeal.
GMAC states that if a score is canceled after it was reported, it notifies the schools that received the score report, and the test fee is forfeited. GMAC’s policies also describe additional possible consequences, such as restrictions on how a candidate may test in the future.
How Does a GMAT Appeal Work?
According to GMAC, a candidate who believes a decision should be reviewed may appeal to the GMAC Test Security Team by replying to the notice within the appeal window it specifies, which is short. GMAC describes the appeal as an internal examination offered at its discretion or as required by law, states that it determines the outcome in its sole discretion, and notes that it won’t disclose information that may hinder test security. GMAC’s policies describe possible outcomes that include reinstatement of the original score or a change in the reason for cancellation. After the window closes, GMAC states that the cancellation decision becomes final.
Why Does This Reach So Far?
GMAC has stated publicly that when its Test Security team determines a score is not valid, it shares that information with schools, regardless of whether the candidate recently applied, has been accepted, received a scholarship, is currently in a program, or has already graduated. A GMAT score question can therefore follow a candidate well past the application stage.
Common Misconceptions
“A canceled score stays private.” GMAC states that it notifies schools that received a score that is later canceled.
“Once I’m admitted, it doesn’t matter.” GMAC has stated that it shares invalid-score information regardless of the candidate’s stage, including after admission or graduation.
“The appeal is a formal hearing.” GMAC describes the appeal as an internal examination whose outcome it determines in its sole discretion.
“I’ll always get notice first.” GMAC notes there are circumstances in which scores may be canceled or withheld without prior notice or an appeal opportunity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can GMAC cancel my GMAT score?
Yes. GMAC reserves the right to cancel or withhold scores, including when a score is believed to be invalid for any reason.
Can I appeal a GMAT score cancellation?
GMAC offers an internal appeal through its Test Security Team within a short window specified in the notice, and determines the outcome in its sole discretion.
Will business schools find out?
GMAC states that it notifies schools that received a score that is later canceled.
Does it matter if I’ve already been admitted?
GMAC has stated that it shares invalid-score information with schools regardless of the candidate’s stage, including after admission or graduation.
Representation in GMAT and GMAC Matters
Every matter turns on its specific facts and on the rules in effect at the time, and GMAC policies can change. Attorney Richard Asselta is a student defense attorney who represents test takers in standardized testing disputes nationwide, including ACT score invalidations. Call 855-338-5299.