GMAT in Madrid: A Complete Guide to the Exam
To properly prepare for the GMAT in Madrid, you should consider three main factors before setting your test date. First, understand the current format of the GMAT Focus Edition. Second, find out what score the school you want to apply to requires. Finally, estimate how much study time you’ll need based on your current level.
Below, we’ll go over each of these factors, including the GMAT Focus scores required by leading European schools and the recommended preparation timelines based on your situation.
Table of Contents
Where Can You Take the GMAT in Madrid?
You can schedule the GMAT exam in Madrid at a Pearson VUE center in the city. You can also take it online from home. In both cases, the first step is to create an account at mba.com and complete your candidate profile.
If you choose an in-person test center, you can use the official mba.com test center locator. This way, you can search for options by entering the city or the ZIP code.
It’s a good idea to start this search early. The most convenient time slots tend to fill up first during peak demand weeks. This happens, for example, in the months leading up to the fall admission rounds.
The online format is often more convenient for many students in Madrid. Plus, it eliminates the need to find a test center and travel there on exam day. You also don’t have to book as far in advance. And you aren’t dependent on which time slots are available at a specific test center in the city.
All you need is a quiet, private space and a computer with a stable internet connection. You’ll also need a valid form of identification for verification via video call before you begin. A certified proctor will monitor you remotely throughout the exam. It’s just like having staff monitor you at a test center.
What GMAT Score Do You Need to Study in Madrid?
The GMAT score you need to study in Madrid depends on the business school you’re applying to. There are, however, three common benchmarks among students preparing for the exam in the capital.
IE Business School considers a GMAT Focus Edition score of 625 to be competitive. To ensure admission, it recommends that applicants aim for a score between 605 and 655.
IESE recommends aiming for a score of 650 or higher for the MBA admissions process.
ESADE does not publish an official minimum GMAT score. However, competitive applicants typically aim for a GMAT Focus Edition score of 615 or higher.
Can You Prepare for College in Madrid and Apply to International Schools?
Yes: Preparing for the GMAT in Madrid doesn’t limit you to applying only in Spain. In fact, a significant number of students apply for admission to schools in other European countries or in the United States. The GMAT Focus Edition scores required by some international schools are as follows:
- INSEAD: A competitive score ranges from 645 to 695.
- London Business School: A score of 655 or higher is considered highly competitive. The average score for admitted students is 645, placing them in the top 10% of all test-takers.
- London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE): The scores of those admitted typically range from 640 to 730. A score of 680 or higher is considered highly competitive.
- HEC Paris: A safe and highly competitive score ranges from 645 to 695.
- Bocconi University (Milan): A minimum score of 485 is required just to apply. For the most popular programs, it’s best to aim for 650 or higher.
If you haven’t yet decided whether the GMAT or the GRE is the right test for you, check out our comparison GMAT or GRE: How the Two Exams Differ. There, we explain how each test is tailored to different profiles and what scoring format each one uses.
Call us and find out why our students have been achieving their goals since 2010.
What Is the Process for Registering for and Retaking the GMAT?
To register for the GMAT, you need to create an account at mba.com and complete your candidate profile. Then, schedule your appointment at the test center or online, whichever you prefer.
Once you receive your score at the end of the exam, you decide for yourself whether or not to send it to the schools. The score is displayed first. Sending it to the schools, however, is a separate and voluntary decision. In addition, you can choose up to 5 schools to receive your score at no additional cost at the time of registration.
If you decide to retake the exam, GMAC requires a minimum of 16 days between attempts. It also allows up to 5 attempts within any continuous 12-month period. Finally, your GMAT score is valid for 5 years from the test date.
How Long Do You Need to Prepare for the GMAT in Madrid?
The recommended preparation time for the GMAT depends on each student’s starting point. A typical student without a tight deadline usually needs between 10 and 15 weeks of structured preparation. When the deadline is tighter, however, it is possible to complete an intensive preparation program lasting between 5 and 7 weeks. Students who already have a solid foundation, on the other hand, may need only 3 to 5 weeks of focused preparation.
Why Prepare for the GMAT with EPIC Prep in Madrid?
At EPIC Prep, we combine an initial diagnostic assessment with specialized tutors. In addition, we have a database of more than 2,000 GMAT and GRE practice questions with immediate feedback.
We also place a strong emphasis on individual tutoring. Our large team of expert tutors allows us to offer a highly personalized experience to those who prefer one-on-one sessions. We also offer small group sessions for those who prefer that format, while maintaining the same level of individual attention.
Within the EPIC Prep organization, there is a team dedicated exclusively to the GMAT and GRE. This allows us to stay up to date with every change in the exam format. Our office in Madrid, along with the one in Barcelona, is part of our presence in Spain.
If you want to start preparing, check out our GMAT prep course.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where Can I Take the GMAT in Madrid?
You can take the GMAT in Madrid at a Pearson VUE center in the city. You can also take it from home, online.
What GMAT Score Do Spanish Schools Require?
IE Business School considers a score of 625 to be competitive, with a safe range of 605 to 655. IESE, for its part, recommends a score of 650 or higher. ESADE has an average admission score of approximately 615, with no published minimum score.
Can I Study in Madrid and Apply to a School Outside of Spain?
Yes. Many EPIC Prep students in Madrid apply for admission to schools such as INSEAD, London Business School, HEC Paris, and LSE. Their competitive GMAT Focus Edition scores range from 645 to 730, depending on the school.
How Many Times Can I Take the GMAT?
You can retake the GMAT up to 5 times within a continuous 12-month period. However, you must wait at least 16 days between attempts.
How Much Time Should I Set Aside to Prepare If I Live in Madrid?
Most students in Madrid need between 10 and 15 weeks of standard preparation. If time is more limited, however, it is possible to take an intensive course lasting 5 to 7 weeks. Finally, those who already have a solid foundation may need only 3 to 5 weeks of focused review.
We hope this article has answered your questions. If you have any questions about your preparation, please contact us and we will be happy to explain how EPIC Prep can help you achieve your goals.
