GMAT a 4th time?

[cebeauli]

Hello,

I am in the process of applying to MBA programs and am trying to determine if I need to retake the GMAT/the impact on my application if I take it a 4th time. I began studying for the GMAT in February and took the online Manhattan GMAT courses. However, I was extremely ill-prepared for the course and did not get the most out of it because I was behind and could not catch up on the homework due to work commitments. I continued studying and took the test for the first time in April. I scored a horrible quantitative score of about 30%, but with a 97% Verbal my overall score was a 600. I was devastated, but knew I was not fully prepared. During the Quant, I completely froze and began to run out of time.

My second attempt was in May, and I managed to raise my Quant score but still was very low, in the 40% range. I got a 620 overall with a Verbal of 89%.

Following this, I decided to take the GMAT for a 3rd and, hopefully, last time. Although I intended to dedicate sufficient time to studying, working 65+ hours a week left me with little time or energy. Looking back, I should have absolutely canceled the test date and rescheduled for a time I could dedicate the required focus. I scored a 600, with about 40% on Quant and 83% on Verbal (I only studied Quant between my 2nd and 3rd attempts).

Overall, I am very disappointed because I know I did not prioritize the GMAT as I needed to. Quant is clearly not my strong suit, but I know I can score better. I have excellent work experience and was a Finance major with a 3.3 GPA at a strong university, so I am hopeful that these aspects will help my application, but unfortunately I am concerned that I will be rejected due to my low Quant score. I am planning on applying to Duke, Michigan Ross, and UNC. Most likely I will select a 4th school as well.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated; taking the GMAT 3 times doesn't sound too crazy, but 4 seems like it may raise some flags. Ultimately, I would love to not have to retake the GMAT, but I am very concerned that because my GMAT is below the 80%, I'm setting myself up for failure.

Thank you!

[mili]

Hi there,

What a journey you've had with this test! I'm sorry to hear that it has been such a struggle. Unfortunately, I think you're right that with your current score of 620, you'll have a very hard time getting into Michigan, Duke, or UNC. However, if you take the GMAT a fourth time, it does start to look like you 'don't know when to quit' or don't have clear grasp on reality. I'd honestly say that given the consistency in your scores thus far, a 4th test is unlikely to produce the results your seeking (not trying to be a pessimist, but also don't want you to waste your time!). Also, since you haven't been able successfully prioritize the GMAT alongside your work schedule in the past, it's unlikely that you'll be able to this time around, either. With these factors in mind, I'd suggest that you enroll in supplementary quant courses (statistics, accounting), to show the adcom your analytic/quantitative proficiency. If you've got a really incredible profile outside of the GMAT, you might be able to overcome it, but if it's average then you may consider adjusting your expectations in terms of target schools. I'm sorry not to have more positive advice for you!

Best of luck,
Mili


Mili Mittal
Senior Consultant
http://www.mbamission.com

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[cebeauli]

Thanks, Mili. I appreciate the candid feedback. I minored in Accounting and had all A's and B's. I also had A's and B's in my Statistics and Economics courses. Does it make sense to still take an additional course?

Thanks!

[mili]

Hi!

It probably couldn't hurt to take something - but I wouldn't take anything you'd already taken in undergrad. Alternatively, you could just try to address the GMAT in an optional statement and point to your undergrad grades as evidence of your analytic ability.

Good luck,
Mili