GMAT Failure 4th time. Is it time to let go?

[hap630]

Dear Admission Consultant,

I need some advise.
In total i have taken the GMAT for 4 times now. Below are my scores :-
Nov 2011 - 610 - Q47, V27
Oct 2012 - 530 - Q46, V18
May 2013 - 540 - Q44, V21
Dec 2013 - 560 - Q48, V20

I am extremely confused and upset. I don't know what to do now. I really want to get into one of the top 10 B-schools.
I have been improving in the Quant but i have been degrading in the Verbal. Not sure what is going on.

Instructor can you advise? Should i retake? Will it help?

Let's say if i score well 5th time, can i still get into one of the top 10 B-schools?

Stacey Koprince wanted me to post this question over here. I've always heard that the schools will take my highest score, but I don't know whether that changes if I have taken the test 5 times.

I would really appreciate your advise.


Ref : gmat-failure-4th-time-is-it-time-to-let-go-t25255.html

[mbamissionjenK]

Hi there,

Sorry to hear you have struggled to gain the score/s you were aiming for, I'm sure it is frustrating given your determination and ambition.

It's tough to assess fully at this point.... but first thing to mention is you can still list your highest score which will be the score considered, generally it's highest score in the past 5 years, so technically yes you could try once more...

In terms of deciding if you should, my honest advice would be to work with a private tutor to a) assess your current ability and what is going on/where you are struggling, and b) provide recommendations on how much if any they think you might be able to score with one more additional practice timeframe/study period. This might involve taking another full practice test, for one thing, and reviewing it in detail with your tutor, as well as having them watch you do timed practice on the computer. A tutor can literally watch each step you take, your timing, your techniques, etc, and provide feedback in a way that you wouldn't get in a class, online curriculum, or self-study.

There are situations in which extremely qualified applicants are accepted with low GMAT scores, sometimes with some further explanation in the optional essay, but of course the chances are going to be very slim/challenging at the current level, especially for top 10 schools. Not impossible, but tough. You could also continue to research and consider what your post-MBA career goals are and how best to get there or what your options are-- are there other reputable programs that would still get you there? etc.

Good luck to you!