Retaking the GMAT

[john.lombard]

I've got a couple of questions about re-taking the GMAT.

Quick background: 1st test I scored 670, second test 700 (Q67%/V90%). I'm aiming to get into a top 10 or 15 level school.

1. Is it worth taking a third time to try for a 710 or 720? Is there a big difference between a 700 and a 720 from an admissions perspective?

2. What if I score below the 700 on the third test? Although most schools take the highest score, will this put my 700 in a bad light?

3. Will a lopsided score (much stronger in verbal) be a significant problem, or is the total score more of the filter point?

Thank You

[mbamission]

Hello,

Thank you for your inquiry. The 700 composite score is fine for the schools that you are targeting. The bigger issue is the 67th percentile in the quantitative section of the GMAT. This may raise some questions for the admission committee. So, if you think that you can improve the quantitative score (really, the percentile, raising it to the 80th percentile or better), I would suggest retaking the test. I’m not as concerned about the overall score of 700, but the quantitative percentile. If you take the test three times and don’t improve, then I might consider going with the 700 and doing your best to demonstrate your quantitative abilities through other parts of the application, like your undergraduate grades, other courses that you might take and your work experience. Taking the test three times will not reflect negatively on your application. The schools will typically just use your highest score (the score you report). Good luck!

Sincerely,

Akiba Smith-Francis

MBA Mission
646-485-8844
Website: www.mbamission.com
Blog: www.mbamission.com/blog
MBA Mission Insider’s Guides: www.mbamission.com/store.php (12 individual school titles)
Free Consultation: www.mbamission.com/consult.php
Twitter: http://twitter.com/MBAMission

[john.lombard]

Thanks for your reply. Looks like I'll give it another go.