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Should I Retake? Advice Appreciated

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jakesing Just gettin' started! Default Avatar
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Should I Retake? Advice Appreciated Post Tue Apr 10, 2012 9:00 am
Hi All,

I would really appreciate your advice about the following. I apologize that I only remember percentiles and not absolute score breakdowns. I took the GMAT for the first time in 2009 and got a 730 (95th percentile verbal, 79th percentile math). I had read that it was important to have at least an 80% in each (and especially math for a finance candidate like me) so I decided to retake it this past March. I had been scoring higher on practice tests but, as a result of a combination of arrogant laziness and a very distracting week leading up to test date, I got a 700 the second time. This time both percentiles were over 80, but the overall score was clearly lower.

I am wondering how important having 80%+ on math truly is if I am targeting top 10 schools. I currently plan to apply this fall for 2013 enrollment. I know schools will see both scores, and I also know they are both within range of all schools, but I am confident that with a little more hard work I can score higher than my original 730.

If anyone has insight on whether this is worth the effort and money I'd really appreciate hearing it. I know I have a lot of work to do for the rest of the application, but I'd also like to be confident once and for all in my GMAT score. All advice is appreciate.

Regards,
Jake

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jakesing Just gettin' started! Default Avatar
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Post Wed Apr 11, 2012 6:27 am
Anybody? Please? Smile

sam2304 GMAT Titan
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Post Wed Apr 11, 2012 6:55 am
GMAT scores are valid for 5 years and a 730 is suffice even if you are applying for top 10 schools unless you have very less experience. Check out the bschools' mean, median and average GMAT scores, if you feel that 730 is on the lower side then you can go for a retake else you can work more on the essays and WE.

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dav35 Just gettin' started! Default Avatar
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Post Wed Apr 11, 2012 10:02 am
schools care more about the total score than the do the splits.

yes, most finance schools look at quant scores (all else being equal) more than they look at verbal scores, but that doesn't mean a 79th percentile will keep you out.

i would point to other areas where you have demonstrated your quant ability. it's not like you had a 60% quant and 99% verbal.

i definitely wouldnt take the exam again. a 730 is a great score. go with that one.

think about this. if you score 80% or higher in each section, then the lowest score you can get is Q48/V37 (which is a 700). the median score at the top schools are between 710 and 730. that means 50% of the admitted students scored lower than that. I can assure that there are plenty of students who didnt get 80%+/80%+. getting 80%+ on both sections quite an accomplishment, but the overall score is more important.

the one caveat (for 700+ GMAT)... you have a poor quant score <70th percentile AND you dont have anything in your background that demonstrates you can do well in maths

triciafelice Just gettin' started!
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Post Wed Apr 11, 2012 10:37 am
Congrats on the 730. I am not in admissions, but agree that you can check GMAT off your list and do not need to take again. You are just barely out of the 80% range in math, and your stellar verbal store evens that out.
My opinion; move on to the apps and next steps in the process!
But if you are still feeling uneasy about this, could be smart to check with a consultant. Most of the MBA consultants give short & free consultations before you would have to buy a package. You could ask about this for your specific target schools. They may have additional insight.
Good luck.

AbhiJ GMAT Destroyer! Default Avatar
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Post Thu Apr 12, 2012 5:01 am
I would disagree a bit, most people would say that you do not take GMAT again. This is because most people donot get a 760. If you think you can improve your score take GMAT again, there is still plenty of time for applications.

dav35 Just gettin' started! Default Avatar
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Post Thu Apr 12, 2012 5:50 am
AbhiJ wrote:
I would disagree a bit, most people would say that you do not take GMAT again. This is because most people donot get a 760. If you think you can improve your score take GMAT again, there is still plenty of time for applications.
sure, if it's for personal reasons, then it makes sense to take it again.

i am retaking the GMAT (after scoring 710), bc i was sick when i took the exam and want to see how well I can do when I am feeling better. it's not bc a 710 isn't a good enough.

A 730 is good enough. it's 96th percentile! a 760 won't improve the poster's chances of getting into his or her school of choice. the improvement from 730 to 760 is smaller than that of 700 to 730. diminishing marginal returns.

everyone is free to take the exam for whatever reason... but, the once you get to a certain point, getting a higher score won't matter.

rick1986 Just gettin' started! Default Avatar
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Post Sat Apr 14, 2012 4:08 am
Go with your gut on this one.. I would retake it if I were you, only because you should have no problem crossing the 90th percentile in verbal, a litte more effort and you should cross the 85th percentile in quant.

Also, you have time on your hands.. If it were me, I wouldn't want to repent later on and say I had the time and should have re-taken the GMAT when I had a chance..

I personally have only a 710, but I know I've maxed out.. but i think you have the potential- just my 2 cents..

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