The Application Process

Hello,

I've taken the GMAT twice and plan on taking it one last time. First attempt - 530; Second attempt - 630. I'm aiming for 700 on my final attempt. I feel like i have other things going on for me that I don't need to aim for high 700s.
I'm also aiming for top 10 to 20 MBA schools.

Do MBA admins frown upon people who take the GMAT 2 to 3 times? Will that be a significant ding on my application?

Any information provided is much appreciated.

thanks!

Hi smock,

It will really not effect on your admission to a B-School. Your number of attempts doesn't matter at all, what all matters is your high GMAT Score. Prepare hard and target for 700+ GMAT Score of you are targeting for top global business schools.

Wish you all the best.

Cheers!
Neha Singh

smock wrote:Hello,

I've taken the GMAT twice and plan on taking it one last time. First attempt - 530; Second attempt - 630. I'm aiming for 700 on my final attempt. I feel like i have other things going on for me that I don't need to aim for high 700s.
I'm also aiming for top 10 to 20 MBA schools.

Do MBA admins frown upon people who take the GMAT 2 to 3 times? Will that be a significant ding on my application?

Any information provided is much appreciated.

thanks!

No, taking the GMAT several times is not problematic unless it is excessive. I once saw an applicant to who took the GMAT 7 times (!). I'd say that three times is the high end, and five times is the max.

If I were interviewing you, I'd be curious how you prepared for the 530 exam versus the 630 exam, and how you prepared for the most recent exam.

How you handle your GMAT preparations tells the admissions committee a lot about how you manage your time and your commitments - so use caution when answering those questions!

Good luck!

Wendy

Hi Smock,
Giving your GMAT third time won't affect your admissions as long as you are showing remarkable improvements. It shows your commitment to the goals set for yourselves. Also, while you take time to improve your score, you should look for opportunities where you could show skills like leadership, multi-tasking and perseverance. The ad-coms will look for these qualities apart from a high GMAT score.

Best of Luck!
www.InterviewBay.com

Thank you for your message.

Business schools will not hold it against you if you take the GMAT multiple times. You can take it many times and schools only take/care about the highest score. While you will certainly want to show remarkable improvement each time you re-take, a lower score will absolutely not be held against you either. They'll just take the highest score you've gotten whether it was the first or fifth time you've taken the exam.

I recommend retaking and I wish you all the best.