3rd GMAT attempt - Should I or should I not? - Need advice

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drm_hbs: Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts; Posts: 1; Joined: Mon Jun 15, 2009 9:01 pm; GMAT Score:640

by drm_hbs » Mon Jun 15, 2009 9:07 pm

I am a south east asian woman and I have attempted GMAT twice. I got a poor 560 in the first attempt. I took another in exact one month and scored a 640. I am working full time (work exp - 4 yrs (2 yrs US 2 yrs India)) with very unrealistic working schedule and find limited time to study.

My first attempt I scored 560 (Q44 V23 AWA 4.5)
My second attempt I scored 640 (Q47 V 30 AWA - not received yet)

I dream to go to HBS or MIT. I have been strongly advised against them now and that I should let this dream go now, because schools will not consider me if I attempt GMAT thrice. I have also been told that I will already have a tough time explaining 2 attempts at GMAT.

I get anxious in Verbal section and mess it up. This time I lost track of time and in last 20 minutes ruined my whole exam.

I need help / information / advice / suggestion on the following --
1) Should I retake GMAT?
2) will taking GMAT for the third time be looked down upon by the schools like HBS and MIT?
3) Is my score competitive enough for any of the top 10 schools or I should forget it?
more information --
I have a post grad degree (MCA) from a top Indian university - GPA - 4.3
Undergrad from an average university - GPA - 4
GPA calculated according to --
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GPA_in_India

Please help me. I am feeling like a loser right now. Please, please advise.

Source: Beat The GMAT — GMAT Strategy | Mon Jun 15, 2009 9:07 pm

vibhorsinghal: Junior | Next Rank: 30 Posts; Posts: 14; Joined: Thu Mar 19, 2009 12:47 amFollowed by: 1 member; Thanked: 1 times

by vibhorsinghal » Tue Jun 16, 2009 3:45 am

hi,
640 is not at all a bad score.Its gud enough but not probably for the schools u aim for.If u can manage ur dreams and try out for one level down schools than u wud definately get through.In case u dnt wanna compromise with ur dream than perhaps u have to portray ur application/LOR/SOP phenomenally.

Vibhor

cata1yst: Master | Next Rank: 500 Posts; Posts: 129; Joined: Tue May 19, 2009 9:12 am; Thanked: 8 times

by cata1yst » Tue Jun 16, 2009 5:59 am

Just take it again until you get above a 700.

It is actually quite easy to explain why you took the GMAT more than once.

Q: Why did you take the test more than twice?

A: Because I knew you wouldn't consider me without a 7XX score.

Done. Next question.

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