BREAKING: Target Test Prep releases Brand New 2026 On Demand GMAT prep course

Redeem

Should I Retake? Advice Appreciated

Find out how Beat The GMAT members tackled GMAT test prep with positive results. Get tips on GMAT test prep materials, online courses, study tips, and more.
This topic has expert replies
Post new topic Post Reply
Previous Topic Next Topic
Junior | Next Rank: 30 Posts
Posts: 21
Joined: Fri Jun 12, 2009 2:10 pm
Thanked: 1 times

Should I Retake? Advice Appreciated

by jakesing » Tue Apr 10, 2012 8:00 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
Top
Source: — I just Beat The GMAT! |
Junior | Next Rank: 30 Posts
Posts: 21
Joined: Fri Jun 12, 2009 2:10 pm
Thanked: 1 times

by jakesing » Wed Apr 11, 2012 5:27 am
Anybody? Please? :)
Top
User avatar
Legendary Member
Posts: 1239
Joined: Tue Apr 26, 2011 6:25 am
Thanked: 233 times
Followed by:26 members
GMAT Score:680

by sam2304 » Wed Apr 11, 2012 5:55 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.
Getting defeated is just a temporary notion, giving it up is what makes it permanent.
https://gmatandbeyond.blogspot.in/
Top
Junior | Next Rank: 30 Posts
Posts: 27
Joined: Sat Mar 10, 2012 5:21 pm
Thanked: 1 times
GMAT Score:730

by dav35 » Wed Apr 11, 2012 9:02 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
Top
User avatar
Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts
Posts: 1
Joined: Thu Sep 01, 2011 7:16 am
Followed by:1 members

by triciafelice » Wed Apr 11, 2012 9:37 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.
Top
Master | Next Rank: 500 Posts
Posts: 381
Joined: Wed May 19, 2010 10:15 pm
Thanked: 41 times
Followed by:2 members

by AbhiJ » Thu Apr 12, 2012 4:01 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.
Top
Junior | Next Rank: 30 Posts
Posts: 27
Joined: Sat Mar 10, 2012 5:21 pm
Thanked: 1 times
GMAT Score:730

by dav35 » Thu Apr 12, 2012 4:50 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.
Top
Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts
Posts: 3
Joined: Fri Apr 13, 2012 6:19 am
GMAT Score:710

by rick1986 » Sat Apr 14, 2012 3:08 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..
Top
Post new topic Post Reply
• Page 1 of 1