720 on GMAT... to retake or not??

Expert replies

CA_Architect: Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts; Posts: 2; Joined: Tue Sep 08, 2009 9:16 pm

by CA_Architect » Tue Sep 08, 2009 9:32 pm

I just took the GMAT today... ended up with a 720 (48Q, 41V). My target was 750+, so I am a little disappointed... I am wondering if I should retake the GMAT or just accept my 720 and give it a shot at Stanford, HBS, etc. anyhow. I was hoping to have a competitive application to these top tier programs, but I am afraid that 720 just will not cut it (750+ may have though)... I need to make up for a 3.06 undergrad GPA and 3.2 masters GPA. Looking at the calendar... I am pretty sure I will have to put applying until next year (for fall of 2011) if I decide to give the GMAT a second shot. In hindsight, I recognize that I did not study or prepare well enough (only spent about a month doing practice problems and practice tests, but was doing generally well on them with 49+ on quant and 43+ on verbal), so I think that if I really get serious and prep better I can improve dramatically. Thoughts anyone??

Like this post

Source: Beat The GMAT — I just Beat The GMAT! | Tue Sep 08, 2009 9:32 pm

bharathh: Master | Next Rank: 500 Posts; Posts: 159; Joined: Thu Aug 27, 2009 10:30 am; Thanked: 19 times

by bharathh » Tue Sep 08, 2009 9:58 pm

720 is a great score.. why are you selling yourself short?

Congrats btw. I hope I can make what you have today on Saturday.

Like this post

caspermonday: Senior | Next Rank: 100 Posts; Posts: 59; Joined: Fri Aug 14, 2009 12:03 am

by caspermonday » Wed Sep 09, 2009 12:34 am

To retake, for sure.

Like this post

shadowsjc: Master | Next Rank: 500 Posts; Posts: 139; Joined: Tue Aug 18, 2009 11:52 am; Location: Jersey City, NJ; Thanked: 14 times; GMAT Score:770

by shadowsjc » Wed Sep 09, 2009 3:16 am

first of all, congrats on a great score. anything 700+ will automatically put you in a better position for the top 10 schools. From what I've read, the top 3 schools (H/S/W) don't put as much of an emphasis on GMAT scores anyway, so a 720 might not be that much worse than a 750 from their points of view.

Second, most people on here would probably recommend not to retake with a score like that. There's simply too many variables at play when retaking a test, and the fact is you can probably just as easily get a lower score than a higher one. Your time might be better spent working on your app for this year; if you don't get into your dream schools, you can always retake it next year. good luck on the rest of your process

my GMAT debrief: https://www.beatthegmat.com/came-through ... 44327.html

You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day,
nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday.
A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right, but it will not come near you.
- Psalm 91: 5-7

Like this post

Post new topic Post Reply

• Page 1 of 1

GMAT Course Reviews

563 reviews

1168 reviews

431 reviews

359 reviews

147 reviews

5/5

5 Star (563 Reviews)

"Target Test Prep is the closest to the official version of the GMAT exam, about 99% accuracy in terms of the quality and quantity of information. The course has excellently created singular sets of focused lessons and tests for every possible topic that one could come across in the official GMAT exam."

"The TTP course maximizes the efficiency of the time you spend studying. It will take time and effort but I could almost guarantee that if you complete the course exactly as it is laid out you will get an amazing score. They also have a very responsive team willing to help with any questions you might have."

"TTP has two things that I think no other test prep company offers: A teaching approach that reinforces understanding and an attitude that will give you the mental preparedness needed to succeed on the test. TTP gives you a deep understanding of the concept you need to know while teaching you how to think."

Write a Review