Another 690 Debate: Should I retake?

Expert replies

novagal: Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts; Posts: 2; Joined: Fri Sep 17, 2010 9:20 pm

by novagal » Thu Jun 30, 2011 11:07 am

Like many, I'm a first time poster, but long time lurker on this forum! Having taken the GMAT today for the second time today, I am very conflicted on whether to retake again, given that I am a hair below my target goal of 700. I was hoping the GMAT would help compensate my lower undergrad GPA. Here are my stats:

1. First time: 660 Q 45 V 36
2. Second time: 690 Q 44 V 40
AWA 6

Undergrad: UVA
GPA: 3.2
Race/Gender: Female/Asian-American
Experience: 4+ years in management & IT consulting
Target: Columbia (first choice), Stern, Kellogg, Darden, Booth, Georgetown, Michigan

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Like this post

Source: Beat The GMAT — I just Beat The GMAT! | Thu Jun 30, 2011 11:07 am

vineeshp: Legendary Member; Posts: 965; Joined: Thu Jan 28, 2010 12:52 amFollowed by: 34 members; Thanked: 156 times; GMAT Score:720

by vineeshp » Thu Jun 30, 2011 7:07 pm

If your target score is 700 and you have 690, there is no need for a retake. It wont help you to get 10 points extra.

You are from IT consulting. If you can build a story about why you need an MBA, that will be time better spent than a GMAT to score just a few points extra. GMAT has a reasonable error correction zone of +/-30. So if your level is 700, it is possible that you score slightly lower or higher than that. There is no guarantee a next attempt will give you 700. But if you think your performance levels are way above 700 and the 690 does not adequately represent your score, go ahead!

Vineesh,
Just telling you what I know and think. I am not the expert.

Like this post

prodizy: Master | Next Rank: 500 Posts; Posts: 188; Joined: Sun Jun 26, 2011 10:27 pmFollowed by: 5 members; Thanked: 34 times; GMAT Score:700

by prodizy » Thu Jun 30, 2011 9:02 pm

By getting a great GMAT score you can make a point to the admission committee that you can take the rigorous course load of a MBA program (especially when your GPA is on the lower side).

A great GMAT score is always an advantage. You are competing with pool of applications where GMAT scores are on the higher side(IT professionals). If you think you can improve the score and you have enough time to take GMAT again without effecting application process, go for it one last time. You should aim to hit at least 49 in Quant.

If you have an extra ordinary story to tell the admissions committee then don't bother with GMAT and focus on telling your story(work ex, how you are different from others, recos, essays...)

All the best.

Like this post

Post new topic Post Reply

• Page 1 of 1

GMAT Course Reviews

559 reviews

1168 reviews

431 reviews

359 reviews

147 reviews

5/5

5 Star (560 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