Ask Stacy Blackman

I have taken the GMAT 6 times to date, albeit hastily in hindsight. I took it the first time 2 years ago with minimal preparation and got a 490, which I followed up by taking a Kaplan class. After the Kaplan class I took it 4 times between June and November of 2007, scoring 570, 560, 590 and 610 respectively in a rush to try and apply last fall. This past spring I took Kaplan's Advanced course, hoping to bring my score up within a competitive range, but I did not find any improvement. I was not scoring within a competitive range on the practice tests, but hardheadedness prevailed and I took the GMAT out of determination, scoring a 580. However, I have been following this forum the last few months and utilizing all of the great information in my resurrected studies, and I am now scoring between 670 and 690 on the practice tests, with constant improvements in my performance. I plan on continuing my studies with the goal of scoring 690+ on average on the practice tests, at which time I would like to sit for the GMAT one FINAL time.

At what point does the number of times you've taken GMAT begin to take away from your application? Have I done more damage than good in pursuing a better score? Given the number of times that I have take the GMAT, have I essentially put myself out of the running for most top 20 schools (ie. UNC, Darden) unless I apply with a GMAT score well above 700 to offset past failed attempts?

As unfortunate as it may be, it took 2 years and far too many tries for me to get a proper handle on the GMAT and how to address studying for it; however, I can't turn the clock back and must deal with the consequences.