Shridharvk wrote:I took the GMAT on September 1st and ended up with a 620(42,28). I retook the GMAT on Novembor 1st and got 660(45,36).

I am planning to write the exam again. My question is, if I get 700+ this time, will I be considered a slow learner? Will I be at disadvantage when compared to a guy who has 700 in his very first attempt?

How will the college interpret my retaking of the exam so many times?

Hi Sridharvk,

EssaySnark says not to worry: Having taken the GMAT multiple times -- and improving significantly each time! -- does not make you look bad in comparison with someone who got a 700 the first time. In fact, the adcom will appreciate that you are dedicated to the process and committed to improving your score. You did a great job in bringing up the verbal side from test 1 to test 2. The adcom will appreciate that. If you can boost both dimensions just a little you'll be in really good shape -- your goal should be to get the quant side to a 47 or so if you're targeting the very best bschools. Your latest score is well balanced and a 660 is within range of some good programs so any additional improvement on either quant or verbal side will only help you (you even could possibly be successful at some Top 20 programs with your current score, provided the rest of your application is strong).

EssaySnark does not recommend taking the GMAT more than three times however. After a certain point, the adcom will assume that you've done what you can. Once you move into the 4+ attempts range, it can start to look desperate and detract from the message. So don't go into perfectionist-mode and try to continually improve the score. If you decide to try again, then give it just one more shot and then go with that.

EssaySnark has a post discussing the GMAT and how to think about retesting here https://essaysnark.blocked/2010/06/ ... s-pox.html for anyone interested.

Good luck with it!