The Application Process

Will taking the GMAT three times be looked upon as a negative point by the admission council?

First attempt : 680 / 5.0
Second attempt (after 6 months ) : 690 /5.5 ( I was not feeling well so I could not give my best. I knew I could do better)
Third attempt ( after one month with no further prep ) : 730/6.0

Im a bit apprehensive whether this would look good on my application. Please advise.

Thanks in advance!

Its a tough question but since you have improved by 40 points, you can always strognly argue that you wanted to be represented by your best scores and that a 690 does not represent your level adequately but a 730 does.

Since I was not feeling well on the day of my second attempt , can I use that as a valid reason for going into the third attempt?

I don't think it's a big deal for most schools. I think UCLA averages the scores if you take the test 3 or more times. Most schools do not. A lot of the top schools emphatically don't care. Where are you wanting to go? If you're worried about it - send a question via email to the admissions people at your target schools and ask them if it will be viewed negatively. But I would say that you're probably fine.

Taking it anymore would be overkill, of course.

I'm looking at Yale SOM , Cornell , MIT and Berkeley . If I send an e-mail won't it be like unnecessarily drawing attention to the fact that I took the test thrice ??? :@

Anahatha wrote:Will taking the GMAT three times be looked upon as a negative point by the admission council?

First attempt : 680 / 5.0
Second attempt (after 6 months ) : 690 /5.5 ( I was not feeling well so I could not give my best. I knew I could do better)
Third attempt ( after one month with no further prep ) : 730/6.0

Im a bit apprehensive whether this would look good on my application. Please advise.

Thanks in advance!

I wouldn't worry about explaining it unless they ask you about it. It is common for people to take the GMAT three times and you improved each time you took it.

Anahatha

Congrats on your improvement. Just as business school is an education and does not assume you are as strong when you start as when you finish, so too is taking the GMAT. I would not be worried about your scores. You have shown grit and determination, and there is only positive in that. Move on confidently to other aspects of the application.

Alex

Most people tak the GMAT 2 times. Taking it 3 times is bordering on too much, but congrats on your improvement. Most MBA programs want to see above a 710.

For more information on GMAT applications, my friends from Wharton and I recently published a book about how to get into bschool. We'd love to know what people think about it - we'll give you a free copy for your feedback/review.

If you're interested, email me at [email protected] and I'll send you the ebook.