Is scoring 700+ in one attempt better than in 3 attempts?

Dear Djhamb:

You made a huge jump in your score, so you should feel good about that. A 680 is a strong score--congratulations! The GMAT test designers say there is no statistical signficance between scores within 40 points of each other, meaning on another day you could have scored a 640 instead of a 680 OR a 720 instead of a 680. Perhaps that is what the test instructor was referring to? If you feel you will increase your score on the third attempt, then take it again. You need to do what you feel is best for you.

Good luck!
Lisa

Dear Chispa:

Most schools only use the test with the highest total score. The official score report will only show the 3 most recent tests, so the only way a school knows if you have taken the test more than 3 times is if you sent your score report to them each time. Lastly, scores are only good for 5 years; thus any tests older than 5 years old are not even considered.

I do not think most schools view multiple tests as a negative unless the score has gone down each time. However, schools will question the legitimacy of an applicant who shows a huge swing in scores (i.e., greater than 100-150 points) if there is no other evidence to support such an increase.

In my opinion, I would not worry so much about taking the test a third time if you believe you can improve your score. After three attempts, I do think the likelihood you are going to show any significant improvement is severly diminished and not worth the $250 per test or your time.

Good luck,
Lisa