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Is third round too late?

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Is third round too late?

by mpb » Sat Dec 13, 2008 4:08 pm
I just took the GMAT today for the 3rd time and I am very dissapointed because I scored a 550 and my goal was at least a 620. However, I know I can score well because my last three Kaplan CAT exams were a 610, 610 and 620 respectively.

My two prior GMAT scores are as follows:

Quant: 31 (30%)
Verbal: 29 (53%)
Overall: 510 (39%)

Quant: 31 (30%)
Verbal: 31 (58%)
Overall: 530 (44%)

Today's GMAT score is as follows:

Quant: 38 (53%)
Verbal: 27 (43%)
Overall: 550 (51%)

It's likely too late for me to apply to schools by the end of the second round for 2009 admission. Do you feel that given the economy, and thus the increased number of applicants, that it's not worth applying in the 3rd round given that my GMAT score will likely be between 610-640 (proven I can achieve this from my CAT scores).

Also, now that I will have to take the GMAT a 4th time, I assume that that will not look very good to admissions committees. Can you please let me know if that is true and how it may affect my chances.

I am planning on applying to schools such as Ohio State and Georgetown. Thank you.
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by Lisa Anderson » Sun Dec 14, 2008 7:36 pm
Dear mpb,

Most schools do not consider taking the GMAT more than three times a negative, but there are some that do. I have not heard that OSU or Georgetown feel strongly about this, so if you believe you can get your score over a 600, then it might be worth another attempt. It is better to apply with the strongest possible application early in the 3rd round than not as good an application in the 2nd round.

I would encourage you to really think about your total application and consider if taking the GMAT a 4th time is worth the effort. Decisions are not made on the GMAT alone, and your GMAT score is below the average, but not out of range. What makes the difference for any applicant is how well you put your application together. It is imperative you present a strong rationale for why you want a MBA, how it fits into your overall career plan, and why the school you are applying to is a good match for you. Likewise, you must distinguish yourself from the competition and demonstrate successful leadership experiences/evidence of leadership potential. If you feel you can present a strong application encompassing these things and your GPA/work experience mitigate the GMAT score, then get busy and get your applications submitted. If you do not feel the rest of your application mitigates your GMAT, then you might consider taking the GMAT again and either applying in the 3rd round or waiting until the first round next year.

Good luck,
Lisa
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Junior | Next Rank: 30 Posts
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by mpb » Sun Dec 14, 2008 8:30 pm
Thanks Lisa. I appreciate your advice. I do feel that the rest of my application is pretty impressive. I had a 3.5 gpa at a good school for my undergrad and I have had many leadership positions throughout my life (head captain of my varsity athletic team in college).

I think I may apply to one school in the third round, and if it doesn't work out I will improve my GMAT score to a 650 or so and have all of my applications in 1st round for 2010 admissions.

Thank you.
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