Should I attempt the test for a 5th time?? Need help

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Thanks in advance to anyone who responds to this post. I am having a really tough time deciding on whether to take the GMAT for a 5th time in the near future. I have been trying to beat this thing for almost a year now and I'm completely baffled by my scores. Here are my scores

12/5/11: 39V 45Q 680
3/2/12: 40V 44Q 690
6/15/12: 35V 48Q 680
7/21/12: 40V 39Q 650

As you can see, I am scoring all over the board and I don't see how that's possible. My most recent score is incredibly disappointing. On the test, I never feel rushed and I answer every question with ample time left over at the end. How is it possible that my Quant. score can drop off like that? I KNOW I am capable of a 720-730 score if I can put it all together on the same day, but to the admissions teams, does this make me look bad and inconsistent? I'm really worried about signing up again for the 5th time, but I feel like I have to in order to show that I can pull it all together. My target schools are: UVA, Duke, UNC, Emory, and Vanderbilt. Please advise!! What am I doing wrong?? Like I said, I move through the tests and feel like I'm doing well the whole time until my score pops up at the end. 690 is good and may gain me admission in the end, but I feel like I need a 700+ just to be safe. Thanks again.
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by Jim@StratusPrep » Mon Jul 23, 2012 6:29 am
Honestly, it would be best to spend time on applications. You have a decent amount of data clustered in the high 600s. A 700+ will seam like a one off the same way your 650 does...
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by PrepMBA.AlexLeventhal » Mon Jul 23, 2012 7:57 am
JJ,

Your frustration is evidence of how much you truly care about this process, and that is admirable. I don't see scores all over the board. I see a lot of high 600s and then probably anxiety/pressure at the root cause of your last attempt.

Here is what I suggest: Go work on your apps for a while as you need to get those going, and your scores are likely good enough anyway for much of your targeted list.

After a gmat break, come back to it with more confidence given the progress on your apps. If you start practicing in the 720-730 range consistently, then take it again. And if not, move on. I'm guessing your issue is you are pressing.
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by MBAPrepAdvantage » Mon Jul 23, 2012 9:18 am
If you are applying this year, then I would recommend following Alex's suggestion as first round deadlines will soon be upon us. If you are waitlisted, you will have time to retake the test and submit new scores.

If you are applying in the future taking, the test in the future will not hurt you, but I would recommend reevaluating your GMAT strategy before taking the test again. Consider taking one of the in-person or online prep courses which might push you over the hump.

Good luck,
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by JJShannon3 » Tue Jul 24, 2012 4:59 am
Thank you for your thoughts. One last bit of info, if I am also dealing with a slightly below average GPA for some of these schools does this change things on re-taking the test? I've read on here that a majority of schools are willing to overlook a subpar GPA if the work experience, recommendations, and GMAT score are all top notch. I have two out of the three, so that's why I thought taking the test again was a must.

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by MBAPrepAdvantage » Tue Jul 24, 2012 5:59 am
I think you are weighing several variables: are you applying this year, likelihood of raising your scores, and overall strength of your profile.

If you combine the best of your splits 48Q and 40V you are over 700. But, assuming you are applying this year, will studying detract from your application process? If not, take the test again (but I wouldn't report the scores to your target schools unless you score a 700 or higher). If so, concentrate on preparing the best application possible and take the test again after completing your applications (in case you are waitlisted).
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