GMAT Retake

[mastahan]

Stacy,

I was wondering how adcoms will view a lower GMAT the second time around. I know they say they will consider the highest GMAT, but they will see all the GMATs and the last one being lower.

thanks

[Amy]

Hi mastahan,

Well, it depends how much lower and what the scores are. There is some natural variation of ~10-20 points that is certainly acceptable. If you suddenly scored 100 points lower on the second attempt it might raise questions.

Good luck!

Amy

[mastahan]

I am a reapplicant with a 3.65 GPA in engineering for a top 25 ugrad program. My GMAT is 700, do you recommend that I retake the GMAT or focus more on my application?

My goal is to get accepted to a top 7 school.

thanks

[Amy]

Hi mastahan,

A 700 GMAT is very good.

As far as retaking the test - it really depends. Was that the first time you took the test, or the best score you have gotten out of many? Are you part of a demographic that tends towards higher GMAT scores? What are you hoping to address with a higher GMAT score?

As we have said a few times, the process is holistic. Therefore it is generally most useful to look at the entire package you are working with, and see what areas might be helpful to spend the most time on. From what you have said, academics seem fine/good and maybe you have other weaknesses (volunteering, leadership, etc) that may be a better use of your time to address rather than spending a lot of time on the GMAT.

Good luck!

Amy

[cgiles01]

Call me crazy, but I say retake it!!! If you think you can do better, you probably can! I retook with a 710 and got a 730. I'm so glad I did!

Make it happen!!!