GMAT Retake?

[deepak4mba]

I have taken GMAT twice. First one, I scored 580 (Q44,V27) and second time 620 (Q47,V28).
First time, I was not well on the day of the exam and it showed its effect on the score but the second time it was completely disaster. I was scoring well in a range of 660-690 in the CATs but could not hold my nerve in the real test. I am sure I have the ability to get the 700+ score and i need that score to break into my DREAM school.
My queries are:
1. Would taking the GMAT third time will be taken negatively by the B-Schools?
2. How can I improve my stamina and test nerbousness?
3. What should be the re-prepare strategy for the test, considering I need t build on my verbal?

As for background, 3+ yrs of IT exp., Indian IT Male, lot of social work exposure, lot of extra-curricular like member of a city theater group (done stage shows), Plays keyboard and many more.

Thanks for your views and help.

[Lisa Anderson]

Dear deepak4mba,

A third attempt is not viewed negatively and I commend you for attacking the GMAT beast another time. You do need to improve your verbal score while keeping your quantitative score at the same or higher level. It is best to focus in on the areas giving you the most problem, but it is important to review the other sections as well. Perhaps get a tutor or have a friend who did well help in your preparation?

As for stamina and nerves, that is the tough part. Taking as many practice tests as you can will help some. You can then time yourself and make sure you are answering enough questions. Nerves can be difficult to overcome though. Perhaps it would help to have some school options identified in different GMAT ranges? There are so many great schools out there that do not receive recognition or mention. If you know there are options beyond your "dream school", maybe you won't feel as anxious about your score?

Good luck,
Lisa

[Just Short]

Hello:

I am seeking some business school advice. From what I understand I believe I will be a stretch for a top 10 business school. I really need some guidance.

My most recent experience was with a start-up investment bank in which I was the lone associate working under the founder. I devoted my life to it for 6 months but resigned for several reasons:

1. No pay
2. Realized I wanted to get back into investing
3. Lack of banking relationships to close deals

It really was a great experience and I felt like I grew as a person. Mentored three recent college grads. Helped start the website and the 1st research report.

My other main experience was with a hedge fund. Small fund of only 6 investment professionals. I had several successful debt, equity, and derivative investments. I actively met with and spoke to the management at several companies. Plenty of research and financial modeling. Each person had to continually contribute with investment ideas.

My GMAT score was 690 (88%). Q 46 (76%) V 38 (83%).
Undergrad GPA: 3.6 University of Texas.
McCombs Business School.
Finance Major. Accting Minor.

My target schools are:

1. MIT
2. Kellogg (1 year program)
3. UCLA
4. Duke

Am I stretch for all of these? My GMAT is like 10-20 pts below the mean for all of these schools. Do I retake the exam?

[Lisa Anderson]

Dear Just Short,

Top 10 schools are highly selective; they have very large applicant pools to create a class that is generally about 10% of the pool's size. As such, top 10 schools are a reach for any applicant regardless of GMAT, GPA and work experience. Based on what you posted, I think you are competitive for these schools. Although your GMAT is slightly below the average, you are well within range. Use your essays, resume, recommendations and interview to your advantage--make a compelling case for your admission and show how you will be an asset to the program. A higher GMAT score will certainly not hurt your chances, but it is unclear if increasing your score 10-20 points will make much difference. At this point, I think it is best to focus on your applications to ensure its strength overall and get your applications in sooner rather than later.

Best of luck,
Lisa

[kingfisher]

I have taken GMAT twice. First one, I scored 610 (Q50,V22) and second time 590 (Q49,V22).
My GMAT prep score was 670 in first test 710 in second test and 710 in repeat first test. But during second attempt prepration my GMAT prep score was 760 in first test,710 in second and 730 repeat and I completely screwed my GMAT. I was scoring good in CATs (not very good though) but could not hold my nerve in the real test. I want to appear for gmat to get into a good b-school and I believe I can do it.
My queries are:
1. Would taking the GMAT third time will be taken negatively by the B-Schools?
2. What should I do to hold my nerve.
3. What should be the re-prepare strategy for the test, considering I need t build on my verbal?

As for background, 3+ yrs of automobile industry experience., I m b.Tech with fairly good academic back ground.

[Lisa Anderson]

Dear kingfisher,

Taking the GMAT multiple times is not a negative and very common. What is most important is that you do well. As for strategies on keeping your nerves under control, I'm not sure what to tell you. Unfortunately, our minds get the better of us many times. I think it helps to sometimes decide not to send the scores to any schools; you can always send them later if you do well. I also think you have to just decide in your mind that you are fine with the current scores you have, so if you do better, then that is great, and if you don't, then that is fine, too. Easier said than done though. Perhaps others have better ideas in this regard?

Since I am not a test prep expert, I cannot really weigh in on your third question. I do know there are some great resources on this website as well as many others out there.

Good luck,
Lisa

[kingfisher]

Hey Lisa
Thanx for your reply.It was really helpful.But really one question.Should i go for the third attempt or not.



Kingfisher

[jorgews]

Hi,

I just returned from taking the GMAT and I am unhappy to report that while I did very well in the verbal section I bombed the math section (45V, 23M). I've already submitted my applications to two part-time executive programs (not top ten, not top forty for that matter) and they are awaiting my scores.

So my question is this: am I screwed? The average score at my preferred program is 580, and my walk-out score is 600. I believe I did very well on the essays, though I'm not sure what effect this could have.

I am considering immediately signing up for another test, though I may be out of time this go around. Will a 23 quant score be an automatic disqualifier?

Thanks,
Jorge

[jorgews]

Correction on the above post. My Quant score was actually a 28, not a 23 (23 is my percentile ranking). Not quite as awful, but still bad.

[Lisa Anderson]

Dear jorgews,

A raw quant score of 28 is not devastating, but it might raise concerns at your schools depending on what the rest of your application looks like. If you have taken a fair number of quant courses in college and did well (A or B), then that will help to mitigate any concern. Likewise, if your job requires heavy quantitative analysis, and you have a successful track record, then that will further help to mitigate the GMAT score. So, you have to look at your application in its entirety when you weigh these things--not just the one measure to get a clear picture. Before you spend the money on a retake, I would suggest talking to the two programs about your situation to get a sense of how concerned they are with the score. It is possible that your transcript and work experience are enough to balance it since your 600 total score is above the school's average.

Good luck,
Lisa

[jorgews]

Thank you, Stacy, for the helpful response. Much appreciated!

-Jorge

[jorgews]

Sorry -- Thank you Lisa, not Stacy!