How many time can you take the GMAT?

[HealthcareMBA]

I have already taken the GMAT 3 times. Scored as follows:

GMAT #1 600, quant 36, verbal 36
GMAT #2 610, quant 36, verbal 37
GMAT #3 640, quant 44, verbal 34

I feel I am capable of 660-680 level, probably not 700+. If I take the GMAT 4 times, does that raise a red-flag to the adcom? Will 4 attempts be viewed negatively? I was under the impression that GMAC only sends your most recent 3 scores, but I could be wrong...

I would like to go to a top 10 bschool (would love HBS, Wharton, Duke, UC Berkley or Columbia because of their strong healthcare programs). I have a very unique background and am certain I would add diversity to the class. However, I am not from a business backgroud and realize that this makes me an academic "wild card." Schools will be concerned about my ability to handle the workload, and therefore use the GMAT as a gauge of my ability.

Additional info: Undergrad degree from Boston College, GPA 3.37. Graduate degree from Boston College, GPA 3.89.

Thanks!

[maxonline]

Most of the schools take your highest GMAT score into consideration. Although some schools may take the highest of your sectional scores too. In my opinion you should check with the schools concerned.

Btw, if you can get a jump of 40 points in your next gmat that will be a definite plus to your application. Give as many practice tests at home and hit your target with 20 points to spare. So if you targeting 680. Try to get 700's in your practice CAT's.

[HealthcareMBA]

Thank you very much for the advice.

Do you know if adcoms are concerned when they see that an applicant has taken the gmat 4 times. Will this count against me or raise any concerns?

Thanks.

[Lisa Anderson]

Dear HealthcareMBA,

First, business schools do not prefer a business background nor do they view applicants without any previous coursework in business as "academic wild cards" or risks. So, stop thinking your academic history is a disadvantage or a negative. With regards to multiple GMAT attempts, it is not a negative or frowned upon that you take the test more than three times. There are a handful of schools that subscribe to the theory that after three attempts, your GMAT test score will not change significantly. In my experience, I have seen folks increase their score by at least 30 points on a fourth attempt; so if you think you can increase your score again, then you should try. The official GMAT score report the schools receive will have the score you are reporting and the three previous attempts on it.

Best of luck,
Lisa

[maxonline]

Regarding the official GMAT Score report, I am just curious regarding your feedback that the report contains only 3 current scores. However, I believed that it contains all the attempts from the previous 5 years.