GMAT retake and associated side effects on Apps

[bideshkar]

Hi,
I had a bad time in my GMAT retake. My first attempt was 670(Q-47,V-35, AWA-5.5) and i prepared for another 1.5 months stregthening my CR,SC,and DS but just to see my score go down to dismal 620(Q-48, V-27, AWA-6.0). I was really confident before my exam that i will break the 700 barrier this time.
Score of "27" is no way reflection of my knowledge in verbal. I feel i can score in the range of 37-40. With all above background i am contemplating a 3rd retake.
My biggest concern is negative impact on my entire application if i retake the exam a 3rd time. Is a 720/730 in 3rd attempt viewed as a weaker point in apps. than a first attempt 700 or 710?
Worst case: If in my third attempt i manage say just 680/690 then does that weaken my case i mean to say will GMAT keep me out of the top 10 schools?
At times i feel i am thinking too much on GMAT and my sub conscious self is stressed out and the thought that i have to take GMAT 3rd time to prove myself makes me feel a bit low on self esteem although i firmly believe failures can only do good by teaching you something new and we should keep fighting!
Please share your views about retake so that i can analyze more and decide on my retake. I would also like to add that all you experts have posted several posts on this topic of retake but i believe there is always something valuable that you folks can add!

Thanks in adavance!

[Lisa Anderson]

Dear Bidesh,

Schools use your highest score in your evaluation. While your previous test scores do show on your official score report, most schools (nearly all) do not take into account your test history--just the highest total score. There are schools that will note your history, but not to your advantage or disadvantage, and having some fluctuations like you have are not unusual. Taking the test multiple times is also more of the norm, not the exception. So, if you feel you can score closer to a 680-700 on a third attempt, then you should take it again. I do agree that your mental state might be getting in the way of your performance--keeping your nerves in check is often the biggest challenge of the GMAT. Perhaps wait to send the score until after you know the result; that way, you can take it without worrying that it will be sent to the schools immediately and relieve some of the pressure.

Good luck,
Lisa