retake problem

[optimum]

i gave the GMAT exam 3 times with 500 score in all of 3.
if in 4 or in 5 attempt i hit 650-700 , will it be a big problem for me?
English is not my native language and i'm not from India.

[Tani]

Taking the test 4-5 times is a signal to the school that your skills are weak. Admissions committees will be skeptical if your score suddenly jumps by 150-200 points. That is very rare, especially after more than one attempt. If you did score significantly higher, you would very likely be asked to explain the jump. Have you taken the TOEFL? I suspect that your TOEFL score will also be low if you are having trouble with the GMAT verbal. You might need to take a TOEFL course before attempting the GMAT again. If the quantitative section is your problem you might want to take a math skills course at a local college to build your ability. That would allow you to explain a big increase. One last factor...you can only take the GMAT 5 times in a 12-month period.

[optimum]

Thank you for answering.

As I understand ,the situation not so good ))
But,is there any thing that can boost my chances to gen in top 20? application ,recommendation ,essays etc. if application,what kind of information is highly appreciated by b-schools and would get me top school? i'm woking as a head of department in bank, i've my own business beside that and i can get good recommendations .

p.s. sorry for silly questions ,but i don't want to give up on this way,that's the problem.

[Tani]

A strong work background and good recommendations can always help, but you will be competing against people with comparable experience and much stronger scores. Your chances, of course, will be better with a lower ranked school, but even if you look at schools ranked from 45-50, they still want scores in the mid 600s.

You could think about taking the GRE instead. Many schools accept that test, but if English is your problem that test will be tough because it is heavily focused on vocabulary. You could try a sample test online to see what your score might be on the GRE.

If your own business is successful and involves several employees that will help, particularly if you apply to a school that is oriented toward entrepreneurship.

Good luck