Multiple GMAT attempt for top US School

[aljatar]

Hi to all,


I scored 720 on the GMAT (v42q47). The issue I have is that I took the test 5 times in 7 months due to both a heavy workload and a my issue to cope with stress (4th attempt score was 620)


I read that top US Schools are not very keen on accepting multiple GMAT takers.


I am confident on the other parts of my application but I wonder whether I should pursue my application if I my chance to getting in is reduced by my multiple GMAT score.

Can someone (an expert maybe) can help me?

BTW English is not my mother tongue.

[beatthegmat]

It is unusual to see an applicant that has taken the test so many times. But that being said, you did end up with a great GMAT score. Most business schools will consider your top GMAT score anyway.

I might think about writing about why you took the GMAT so many times in a supplemental essay, but otherwise I wouldn't be too concerned by the fact you retook the test so many times.

Just focus on the remaining parts of your application! Good luck!

[Kaneisha Grayson]

Hi Aljatar,

I agree with Founder Eric (I enjoy calling him that) about it being a good idea to consider writing about why you took the GMAT so many times in such a short time. However, if you DO decide to highlight this in your application, I would recommend that you keep your explanation short, not have a lot of excuses in it, and let them know that you are not usually the type to knee-jerk-repeat attempts in such a short time span.

You can also just leave any reference to it out altogether. You did end up with a great score, so why dampen that accomplishment with an "I'm sorry"?

In closing, you can explain it away but keep it short or you can just say nothing at all and concentrate on writing stellar essays.

Best of luck and congrats on your score! (Sometimes, 5th time is the charm!)

Kaneisha