Retaking GMAT - 3rd time

[Homer4]

Hi,

I took my first GMAT two and a half years ago and scored a 570. This summer, I retook the test and scored a 620.

In both the cases, I did not seek any professional help. I was wondering would it be a good idea to take a third attempt given that most of the schools will be opening their applications soon and I plan to start a B-school in fall 2016?

I have worked with a leading MNC in electrical industry (1.5 year), a public policy think tank (3.5 years) and in India and have also held leadership position for a leading NGO in India. I am permanent resident of US and would only be applying in US.

I am planning to apply to top 15 program with focus on social enterprise and consulting .

Do you guys think a re-attempt would make sense and not be viewed as negative on the application?

Would really appreciate a feedback.

Thanks.

[[email protected]]

Hi Home4,

Since Business Schools don't care if you retake the GMAT, taking the Test for a third time would not be a problem.

You're talking in general terms right now, so I would suggest that you research the specific Schools that fit what you're looking for. In that way, you can learn more about application deadlines, class profiles, average GMAT scores, costs, etc. With that information, you'll be better able to decide whether to retake the GMAT or not.

In general though, if you're planning to apply to only Top-Tier programs, the average GMAT scores for those Schools are likely going to be much higher than your recent GMAT score. As such, you're probably going to need to retake the GMAT. To make the most out of your available study time, you might want to consider investing in a GMAT Course of some type.

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich

[Homer4]

Hi Rich

Thank you for your response. I do have a list of schools with their backgrounds that I am applying to.
To name a few -
a) Yale
b) Kellogg
c) Cornell
are some of the schools on the list.

As you pointed out rightly that the average GMAT ranges for these schools are way above my score. My only fear is that a third attempt may reflect bad on the application.

Once again thank you for your suggestion.

[[email protected]]

Hi Homer4,

Assuming that your third attempt would be an improvement over your previous two attempts, then there's nothing but 'upside' to you continuing your studies and retesting. The third attempt is NOT an issue - Business Schools do not care if you take the GMAT multiple times - having a 'stagnant' score COULD be an issue though. Thus, you shouldn't go in to Test for a third time unless you're convinced (though your studies and practice CAT scores) that you are going to score higher.

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich

[DavidG@VeritasPrep]

In both the cases, I did not seek any professional help. I was wondering would it be a good idea to take a third attempt given that most of the schools will be opening their applications soon and I plan to start a B-school in fall 2016?

I agree with Rich here - there's no question that you should retake, but that you should make sure your practice test scores are in line with your goal score before you do so. What resources did you use to prep for your earlier attempts?

[Homer4]

Thanks guys for your suggestions.

@David : I was primarily focusing on OGs and the two tests offered by mba.com

[Rich@EconomistGMAT]

Hi Homer4,

Absolutely agree that you shouldn't feel any anxiety about a 3rd attempt at the GMAT affecting your overall profile. However, considering the leap you will have to make to get into the range for the schools you're interested in, when are you thinking of applying? Perhaps we can also suggest some tips to make the most out of your study plan.

Best,
Rich