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Is scoring 700+ in one attempt better than in 3 attempts?

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Is scoring 700+ in one attempt better than in 3 attempts?

by djhamb » Sun Mar 23, 2008 8:22 am
Stacy,

Since I started preparation for GMAT, I have given GMAT two times. In first attempt I scored 540 then in next improved to 680. Now I am going for another attempt and aiming for 710.

Then I came to know from the admission counselor of world's most renowned GMAT training Institute that if you score 700+ in 3 to 4 attempts then there is no use of this. Although any such thing is not written on any of the FAQs of any of the top B schools.

Please let know whether this is true or not?

Thanks in Advance,
Djhamb
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by Lisa Anderson » Sun Mar 23, 2008 1:46 pm
Dear Djhamb:

You made a huge jump in your score, so you should feel good about that. A 680 is a strong score--congratulations! The GMAT test designers say there is no statistical signficance between scores within 40 points of each other, meaning on another day you could have scored a 640 instead of a 680 OR a 720 instead of a 680. Perhaps that is what the test instructor was referring to? If you feel you will increase your score on the third attempt, then take it again. You need to do what you feel is best for you.

Good luck!
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by Chispa » Thu Mar 27, 2008 1:40 pm
Hi Lisa,

Quick follow-up question. As I understand things if an individual has taken multiple GMATs the individual cannot be selective with which score a potential business school will see, as all scores will be sent. Therefore is there a generally accepted way in which business schools interpret multiple GMATs? For example, do they only consider the most recent, the highest, the lowest, the average, etc.?

Second quick question. I'm assuming that individuals with multiple takes are interpreted negatively when compared against individuals who have equal max scores but only one sitting? Therefore the game is to max the score with a min number of sittings?

Thanks
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by Lisa Anderson » Thu Mar 27, 2008 4:24 pm
Dear Chispa:

Most schools only use the test with the highest total score. The official score report will only show the 3 most recent tests, so the only way a school knows if you have taken the test more than 3 times is if you sent your score report to them each time. Lastly, scores are only good for 5 years; thus any tests older than 5 years old are not even considered.

I do not think most schools view multiple tests as a negative unless the score has gone down each time. However, schools will question the legitimacy of an applicant who shows a huge swing in scores (i.e., greater than 100-150 points) if there is no other evidence to support such an increase.

In my opinion, I would not worry so much about taking the test a third time if you believe you can improve your score. After three attempts, I do think the likelihood you are going to show any significant improvement is severly diminished and not worth the $250 per test or your time.

Good luck,
Lisa
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