Accounting Ph.D. -- Retake Gmat???

dbryan13 · **Posted:** Fri Jul 02, 2010 10:22 pm

I took the gmat 3 years ago when I was applying to masters of accounting programs and got a score of 710, but I only got a score of 4.5 (37th percentile) of the AWA because the schools I was applying to did not take the AWA into consideration in the admissions process so I blew it off.

I am hoping to get into a top 25 accounting Ph.D. program (although I would settle for a lesser school) and I am wondering if it is worth taking the Gmat again or if I will still be able to get into a program without any issues. Should I take the GMAT again and try to get a higher score on the AWA?

Relevant facts:
- Scored 710 on the gmat with solid scores for both verbal and quantitative (V38, Q49).
- I graduated with a 3.9+ gpa for both my bachelors and masters degrees in accounting, both were from smaller schools in Ohio.
- In school, I received an A in every English class I have ever taken.
- I have passed the cpa exam and will have 1 year of experience at a national public accounting firm at the time I apply to Ph.D. programs.
- I don't have any research experience.

Thanks!

possible_phd · **Posted:** Sat Jul 03, 2010 4:30 pm

I don't think anybody would ever advise you to retake the GMAT for a better AWA score. As far as I know, no school even really pays attention to it. If you're comfortable with a 710 overall score, don't concern yourself too much about the AWA. Of course, if you think you can bring the 710 up to a 750 while also improving the AWA, that's something worth considering.

bmillan01 · **Posted:** Sat Jul 03, 2010 5:11 pm

You're probably fine with a 710. I strongly advise you to not retake the exam if your main reason relies on an already solid AWA score. Focus on submitting a stellar application and gathering strong recommendation letters instead.

gregc1213 · **Posted:** Sun Jul 04, 2010 11:58 am

Agreed - seems silly to retake for AWA alone. Your accomplishments in other areas (Grad degree, CPA) will alleviate any concerns over your communication ability plus 4.5 AWA is nothing to really spark any serious concerns. Time is probably better spent on other areas of the application.

dbryan13 · **Posted:** Mon Jul 05, 2010 11:23 am

Thanks for the advice everyone! I truly appreciate it. I am really relieved that I don't have to take this test again, I just spent the past year taking the CPA Exam and my brain needs a major break. Thanks again!!!

possible_phd · **Posted:** Tue Jul 06, 2010 12:33 am

Rest it while you can; you won't get the chance once you start a program. :-P

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Accounting Ph.D. -- Retake Gmat???

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