NEW HERE? LEARN MORE
closeclose
Last visit was: 25 Apr 2024, 06:44 It is currently 25 Apr 2024, 06:44
Decision Tracker
My Rewards
New posts
New comers' posts

Close
GMAT Club Daily Prep
Thank you for using the timer - this advanced tool can estimate your performance and suggest more practice questions. We have subscribed you to Daily Prep Questions via email.

Customized
for You

we will pick new questions that match your level based on your Timer History

Track
Your Progress

every week, we’ll send you an estimated GMAT score based on your performance

Practice
Pays

we will pick new questions that match your level based on your Timer History
Not interested in getting valuable practice questions and articles delivered to your email? No problem, unsubscribe here.
Go to My Error Log Learn more
Close
Request Expert Reply
Confirm Cancel

Should I retake my GMAT?

SORT BY:
Date
Kudos
User avatar
Saevo
Intern
Intern
Joined: 01 Dec 2012
Posts: 21
Own Kudos [?]: 1 [0]
Given Kudos: 18
GPA: 3.69
Send PM
Should I retake my GMAT? [#permalink] New post   06 May 2013, 15:38
Hi there,

I have to admit I'm a bit frustrated... I just took my GMAT today and got a relatively low score compared to what I expected. I would like your opinion as to whether I should retake my GMAT or not.

The first time I took my GMAT was about a year ago; I got a 670.
Here are a few of my scores leading up to the test:

Kaplan:
730
730

MGMAT:
660
680

Knewton:
730
670

GMATPrep:
760
740

I got the 740 on Saturday, 2 days before my exam (probably a bad idea?), and ended up getting a 710 on my exam today. I know I should be glad my score improved 40 points, but I thought due to my GMATPrep scores that it would be between 730-760. I have a good chunk of travel coming up for work and plan to apply this fall. Would 20-30 points make a big difference in my application if I plan to apply to a "top 5" school?

I'm aiming for Harvard, Wharton, Kellogg, Stanford, Duke, and the likes for either strategy consulting or general management (long term goal definitely GM). I feel I have a pretty good resume... 3.7 GPA in Industrial Engineering, graduated from a two year leadership rotational program for technical marketing at a very large technology company, and have been promoted "off program" within a year of "graduating" the program. The leadership program has allowed me to rotate 4 times into different locations and functions and I am under consideration currently for a three year international assignment. I figure if I don't get into a good business school I might consider the foreign assignment to strengthen my resume as I have about 4 years of work experience right now but want to accelerate into my career goals a little faster.

If I plan to apply this fall just wanted your take as to the ROI from either investing into my application process early/now, or giving it another shot in a month? I know I can perform better, just want to make the best use of my time :/

Thanks all!
Saevo
User avatar
B
CriticalSquare
MBA Admissions Consultant
Joined: 18 Apr 2013
Posts: 2226
Own Kudos [?]: 494 [1]
Given Kudos: 3
Location: Chicago, IL
Send PM
Re: Should I retake my GMAT? [#permalink] New post   06 May 2013, 17:22
1
Kudos
Hi Saevo,

You have a fantastic GMAT score so congratulations! With a 710 and the work experience you've provided, my advice is to focus on your applications. At this point, pushing that process back will probably hurt you more than a higher GMAT score would help.

I think you've got a lot of great pieces to work with to put your story together so take your strong GMAT score and get to it!

Bhavik
User avatar
Saevo
Intern
Intern
Joined: 01 Dec 2012
Posts: 21
Own Kudos [?]: 1 [0]
Given Kudos: 18
GPA: 3.69
Send PM
Re: Should I retake my GMAT? [#permalink] New post   07 May 2013, 20:51
Hi Bhavik,

Thank you for your response, it is very encouraging!

Do other folks also agree with this? I'd appreciate any feedback, even if it's the same. It would certainly help me move on from this disappointing score!

Saevo
User avatar
B
CriticalSquare
MBA Admissions Consultant
Joined: 18 Apr 2013
Posts: 2226
Own Kudos [?]: 494 [0]
Given Kudos: 3
Location: Chicago, IL
Send PM
Re: Should I retake my GMAT? [#permalink] New post   08 May 2013, 16:04
Hey Saevo,

You're welcome and good luck!

Bhavik
User avatar
P
myEssayReview
MBA Admissions Consultant
Joined: 06 Jan 2012
Posts: 712
Own Kudos [?]: 379 [1]
Given Kudos: 2
Send PM
Re: Should I retake my GMAT? [#permalink] New post   08 May 2013, 16:51
1
Kudos
Hi Saevo,

I agree you should not retake the GMAT. A 20-30 point improvement may not help you much , but starting early on your application process will definitely help you a lot . And 700+ GMAT score is a good score:)

You have an impressive profile ( career progression, leadership stories, international experiences) and you can very well leverage your experiences into a strong application.

You should begin researching your target schools thoroughly and focus on other parts of your application package ( resume, essays, recommendation letters) .I know schools will begin releasing essay questions next month, but you can always do some ground work on your goals , accomplishment, and leadership experiences etc.

I will be more than happy to discuss your profile in detail.

Also, you may want to go through my recent blog post on the GMAT Club .

https://gmatclub.com/blog/2013/05/mistak ... ion-essays.

Good luck!!

Poonam
User avatar
B
PrepMBA
MBA Admissions Consultant
Joined: 02 May 2013
Affiliations: Harvard Club Lecturer
Posts: 111
Own Kudos [?]: 47 [2]
Given Kudos: 1
Location: United States (CA)
City: Los Angeles
Schools: Harvard Business School - Class of 1998
Send PM
Re: Should I retake my GMAT? [#permalink] New post   09 May 2013, 12:31
2
Kudos
Expert Reply
Saevo,

I would counsel you a bit differently. Some folks are happy with a 700-710 and know they can't do much better. You feel you left meat on that gmat bone and competition is fierce at the top schools. Whereas I agree that you are certainly not required to take it again, the question is why not? We are in May. Round One apps are not due until October and you can work on the apps in parallel. I do feel that there is a difference between a 740 and a 710 at the top 5, and of course the adcoms will look at your whole package.

BTW, where did you do that undergrad and what types of extracurricular activities will you be showcasing? This matters as well.

Regards,

Alex Leventhal
User avatar
L
Admissionado
Admissionado
Joined: 30 Nov 2009
Posts: 9216
Own Kudos [?]: 2061 [1]
Given Kudos: 69
Location: Chicago, IL
Schools:Brown University, Harvard Business School
Send PM
Re: Should I retake my GMAT? [#permalink] New post   10 May 2013, 05:43
1
Kudos
Expert Reply
Well, it seems from the numbers you posted that a 710 is about right, although of course you could test higher. But actually, you have more than a month. Most schools don't release questions to mid-July. So I'd say retake if you are confident that you can do better. But NOT if it takes time from preparing your applications (meaning once questions are released FORGET about the GMAT, because your score is good enough to get you in anywhere).

Good luck!
avatar
panama5565
Intern
Intern
Joined: 07 Dec 2011
Posts: 38
Own Kudos [?]: 91 [1]
Given Kudos: 4
Location: United States
Schools: Wharton '15 (M) Kellogg '15 (A)
GPA: 3.55
Send PM
Re: Should I retake my GMAT? [#permalink] New post   10 May 2013, 12:44
1
Kudos
I'd advise you to focus on developing your application rather than the GMAT. A 710 is a great score and well within the range for any of the top schools. Also keep in mind that your score could go down after another attempt - anything is possible with the GMAT! You have a good story, so focus on how you're going to tell it. Work on a prep packet for your recommenders and on talking with grads of your targeted schools. In the long run, all that should be much more valuable than an extra few points on your GMAT.

For what it's worth, I had a 680 GMAT and was accepted to both schools I applied to; Kellogg and Wharton.
User avatar
Saevo
Intern
Intern
Joined: 01 Dec 2012
Posts: 21
Own Kudos [?]: 1 [0]
Given Kudos: 18
GPA: 3.69
Send PM
Re: Should I retake my GMAT? [#permalink] New post   17 May 2013, 17:27
I'd like to personally thank you all for taking the time to post such thoughtful responses. My kind thanks and best wishes.

Thank you,
Saevo
User avatar
B
PrepMBA
MBA Admissions Consultant
Joined: 02 May 2013
Affiliations: Harvard Club Lecturer
Posts: 111
Own Kudos [?]: 47 [0]
Given Kudos: 1
Location: United States (CA)
City: Los Angeles
Schools: Harvard Business School - Class of 1998
Send PM
Re: Should I retake my GMAT? [#permalink] New post   17 May 2013, 18:04
Expert Reply
You are very welcome. Good Luck!
User avatar
P
myEssayReview
MBA Admissions Consultant
Joined: 06 Jan 2012
Posts: 712
Own Kudos [?]: 379 [0]
Given Kudos: 2
Send PM
Re: Should I retake my GMAT? [#permalink] New post   17 May 2013, 22:33
You are most welcome, Saevo. Good luck :)
GMAT Club Bot
gmatclubot
Re: Should I retake my GMAT? [#permalink]
17 May 2013, 22:33

Powered by phpBB © phpBB Group | Emoji artwork provided by EmojiOne
Main navigation
GMAT Resources
Partners
MBA Resources
www.gmac.com|www.mba.com | | GMAT Club Rules | Terms and Conditions