3rd. Attempt GMAT. Please help!

Question

Hi Guys,

I have a question and would be happy if you get back to me regarding my concern.

I took the gmat twice, months ago and my scores were 470 & 480. I didnt prepare for the exams thus i got very low scores.

I have started studying seriously since 2 months and my recent practice test score is 630.
 
My question is, do my low official scores have negative impacts on schools which i plan to apply even i'll receive a 700+ score on my 3rd attempt?

Thanks,
Yenal

mikemcgarry · Answer

Dear Yenal, I'm happy to respond. :-)

In part, it depends on the "spin" you give it. If you can make the case that the first few times, you didn't bring the best of yourself, but when you hunkered down and figured it out, then you were superb, that is a powerful narrative. Of course, you probably should be able justify why you didn't bring the best of yourself to the first couple attempts---it's totally understandable that you underestimated the challenge on the first try, though it more puzzling why you then took a second try without study: that's probably the piece that requires the most explanation. In general, it's one of the habits of excellence to bring the best of one's self to each and every endeavor. I will also caution you: success on practice tests does not necessarily guarantee success on the real thing. It may, but it's not a sure thing by any means. See this blog: https://magoosh.com/gmat/2014/lower-on-t ... ice-tests/ Also, you may find this blog germane: https://magoosh.com/gmat/2014/gmat-study ... 0-or-more/ Does all this make sense? Mike :-)

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi Yenal,

The short answer is NO - your prior scores will probably not impact how Business Schools will view a higher, more recent score. Business Schools have never really cared about how many times an applicant took the Official GMAT. With the recent inclusion of the 'score cancellation' option, Schools now know that they will be no way to know how many times an applicant took the GMAT.

What resources have you been using during your recent studies?
When are you planning to take the GMAT?

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

GMATPill · Answer

Generally speaking, most schools ask you to self-report your GMAT score in your online application. So you don't need to mention the 470/480 -- though when you send your official score report they do see it on the report. Schools vary in their perception, but for the most part, a jump from 480 to 700+ would likely be seen as very impressive. In addition to aptitude, it also shows perseverance towards a goal --- a personality quality that is esteemed among business schools. Not everyone tests well, and schools understand that. But to overcome a challenge also says a lot. If you decide to move forward, we encourage you to check out the Practice Pill Platform as a resource for your studies: https://www.gmatpill.com/gmat-practice-test/

drhouse · Answer

Hi,

I'm confused here. If I attempt the GMAT and keep the score (ATTEMPT 1), followed by another attempt with score cancelled (ATTEMPT 2), followed by another attempt and report the scores (ATTEMPT 3), the schools will see 2 scores but will know that I've attempted the exam 3 times - right?

Please clarify.

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi drhouse,

Under the 'old' procedures, you would have had to have cancelled your score BEFORE you saw it AND that 'cancellation' would have shown up on your Official Score Report.

NOW though, you get to see your score BEFORE you have to decide whether to cancel it or not. IF you choose to cancel it, then there will be NO record of it on your Official Score Report (although your personal records - the ones that YOU can see, will show the cancellation).

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

ynlsmrts · Answer

Hi Mike,
Thanks for the feedbacks, these make sense at all:) I'll also check the blog to search for useful info in order to lower my concern and stress on the way to my third attempt.

ynlsmrts · Answer

Hi Rich, I didnt know that i could cancel my score on my second attempt unfortunately:( if i knew, i would have canceled the score but anyway. Thank you for the feedback. Recently, i have the books Manhattan Prep Gmat all 9 (0 to 9) and the official guide 2015. Besides, a friend of mine gave me his Princeton Review Sets including; In Class Manual for the GMAT, Verbal Review for the GMAT and Quantitive Review for the GMAT. Frankly speaking, i dont have a study schedule for to study all of them in ones. I started reviewing the OG 2015 and use the Princeton Review books for supplementary. If you have any suggestions regarding how to study effectively and schedule a timeplan with all of these books, i really appreciate.

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi Yenal,

Since you posted this in another thread, I've passed over my response from there:

You've done quite well so far (since you've been able to raise a 470 to a 630 working on your own). Since your scores have not 'leveled off', I suggest that you continue to study as you see fit. With a 630, you're closer to a 680+ than you realize - and you have the potential to pick up points in BOTH the Quant and Verbal sections.

Since your last CAT was at the end of August, you should plan to take another FULL CAT soon (perhaps this weekend). That result will give us an idea of whether you need to make any adjustments to you studies or not.

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

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