740 (Q-50 / V39) - worth retaking?

Question

Hello! I scored a 740 on my first attempt, back in 2012 but the scores will be expiring soon. I decided to retake the GMATs for Round 1 next year or Round 2 this year and unfortunately received a 730 (Q-49 / V-40). I knew I underperformed and made a few silly mistakes because I was hitting 750 on the GMATPrep tests the last few weekends (timed, simulated conditions).

What is your advice? Should I:

1) Retake the GMATs as I'm pretty sure I can get a 750 (Q-50 / V41) within the next month?
2) Apply Round 2 with my 740 score & focus on the rest of my apps?
3) Retake to shoot for a higher score and apply Round 1 next year?

Unfortunately I'm part of the traditional finance demo and gunning for a scholarship, hence the inclination to retake and aim for a 750+.

Much thanks,
S.

GMATPill · Answer

I would not recommend retaking the test at this point. You should focus your energies and efforts on the other parts of your application. Scoring in the 750+ does not necessarily guarantee you a scholarship so you shouldn't retake with that specific intent.

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi luckysheep,

First off, both of your scores are outstanding (they're both well above the 90th percentile overall), so you should apply to any Business Schools that interest you. As such, a retest is not necessary. You're ultimately asking Admissions questions though, so you would likely find it beneficial to speak with an Admissions Expert about your overall profile. There's a Forum full of them here:

ask-admission-consultants-124/

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

KarishmaB · Answer

730/740/750 are not very different scores. Your overall profile will not change with a 20 point increase. If you are aiming for 750, I would suggest you to instead work more on your essays. 
A 780-790 could certainly make your application more attractive. Of course, you will still need to write brilliant essays!

OptimusPrepJanielle · Answer

Hi luckysheep,

GMAT scores are valid for 5 years, so from a timing perspective you should be fine. If you took the test in 2012, your score should be valid upto some point in 2017 so you can easily go ahead and apply with your 740 scores.
As others have already pointed out, a 750 would not make any difference when compared to a 740. 
Moreover, if you are looking at scholarship, you need to write stellar application and that will take time. So go ahead and start preparing those applications.

740 (Q-50 / V39) - worth retaking?

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