740 - retake GMAT?

Hi spitfire1:

Thanks for reaching out to me. It's all about whether or not you legitimately feel you left money on the table. In your case, it appears that you feel you could've done better. So I would take it again in your case.

What I always advise is to plan on taking the GMAT twice. Consider the first one a test run - an exercise in feeling the test out and managing your nerves. The second test appointment is the real deal. At this point you should have all your nerves handled, and everything on test day should look familiar – including the test center environment.

Other factors to consider – how much time do you have left in the application process? If you are applying round one, you really have plenty of time at this point. So take it again.
If the test center environment was less than ideal on game day – then take it again.
If you screwed up the timing for whatever reason – and perhaps you had to hurry through the last few questions of any section – take it again.

I would spend the next four weeks focusing on your weak areas, which appear to be in the verbal section. I'm sure you know that. But I would also focus on timing. How does this sound? Take a couple of practice tests and focus on answering each question within 2.5 mins max. I know this is tough to do some of the reading comprehension passages, but hear me out.
If timing was an issue on the test, and it almost always is, use my 2 1/2 minute method to try and mentally condition yourself to divorce yourself from a question - matter how much time, effort and heart you have put into it. As soon as you hit the two and half minute mark, pick any answer and move on. Another note: when using this method don't focus on what your score is score below or above past scores, it doesn't matter as much as developing a habit matters – the ability to divorce yourself from a problematic question, one that requires an inordinate amount of time. One that sacrifices your ability to answer the questions correctly given the appropriate amount of time. Break the mental block.

With respect to your specific questions – yes, the admissions committee will see a big difference between a 740 and a 780, especially given your demographic.

Management consulting companies, investment banks, PE VC firms may ask you about your GMAT score. Your 740 is definitely enough to satiate any of their concerns. But whether it is a 740 or a 780, in this circumstance I don't think it'll be a make or break situation either way. Put another way, this is the least of your concerns.

Yes. You can cancel your score if you get less than a 740 and just stick with the original 740 you received. The admissions committee won't see it. Frankly, if you took it again and scored slightly less than a 740 for whatever reason, I would cancel. But, the admissions committee wouldn't care. They would look at it just go with a higher score. Just put it all in perspective, admissions is not some sort of science. Admissions committee members are reasonable. They are human. They will just go with the highest score even if they see a second test that is lower. But again, if you get lower than a 740 on your second try. Just cancel it - keep it nice and simple.

Anyway, that's my advice for what it's worth. Good luck.

Respectfully,
Paul Lanzillotti

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