740 vs 730?

Question

I took the GMAT twice and got a 730 (q50 v38 ir8 awa5) the first time and a 740 (q50 v40 ir7) on the second attempt (took it online so no AWA score)

Which score is better??

I already sent the 730 to my top 5 schools.... should I send the 740 to them too? 
Should I pay to send the 730 to my backup schools too?

Thank you!

AndrewN · Answer

Hello,  roberttasker1 . Both scores are in the same ballpark, but the IR and AWA are not really held in as high regard as the total score. A 740 with a near-perfect IR is better than a 730 with those other scores. To answer the latter two questions, I would make your top 5 schools aware of your new score if there is an update option available; I would not send the 730 to your backup schools. You have already put your best foot forward on that front.

Good luck.

- Andrew

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

Hi roberttasker1,

I would not worry about the fact that the online GMAT does not have AWA. I would go with your 740. Great work BTW!

HoneyLemon · Answer

Agree !! I will take 740 . BTW congrats !!

roberttasker1 · Answer

Hello,  roberttasker1 . Both scores are in the same ballpark, but the IR and AWA are not really held in as high regard as the total score. A 740 with a near-perfect IR is better than a 730 with those other scores. To answer the latter two questions, I would make your top 5 schools aware of your new score if there is an update option available; I would not send the 730 to your backup schools. You have already put your best foot forward on that front.

Good luck.

- Andrew

Thank you all for the helpful responses! Considering I already accepted the 730, do I just need to send the 740 to the schools as well, or is there a formal process for changing my GMAT submissions?

AndrewN · Answer

Hello again,  roberttasker1 . You should contact admissions from the programs you have applied to and ask what the proper procedure may be for submitting an updated GMAT™ score. I know some schools allow updates to the application online, but that may or may not be the case, depending on the school. One thing is for sure: you will want to move sooner on this than later. Since a 730 is a competitive score but just around the average at some of the most competitive schools, even 10 points could give you a slight edge. (I have no idea where you may be applying, but I would want those extra 10 points, in any case.)

Good luck.

- Andrew

roberttasker1 · Answer

I am applying to deferred MBA programs and have not started applying yet... Do I still have to contact schools? All I have done so far is add the 5 schools to send my 730 to, during the GMAT.

Sorry for the confusion, I just want to clarify this.

Thank you so much!

AndrewN · Answer

In that case, just send the 740 to the same five schools. That will not hurt your admissions chances in any way, and you will have a 740 ready for the admissions committee to check in on when they get to that step of the application review process. To be clear, you do  not  need to contact the schools if you have not already applied. I was under the impression that you were further along in the process.

Good luck.

- Andrew

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