GMAT 690 retake for top business schools?

Question

Hello everyone,

I recently took the GMAT and screwed up. I only got a score of 690 (Q46,V38,IR 5, AWA 5). I am really disappointed with my performance and I performed way better in the Mock exams. However, the rest of my profile is quite strong. I graduated at top of my class with a 4.0/4.0 GPA overall. I worked as a teaching assistant during my undergraduate studies and made several internships (Big 4, ECB research, Banking). My goal is to get into one of the leading finance programs in the UK (LSE, LBS, Oxford etc.). Honestly, I don’t know whether I have the strength to repeat the GMAT or not. Will this poor GMAT result hurt my chances of getting in? (Note: I am not Indian or Asian and my background is in economics)

Thank you very much for your feedback!

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jn0r · Answer

Your profile looks strong, but I would advise you to take another shot at GMAT. 690 is not a bad score, but it's not good either. Even if you get in with it, employment after master's can be also a problem, since many employers specifically ask for your GMAT score. If you think you can improve at least by 10 points you should retake. IMHO

Admissionado · Answer

MaximumL :

I agree. I know it's a real annoyance to retake the exam, but the risk/reward is too strong in your favor not to give it another shot. A 690 puts a question mark on your application and why should you not improve your odds while you still have a chance? It's one of the few components of your application that, at this stage, is still fungible.

Good luck!

Admissionado

ExpertsGlobal · Answer

Hello  MaximumL ,

Thanks for writing in.

Considering the league of schools you are targeting, we would definitely recommend that you re-take the GMAT. Each segment of the application has its own weight and a below-par performance on one segment will impact your overall chances.

All the best!

GmatKnightTutor · Answer

Probably fair to say the GMAT won't hurt your chances per se, but won't do you any big favours either. If you feel a bit burnt out, consider taking a bit of a break to "recharge". Perhaps read a few motivational gmat success stories on the forum.

All the best.

All the best.

ARINGO · Answer

If you feel you can do better, retake the test. However, keep in mind that 690 can get you into the top MBA programs, as you can see here: https://www.aringo.com/aringo-top-mba-gmat-results/

RetaketheGMAT · Answer

Hi MaximumL,

There's one missing piece to the discussion here:

WHY you actually fell short on test day?

Most of the time, when practice test scores are higher than test day performance, it's Test Taking Skills and Strategy.

There's a big difference on Test Day. Everyone is waiting for your score (especially those who have sacrificed time with you so you could study). The importance of the real test. The different feeling of the Testing Center or the online testing experience with the proctor and restrictions. They all create an element of distraction for your brain -- so you're taking the test with less brain power available than at any other time.

So what's the antidote? it's stronger Test Taking Strategy. If you're more complete with your approach to each question, you'll insulate your brain against the distractions and still hit your maximum potential. The good news with Testing Taking Skill gaps: They're much easier to fix and requires a week or two max of additional prep. As long as you know what to focus on.

Happy to discuss further -- there are ways to figure out exactly what your gaps are.

GMAT 690 retake for top business schools?

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