GMATConfused2013 wrote:
Hi there -
I've had a bit of a dilemma on my mind for the past year or so and the time has finally come to make a decision. Basically, I'm wondering if I need to retake the GMAT or not.
Context:
Took the GMAT July 2010 - scored a 710 : V40 / Q47, AWA 6
Retook the GMAT July 2012 (because retakes never hurt, right?) - scored a 710 : V41 / Q47, AWA 6, IR 2
Even though the scores are about the same, I'm afraid that the IR 2 will look bad, even if I just submit the first score (if that's even possible). Am I making this out to be a bigger deal than it is?
Biggest reason I am asking is because I currently find myself unemployed and looking for a job (Was working full-time to launch a startup for the past 2 years and funding dried up). I could use this time to retake the GMAT a 3rd time... or I could learn a new language, travel a bit, put extra energy into the job search, etc. I'm planning on applying for 2014, though if I find a particularly cool opportunity, I could be persuaded to delay my application until 2015 at the latest. (I'll be 30 on Christmas, and I already feel like I'm at the top end age range for a number of my target schools).
Many thanks for the help,
GMAT Confused
Tough situation. Especially, when you don't know how schools are evaluating IR.
IR 2 is certainly a red flag. Although, it seems you have peaked on your test score, I will hesitantly say a yes to a retake because you plan to apply next year. Who knows, IR may be slightly more important factor then! If you feel you have a very competitive profile otherwise you might skip it. But, from the information you provided, it seems you're gonna do some explaining in the optional essay anyways. So, my rec. stands.
+ you can't submit just one score. Actually, you submit score reports and not just scores. The score report contains all the test scores for the ones that you have taken in the last 5 years.