Keep or Cancel Second Score? Same Overall Score, Better Breakdown

Question

Hi there! About three weeks ago, I took the GMAT for the first time and got a score I was very happy with overall (740: Q49 V41, 8 IR 6 AWA). However, I didn't feel like I gave my 100% best performance and decided to give it another shot after three weeks, just in case I was able to improve my score by a few points. Earlier today, I took the test for the second time but ended up getting a very similar (but  slightly  better) score (740: Q49 V42, 8 IR ? AWA).

I am not planning on taking the test a third time, but am a bit conflicted on whether I should cancel my second score. While it does show a very marginal improvement in my weak section (Verbal), the overall score is the same, and I'm not sure what the AWA grade will be. I have read some mixed things about how admissions may interpret a situation like mine (e.g., admissions could focus on either the slight improvement and desire to improve, or on a "perfectionist" mindset and an inability to tangibly improve performance). Now I am trying to figure out whether I should keep or cancel the score within the ~72 hours I have left before it sticks.

If you have any insights or perspectives to share, I would greatly appreciate it!

Thanks so much in advance.

bb · Answer

Congrats on your score!

I don’t think it matters. There’s nothing that your second score will add to the admissions story and there isn’t really a whole lot it will take away.

It’s your decision if you want to keep it or cancel it but some schools do ask for you to list all the scores you received and so you will need to list it for business school such as booth for example. Others just look at the score that you report to them and don’t really spend much time. Your case is pretty normal because many people think they can do better and perform better and why would otherwise anyone retake a 740 if they didn’t think they could do better.... indicating their potential may be higher... Right?

The safest option is always to cancel because you can reinstate the score later but you cannot cancel it later. So without getting into the details and long and endless discussion about multiple score considerations, the safest thing would be to cancel it and the worst thing that will happen is you’ll have to pay 50 bucks to reinstate it.

PS. By the way, everyone feels they could do better on the GMAT. Don’t feel any regret about not improving because everyone who’s ever taking the test felt they probably could even do better next time but it doesn’t always materialize. Or I should say often it does not materialize and people do worse because they focus on small improvements and missed the big picture.

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wukon · Answer

Hi bb, thanks so much for your response. This is great advice; agreed that the big picture application doesn't change much regardless of whether the score is kept or cancelled.

One follow-up question: between my two tests, I "sent" my scores to 10 different schools, making use of the free optionality offered during the exam. If I cancelled the score today, am I correct in assuming that those schools would not have access to my portal? My understanding is if I do not cancel my score, then all ten schools will see both of my scores. And if that is correct, then I would lead toward keeping the score so that I don't need to pay any additional money to send my first test score to any of the five other schools I selected today. Any thoughts on this?

Thanks again!

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

Hi Wukon,

Are you wondering if you cancel your "second GMAT score" whether schools will no longer have access to your first GMAT score, which you already sent out?

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi wukon,

First off, a 740/Q49 is an outstanding Score, so you can comfortably apply to any Business Schools that interest you. As such, another retest is NOT necessary. Most Business Schools do not care if you take the GMAT more than once, but you likely won't "gain" anything by having two 740s in your Official Score Report. As such, if you're concerned, then you should cancel this 2nd result. Depending on the Schools that you plan to apply to, you would likely find it beneficial to speak with an Admissions Expert about your overall profile and plans. Those Experts should be able to answer your Admissions questions and help define the specific areas of your profile that could use some improvement. There's a Forum full of those Experts here:

https://gmatclub.com/forum/ask-admissio ... tants-124/

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

wukon · Answer

Hi Scott,

Close... I think the schools I sent the first score to will have access regardless of whether I cancel, correct? I was asking more about the 5 other schools I sent the second score to - if I cancel the score, would I need to pay additional money to send my first score to those schools?

Thanks so much!!

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

Oh wow, that's a great question. I would actually give the folks at GMAC a call to confirm. If you get a definitive answer, let me know.

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