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13 Jan 2012, 14:45
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I hate to admit this, but I've taken the GMAT six times over the past five years and i know there are schools that will look at my score history and ding me due to multiple low scores. There are some schools that tell you up front that they take all GMAT scores into consideration, like UC Berkeley. However, my number one choice, Kellogg, has told me directly that,
"We use the highest overall score that we have on hand when evaluating your application; we do not average scores or combine the best scores from multiple tests. The admissions committee does not look unfavorably on multiple attempts. " - Kellogg admissions
Am I missing something? Are they truly saying that my candidacy won't be affected by multiple attempts and by "overall score" they don't care about the 80/80 split I hear so much about? So I could theoretically take the GMAT ten times and it wouldn't be an issue? I know that is what they are saying but is that what they are SAYING? Also, does anyone know Wharton's stance on this issue? Please help!
"We use the highest overall score that we have on hand when evaluating your application; we do not average scores or combine the best scores from multiple tests. The admissions committee does not look unfavorably on multiple attempts. " - Kellogg admissions
Am I missing something? Are they truly saying that my candidacy won't be affected by multiple attempts and by "overall score" they don't care about the 80/80 split I hear so much about? So I could theoretically take the GMAT ten times and it wouldn't be an issue? I know that is what they are saying but is that what they are SAYING? Also, does anyone know Wharton's stance on this issue? Please help!
13 Jan 2012, 17:19
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Well first of all, anything over 5 takes isn't going to make a difference b/c they will only be able to see your last 5 scores (please someone correct me if I'm wrong on this). Also, any score that is over 5 years old will not show up on your score report. So, at this point, I don't believe you can do anymore harm by taking it again, unless you are to score lower. I think if you showed us your previous scores, breakdowns, and goals we might be able to offer you some more advice.
Some schools say they will only look at your highest scores, some say they will consider all your scores. Each school is different, and it depends on where you are applying. Its generally believed that multiple attempts don't look great, but obviously taking it 5 times and ending with a huge score is better than 4 low scores with no high score at all. So it just depends on how you're doing, and how you believe you can do. Most applications will just ask you for your best score.
At this point, there isn't much you can do about it, so it should be your goal to put the absolute best application together that YOU possibly can. This may include taking another GMAT and scoring huge, or forgetting about the GMAT and concentraiting on areas such as work, promotions, extracurriculars, leadership, essays, letters of rec, resume, etc... and also when and where you are going to apply.
Now the other topic you mentioned is the 80/80 rule. Now this is now clear cut rule, but from what we've seen, top schools would generally like to see atleast an 80%/80% in both sections to know that you are capable of verbal and quant. Most importantly is the quant score. This isn't a hard and fast rule, and just below 80% (70%+) in either probably isn't going to kill you, but a very low quant can make it very challenging, and a very low verbal can be challenging. Quant is most important though.
Let us know where you stand, what your looking for, and if you are consider another take and maybe we can give you some sound advice. Best of luck to you!
Some schools say they will only look at your highest scores, some say they will consider all your scores. Each school is different, and it depends on where you are applying. Its generally believed that multiple attempts don't look great, but obviously taking it 5 times and ending with a huge score is better than 4 low scores with no high score at all. So it just depends on how you're doing, and how you believe you can do. Most applications will just ask you for your best score.
At this point, there isn't much you can do about it, so it should be your goal to put the absolute best application together that YOU possibly can. This may include taking another GMAT and scoring huge, or forgetting about the GMAT and concentraiting on areas such as work, promotions, extracurriculars, leadership, essays, letters of rec, resume, etc... and also when and where you are going to apply.
Now the other topic you mentioned is the 80/80 rule. Now this is now clear cut rule, but from what we've seen, top schools would generally like to see atleast an 80%/80% in both sections to know that you are capable of verbal and quant. Most importantly is the quant score. This isn't a hard and fast rule, and just below 80% (70%+) in either probably isn't going to kill you, but a very low quant can make it very challenging, and a very low verbal can be challenging. Quant is most important though.
Let us know where you stand, what your looking for, and if you are consider another take and maybe we can give you some sound advice. Best of luck to you!
oodl
Joined: 30 May 2011
Last visit: 07 Mar 2022
Posts: 68
Given Kudos: 1
Concentration: Entrepreneurship, Strategy
Schools: Tuck '14 (D) Johnson '14 (A$) Fuqua '14 (WL) INSEAD '14 (A) Anderson '14 (D) Ross '14 (A) Kellogg '14 (M)
GMAT 1: 730 Q49 V41
GPA: 3.12
Schools: Tuck '14 (D) Johnson '14 (A$) Fuqua '14 (WL) INSEAD '14 (A) Anderson '14 (D) Ross '14 (A) Kellogg '14 (M)
GMAT 1: 730 Q49 V41
Posts: 68
09 Feb 2012, 15:08
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i battled with the same question when i applied because i've taken the GMAT 5 times over the last 4 years. I called up a few schools to hear their view on multiple GMATs. I called Tuck, Fuqua, Booth, Johnson, Darden, and Ross.
All said they will use only the highest score for evaluation. However, they said that they will have access to all my old scores and may try to understand why I took the test so many times. Booth specifically said it's a red flag for them when they see candidates take several tests in quick succession (one in Feb, then in March, then in April, and then in May).
Several said that though the average is 1 or 2 times, they've had applicant's who have taken it 4, 6, 8, and 10 times. They didn't say whether these applicant's got admitted though. A few also suggested that you use the optional essay to explain why you took the GMAT so many times.
i applied this year with and have been invited to interview with insead, kellogg, ross, johnson, and duke. my feeling is since i was invited to interview, they feel i am competitive, despite my 5 gmat attempts.
All said they will use only the highest score for evaluation. However, they said that they will have access to all my old scores and may try to understand why I took the test so many times. Booth specifically said it's a red flag for them when they see candidates take several tests in quick succession (one in Feb, then in March, then in April, and then in May).
Several said that though the average is 1 or 2 times, they've had applicant's who have taken it 4, 6, 8, and 10 times. They didn't say whether these applicant's got admitted though. A few also suggested that you use the optional essay to explain why you took the GMAT so many times.
i applied this year with and have been invited to interview with insead, kellogg, ross, johnson, and duke. my feeling is since i was invited to interview, they feel i am competitive, despite my 5 gmat attempts.
