Multiple Scores

Question

I was wondering if anyone had any insight on how schools view multiple test attempts?

03/07 - 590 (34Q, 36V)
09/07 - 610 (36Q, 37V)
10/07 - 710 (40Q, 47V)

I first took the test in March and was unhappy w/ my score. I studied for a while and was prepared for the Sept test, but had a major emergency the morning of the test that really f'd up my head and score (I had been getting in the 680/700 range on practice tests). So, I just booked the first availability after my Sept disaster to prove I could do better. 

So - would my 710 cancel out the low scores I had received previously, or do they drag me down? Should I reference in an essay the reason I took the test twice in two months?

I'm not thrilled about my 40Q, but I don't have the time or money to take shot #4.

trivikram · Answer

First of all congratulations on a fantastic achievement.

Now coming to your scores...

YES schools can see all3 scores but I dont think that should hurt you

All the best!

Ravshonbek · Answer

Indeed u did better,
they look for a person who can do more if puts more effort other than for a person who puts much effort but achieves the same or less. u are better of with this progress!

good luck

jingy77 · Answer

I agree with Ravshonbek, that it will actually look better that you improved your score so dramatically. Im sure they will ask you how, and you should let them know that you put much effort into getting a high score. This is inspiring to know that it is possible to improve so much. How did you manage such a jump from the first to the last test?

Adam6378 · Answer

Great job! Your quant and verbal scores are very balanced. Even though your scores have gone up, your scores have remained very even. I've always heard that schools prefer that. Your verbal score is insane. Care to share any tips???

To answer your question, most schools either average them or just take the best one. It's a case by case basis. Call the admin office of the schools your interested in and ask them.

riverripper · Answer

Schools almost always use your high score, mainly cause thats how they show their average for class profile and for rankings. They will see your scores on a report but since you have an upward trend each time it looks solid. You didnt go 640-590-710 or something screwy. Your quant score is on the low side, I dont know what you do or your academic background so that could be a total non issue. Generally schools like a 80% or better in quant because they believe you wont struggle academically with the tough quant classes. If you have an undergrad degree in engineering or something else where you can display you quant skills then you may want to consider talking about that in an optional essay.

kz · Answer

I'm not sure where you are planning to apply... but this should help to ease your fears... From the Chicago GSB

Q: What should I know about the GMAT?
 
3) If you score lower than you like, taking the test again can be a way to strengthen your application.  The Admissions Committee looks favorably on taking the GMAT more than once,  although we do not recommend taking the test more than three times. The highest of your valid scores will be considered the official one.

Fistail · Answer

congrats. 

I know a friend, who appeared the testy at least 5 times scoring arround 650 everytimes. he took one more time recently and scored 710. He is pursuing MBA/PHD in accounting. He is very happy with his score and got positive feedback from the admission comittee.

I beleive it should not a big problem.

gregc · Answer

Well - I just found a definitive answer to my question!

This afternoon I received my acceptance letter from NYU, so I guess they do view multiple scores favorably if you show improvement on the tests and your highest score falls within their range. 

Adam6378, regarding verbal tips - I didn't do anything out of the ordinary to prepare and I actually didn't even study verbal between the 2nd & 3rd testing. I attribute my jump in verbal score to the following:

1) I felt like I botched the math again, and just mentally resigned myself to using my previous score during my break. So I felt a great weight off of my shoulders and I approached the Verbal section in a very relaxed and focused way. I stopped caring about every question and just tried to do the best I could. So, I would advise staying very level headed and focused. 

2) I also stopped hanging on every detail presented. I threw away any extraneous information provided in the questions and shortened things mentally to the core information. 
In the RC, I just tried to pick up tone on the first reading and would go back later if asked a specific question about a fact. 
In the SC, I would dump all the crazy modifiers and other information provided and shorten the sentence mentally to just the key facts. For example, if the sentence they gave me was "A man, who had taken the GMAT twice unsuccessfully, decided to take it again for a third time and was confused over the implications." Could be shortened to "A man decided to take the GMAT for the third time" This helped me see the subject-verb agreements much more quickly.

emoryhopeful · Answer

Congrats on your NYU acceptance, looks like the extra effort paid off.

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