Re-take Traditional GMAT vs switch to Focus Edition

Question

Hi All

I am writing to get some thoughts on my GMAT re-take strategy.

I have been working diligently to get my GMAT score in the 720+ range, and I feel like I am close to achieving this goal.

For context, my scores so far are as follows (all traditional GMAT).
Attempt 1: 590 (Q42; V28)
Attempt 2: 660 (Q44; V37)
Attempt 3: 600 (Q44; V28)
Attempt 4: 680 (Q49; V33)

I was pushing hard to get my target score on my 4th attempt and felt confident going into the test. While my quant score showed strong improvement (Q49), my verbal score was brought down, in particular, by poor performance in one question type - critical reasoning and suboptimal time management. My SC was 97th percentile, RC was 57th percentile, and CR was 16th percentile. I had issues managing my time as well (ended up guessing 3 CR questions).

My most recent attempt (attempt 4) was on 15 Jan 2024, and I have already booked in a test on 31 Jan 2024 (I am assuming that I should be able to take this test because the system allowed me to register; though it does not allow me to reschedule the booking to a different time on the same day). I could either take the test on 31 Jan because I believe that my most recent verbal score is not a true representation of my skill level (based on recent practice tests and the 37 I got in the past), but I am nervous about the risk that my score does not improve. Does re-taking the GMAT a few weeks after a past attempt and not showing a score improvement look bad in the eyes of admissions committees?

The alternative is for me to switch to the GMAT Focus Edition. I have been working hard on the GMAT since 2022, so the prospect of switching formats (and losing SC) is not an easy pill to swallow. How easy is the transition to the GMAT Focus Edition? Can someone who's scored 700-710 on traditional GMAT practice tests achieve a similar score on Focus Edition in 3 months?

Thank you.

MartyMurray · Answer

Some admissions officers might not like the way that progression looks, but you can cancel the score on the next test if you don't achieve your target score, in which case admissions officers will never see it.

Yes. In fact, I think you could achieve a similar score in less than three months because you can likely master DI in less than three months.

Meanwhile, to develop the greater consistency you need to be able to achieve your target score by the end of this month, you could approach GMAT Verbal as discussed in these posts.

How to Prepare for GMAT Verbal

How to Score 705+ on the GMAT Focus Edition

GmatKnightTutor · Answer

Consider taking an Official Focus mock from the main MBA website. You could also check out Manhattan-Prep's 6th Edition for CR. For RC, becoming familiar with how inference questions work could be helpful as well. If time management is an issue, consider using question/time markers.

Critical Reasoning tips

AjiteshArun · Answer

Hi careercapital25, I think most test takers tend to overestimate the impact of multiple attempts. In my opinion, it's not something you need to worry about. More importantly, this is the last GMAT (previous version) you will (can

) take. This means that the risk you're thinking about is zero . 1. If your score improves, great! 2. If your score doesn't improve, you will just not send this score to your target schools . The way score reporting works for test-center attempts (previous version of the GMAT) is that score reports include scores from that appointment, as well as scores from all other valid appointments in the last 5 years. Score reports don't include scores from future appointments. So if you apply with your (strong) 680, schools will not see your 5th attempt unless you report the 5th attempt to them. 3. If you take the Focus Edition and apply with that score, no school will see any of your earlier scores. For all Focus Edition appointments (and even online appointments for the previous GMAT), score reports include scores only from that specific appointment. You seem to be very strong at SC. Consider taking an official Focus practice test sometime to check how comfortable you are with the new test. For what it's worth, I think you won't face any issues with the FE.

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

Hi careercapital25,

You honestly have nothing to lose by taking the classic GMAT one more time on January 31st. If you don't hit your score goal, just cancel it, and then make the transition to GMAT focus.

	Manhattan Prep: $99 Bonus Score Higher on Your GMAT Exam. Guaranteed.
	Target Test Prep - Save up to $599 $400 Discount + $99 Bonus GMAT Club Tests
	e-GMAT: 60% Off on GMAT Focus Get to 735+ from any starting point
	Magoosh increases your score, guaranteed - 15% off ALL Magoosh GMAT plans with code GMATCLUB15 + Free GMAT Club Tests.
	Experts' Global - ~~$1720~~ $960 End-to-End GMAT Prep + App Support: 150+ Videos, 2000+ Questions, 15 FLTs +
	GMATWhiz - $299 ~~$499~~ Experience the course through a free trial.
	GMAT Club Tests - Free Included with every course purchase of $149+ View all deals

Re-take Traditional GMAT vs switch to Focus Edition

Prep Toolkit

Top 5 GMAT Debrief Videos

615 to 715 in 15 Days (Ria's Strategies)

More than Quant/Verbal Abilities: Speed vs. Accuracy

745 with Only Self-Prep and GMAT Club

From 555 to 765: 210-point Improvement

Perfect 805 Score Debrief by Julia

My Rewards