Hi Everyone. I am sure that this question has been asked before but in light of the new news about how the GMAT is going to be much more important in the coming years (Wharton tying Harvard/Stanford) and I want to do all that is possible to get into a Top 8 MBA program, should I retake the GMAT? I have read that some schools have their own separate pile for 760+ scorers

I am also an Asian-American male in management consulting (tier 2) which I heard is a pretty rough demographic when it comes to GMAT scores

My scores were:
740(97%), Q 50(89%), V 41(93%), IR 8, AWA 5.0

Pros)
I only studied about 3 weeks for about 20-30 hours so I think I can definitely improve
A bump to a 760/770+ would put me in that 99 percentile
I have another 1.5-2.5 years before I even apply to an MBA program so I have a lot of time before I even start applications


Cons)
I have heard that retaking the test with a high score (730+) looks bad to admissions committees
Possible chance of scoring lower? (Will this hurt my application?)
Does it help me at all to have a 760 instead of a 740?

Hi,

Your profile and GMAT score is impressive. However higher the GMAT higher the chances of admit.

I would not say that 740 is a bad score. However since you have time you can definitely give it another try.

There is nothing bad in retaking the test, if you have the confidence in doing better. Highest score will always be considered by the B-School for the admission process. It does make a difference if you have a higher score. But admission does not always depend on your score good application essays are also important.

Hope this helps :http://goo.gl/TqFWKY

Cheers

Neha


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Congrats on a solid score!

I do not think you should retake unless you are trying to compensate for other weaker aspects of your application. Your score is above the average for the top schools and it is balanced. I have heard that admissions officers sometimes perceive retaking when you have a strong score as a sign of being a perfectionist and not being able to prioritize. Instead, I would focus on other parts of the application. How involved are you in your community? Can you take on extra leadership opportunities at work?

Also, take a look at the HBS thread and the number of people with 750+ scores who were rejected. That will show you that once you reach a certain threshold, having a higher GMAT score can only take you so far.
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Thank you. I do not think I need to balance other parts of my app but I am not particularly exceptional anywhere (just not super weak except volunteering which I am starting now).

I am focusing on other parts of my application but it doesn't mean I don't have time to study 3-4 hours a week. I guess I am not really worried about the time needed since I have so long (was gonna take it at the end of the year). I guess my biggest qualm is what you mentioned that retaking makes me look bad but is there any truth to this statement because I have heard it but not sure if it true...

The most likely reason for you to get dinged by HBS/GSB will be because of your statement above, not because of your GMAT score.

But if you truly want to retake it, which it seems like you actually do, then go for it. The risk probably isn't hugely significant since you've only taken the GMAT once so far. It would probably be more of a red flag if you had already taken the test a couple of times and still weren't satisfied.

Good luck!
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As DefyingGravity mentioned, a 760+ GMAT will not get you in. 740 is a fantastic score and you are much better off using that time to maximise your extracurriculars, excel at work and take on leadership positions where possible. You may think of yourself as not exceptional or excelling in any one area, this extra time should be used to dig deeper and find those unique things that will help separate you from the other tier-2 management consultants.

That is actually really insightful. I think it is true that I have decided beforehand I would retake unless it is going to be a detriment to my application because I am already focusing on trying to make other parts of my application stand out. If I find that raising my score this extra 20/30 points is going to take too much time away from that, I will definitely back away.

A 740 and a 760 are not different. You don't get any brownie points for the extra 20 points. Above 80%ile in both Quant and Verbal is appreciated but a 99%ile overall doesn't have much significance as far as the adcom is concerned.

That said, 740 and 790 are a little different. A 780+ is cool - for lack of a better word. It has a psychological 'wow' factor since there are few 780+ people. The adcom will, unintentionally, read their app more closely though what is still important is to have a brilliant app. The only reason I might suggest you to go ahead and retake is that you have time on your hands. Work toward improving your app and if you still have time, you can try to prepare for GMAT once again. The scores usually don't dip since GMAT measures ability and if you keep practicing, the ability doesn't go away. But take the GMAT only when you feel prepared to bag a 780+. It will certainly not 'look bad' to the adcom. People have their own personal targets according to what they believe to be their ability. If you do not score as expected due to some mitigating factors, retaking is not a bad thing. But, whatever your score next time, do not retake a third time.

And yes, more importantly, find that one unique factor that you will get to their class next year. That is what will tilt the scales in your favor. A high GMAT score cannot do that. There has to be something about you which is exceptional - your story, your vision, your mission - something... Use the extra time you have to find that.
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Your GMAT score is very good! Now you should focus on admissions consulting and your application and you will have great chances to get accepted. Please contact us if you are interested in a free and non binding consultation.