Retaking the GMAT

Question

So I took the GMAT a few months ago without studying and scored a 590. I am planning on retaking it in a few months after studying and was wondering what a realistic expectation would be for my second attempt? If I can raise my score above the 650 mark I plan on applying to a PhD in accounting program, but if I can't break 650 I just don't think I really have a realistic shot at getting into any programs. I plan on buying the MGMAT study books along with the Official Guide to the GMAT to study over the next two months. Any study suggestions or tips for what helped other people improve their score would be appreciated.

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi KRICH10,

A 590 is an above-average score (the yearly average on the Official GMAT hovers around 540-550), so if you truly didn't study much, then I'd say that you have a very good chance to score 650+.

If you can answer a few questions, then I'll be happy to offer some suggestions:

1) What were your Scaled Scores for the Quant and Verbal section on this GMAT?
2) You say that you took your GMAT "a few months ago"; when was it exactly?
3) When are you planning to take the GMAT?
4) When are you planning to apply?

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

KRICH10 · Answer

All I remember for my scores was that I scored in roughly 55th percentile for quant, low 50's for verbal and in the 90th percentile for integrated reasoning. I took the GMAT back in the end of October and plan on retaking it in the beginning of June. I finish my under grad in December and plan on applying to programs that begin in the fall.

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi KRICH10,

A June Test Date gives you plenty of time to study, which is good. Most Test Takers spend 3 months (or more) on their studies; during that time, it's common to spend 10-15 hours per week (or more) on the process.

I'm curious how your application deadlines will line up with finishing up your undergrad degree. Do you know the application deadlines for the programs that you're considering? Will you be working on and sending in your applications WHILE you're still in School or AFTER you've graduated?

Also, do any of these programs have a "work experience" requirement?

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

KRICH10 · Answer

The deadline for most of the programs I have looked into is the end of December which falls in line with my graduation. My plan is to work on them all during my final semester since I will only be taking a few classes. Most of the programs I am looking into do not have a work experience requirement but list that they accept applications from under grads. Do you think it would be wise to call them before applying to ask if most of the students they accept have prior work experience. If they do require work I will be working as an audit intern for KPMG and could hopefully begin working for them if work experience is required.

My plan for studying is to treat it like a full time job for about two months and hopefully be able to retain it as best as possible.

My plan for studying is to treat it like a full time job for about two months and hopefully be able to retain it as best as possible.

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi KRICH10,

While some Business Schools do accept undergrads with minimal work experience (and sometimes no work experience), most Business Schools expect applicants to have at least 2-5 years of solid work experience. It might be that you're applying to programs that don't require the work experience, but that seems like an important detail, so you should research it to be sure that you're approaching this whole process correctly.

With 2 months of study time, you might be able to learn (and retain) everything that you need to hit your score goals. We won't know for sure what you're capable of until you get into your studies. Studying for the GMAT is quite different from studying for an Undergraduate midterm or final exam - "cramming" does not work on the GMAT.

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

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