Should I Attempt the GMAT Again? Need Advice!

Question

5Hey everyone,

I’m at a crossroads and could really use some advice from those who’ve been in a similar situation.
I’ve attempted the GMAT  three times —twice in the classic format (scoring  620/610 ) and once in the Focus Edition ( 625 ). While I’m  good at Quant , my biggest struggles are  Verbal and Multi-Source Reasoning (MSR) in DI . No matter how much I study, I feel like I hit a wall, and now I’m questioning whether I’m even capable of breaking into the  705+ range .

I want to give it another go, but I don’t want to keep retaking the test unless I’m confident I can make a real leap. Right now, I’m stuck between:
 
  Retaking the GMAT Focus  with a fresh strategy and mindset, doubling down on Verbal and MSR. 
  Exploring alternative options  (maybe GRE, different schools, or even reconsidering my MBA plans).  
If you’ve faced a similar struggle, how did you push past it? Did you see a significant improvement after multiple attempts, or was there a point where you decided to move on?  Is 705+ still realistic for me, or am I chasing something unattainable?
 
Any advice, study tips, or even a reality check would be much appreciated!
Thanks in advance!

pintukr · Answer

Shall advise to gain conceptual clarity through Manhattan Prep books. I have been benefited immensely.

All the Best.

GmatKnightTutor · Answer

Which parts of Verbal do you feel are holding you back? For RC, for example, becoming familiar with how inference questions work may help a bit. If you feel your fundamentals are strong, consider working on your solving approach. May boost your score a bit. Perhaps also include working with a study buddy if you decide to retake. Someone, for example, who is really strong on Verbal and looking for help on Quant (which you could offer in exchange) could be a good fit. You may get some helpful insight in how someone else goes through passages/questions and discuss specific questions/issues you find challenging.

kingbucky · Answer

You're definitely not alone in this struggle—many test-takers hit a plateau before making a breakthrough. The fact that your Quant is solid is a great advantage, but Verbal and Multi-Source Reasoning (MSR) require a different approach.

If you’re committed to the GMAT, consider a fresh strategy: 
- For Verbal, focus on mastering CR and RC by using a logic-driven approach rather than pattern recognition. The  Streaks Method  can help build accuracy. 
- For MSR, work on processing information efficiently by summarizing key details before answering. Timing and elimination strategies are crucial. 
- If test anxiety or fatigue is affecting your scores, a structured review with timed practice tests could help.

Switching to the GRE is an option, but first, reflect on whether the GMAT remains your best route. If you’re determined, a 700+ score is still within reach!

RetaketheGMAT · Answer

100% your problem is diagnostics. For many test takers, their prep is a random walk after the initial study of core concepts.

It’s good you’ve tried to improve over multiple attempts but now you need help — at least to figure out what your gaps are. I’m certain that most of your problem is your test taking skills not your knowledge of concepts. It’s not that your study to date has been wrong. It’s just that it’s incomplete and needs an additional layer of diagnostics and skills development.

bb · Answer

Hi. 625 is the old 680. If 700 is your goal and you’re really really close.

However if your goal is the new 705, then you have a bit of work to do.

I would say anyone can get a high score by being in tune with their weaknesses and focusing on them. However, you are likely to get a decently high GRE score so that may be an easier and more streamlined route. Take a diagnostic sample practice test.

Let us know what you end up scoring on the Jerry and then we can perhaps advise better.

AjiteshArun · Answer

Hi surekhas,

As has been mentioned, 625 is a good score (~680 on the old GMAT). What were your sectional scores, and are you targeting 700+ on the old scale or the new one?

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Should I Attempt the GMAT Again? Need Advice!

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