connersnow wrote:
Hi all, wanted to get your thoughts on re-taking the GMAT considering my overall experience and profile. I realize a 710 is a solid score, but I do feel I need to make up for my low undergrad GPA (<3.0 but in engineering at top 10 U.S. university).
I studied for 6 weeks using
MGMAT/GMATPrep/Kaplan, and was scoring in the 710-750 range in all practice tests (
MGMAT/Official prep). I am planning on applying for top schools, but for their part-time programs, which I've heard is a bit easier to get into. Should I go through the effort of studying/re-taking the test, and if so, what new material can I use?
Thanks for any advice/feedback!
Hi connersnow. I was in your same position, had a 2.9 and was hoping to have my GMAT help make up for that, so when I scored 700, I was happy but not thrilled. I decided to take it again and was scoring 750s on all my practice tests up until I blew the verbal on the actual test and ended up getting a 690. I was FURIOUS. Anyways, after months of studying I was done and just could not fathom taking it again.
I think you should take it again because I don't think you will do any harm unless you bomb, but seeing as 710 was the low of your range I can't imagine you would do much worse. I would do it soon though, before you lose your study mojo and whatnot.
With that said, depending on the other aspects of your application, you definitely can get beyond the adcom with a low gpa and your current GMAT score. As you can see from my profile I got into quite a few schools, no rejections, with my 700 and 2.9. I definitely had factors that allowed them to look beyond my stats though (such as really strong work experience).
Best of luck!