Should I Retake the GMAT Taking the GMAT is a fairly big decision in itself. You are probably applying to business school, or just want to take the test out of the way. Regardless of whatever your score is, it is easy to get intimidated by people with 760 and above spending the application season without a top school admit. What does that really mean? Does the GMAT not matter as much as people think it does? At the same time, per GMAC Research , retaking often brings value. On average, a person can gain 30 points by retaking. This could be explained by being more comfortable with the environment, knowing what to expect, and having a better stamina and time management. Also third and fourth, fifth, sixth attemps have paid off for a number of folks. (attached is the latest GMAT retake research by GMAT former director, Dr. Rudner) When you should REALLY retake You are from an overrepresented applicant pool The GMAT score for overrepresented applicant pool tends to be higher on average. WHY? Probably because with most career trajectory and undergrad performance largely similar, the GMAT can act as a great differentiator. To support this hypothesis, I analyzed the GMAT Club app tracker (post if you want me to add charts), and found less than 5% of Indian applicants, a massive pool, have a GMAT that is less than 760. While that is incredibly discouraging for most people, it also tells you how competitive this b school admission season really was. Your GMAT score is less than 50 points of the school median Most schools publish their median GMAT score. It is no surprise that every year schools report a higher GMAT average or median for their graduating class. If your GMAT score is 680, and the GSB Stanford median is 722, it is highly unlikely for you to get an admission, especially if you come from an applicant pool which traditionally applies in large numbers. Your GMAT Prep score and actual GMAT score are wildly different It is probably (albeit not likely), that you had a bad day. If you have been consistently scoring 740+ on GMAT Prep and GMAT Prep Exam Packs (be careful not to dilute those question pools by attempting lots of official questions from the forum), and on test day you find yourself getting a score less than 700, it could be possible that it was an exception. GMAC notes that standard deviation for GMAT Prep scores is around 50 points, and if you are on the higher end of that deviation, you should probably give it another shot. You have not REALLY studied The internet is flooded with questionable GMAT resources ranging from "free downloads" and "you won't believe how I scored 760" type articles. A great way to score 700+ in the GMAT has always been following official materials and studying from reputed prep companies. Check out GMAT Club partner review page before you choose to sign up for a course. If you want to buy books, check this thread asap for verbal and quant Your score is not balanced Often B Schools look to see a balanced GMAT score. What does it mean? Well, in GMAT terms, at least 80th percentile in both sections (this has become a hurdle for quant, which offers a 77th percentile for a respectable Q49). Check out the latest percentiles from GMAC . Note that for a greater overall score, verbal plays a massive difference, meaning that if you score 90 percentile in verbal and a 80 percentile in quant, your score will be higher than if you had scored the reverse. You are waitlisted with a less than median GMAT/you want $$$ from the schools Often the only waitlist update that schools accept is an improved GMAT (looking at you, Ross), and retaking the GMAT is absolutely essential. The same goes for scoring some extra scholarships. You are an Indian IT Male You are doomed. Blame your parents. When you are better off NOT retaking You have the score If your score is well balanced, around or higher the median of your peers (not the class average - that is deceptive), and you have not really researched enough to write those stellar essays, you should focus your time and energy on research and some more. You have a great undergrad GPA Some peopel are just not naturally great at testing. The GMAT is an evalauator of your academic performance which stands as an indicator of how you will perform in business school. If you have proved academic prowess (straight As in undergrad or stellar coursework), you may get an admit without the best GMAT in the class. You have exhausted most prep materials To quote Ross admissions "do not make a sport out of taking the test". If you have exhausted everything, how do you plan to improve? If you are still set on taking the GMAT, focus on quality instead. Maintain an elaborate error log and review mistakes rigorously. Best GMAT Retake Stories Massive SC improvement 730 to 760 - retake success Attention really matters 170 point improvement Journey from 490 to 700 From 550 to 690 to 750 From 420 to 700 to Wharton 570 to 760 in 3 months 640 to 770 by billyjeans 500 to 700 From a year long battle from 670 to 730 4 Attempts with 580, 600, and finally 710 GMAT Retake Disasters 4th Attempt - 540 Better prep but score dropped Bitten Twice From 580 to 540 by JohnLewis From 720 to 690 by Pathfinder - currently attending Wharton From 560 to 510 by Mediamindy From 610 to 570 after 3 months of studying 680 to 620 by Noboru 740 to 710 by MCM 6 months to go from 690 to 690 GMAT Retake Recommendations I have scavenged the forum and other sources to find some efficient and great advice for retakes. Choose the ones that seem to be most applying to your situation

Last visit was: 04 May 2026, 12:00

It is currently 04 May 2026, 12:00

Toolkit

Share GMAT Experience

GMAT Club Daily Prep

Thank you for using the timer - this advanced tool can estimate your performance and suggest more practice questions. We have subscribed you to Daily Prep Questions via email.

Customized
for You

we will pick new questions that match your level based on your Timer History

Track
Your Progress

every week, we’ll send you an estimated GMAT score based on your performance

Practice
Pays

we will pick new questions that match your level based on your Timer History

Not interested in getting valuable practice questions and articles delivered to your email? No problem, unsubscribe here.

Go to My Error Log Learn more

Request Expert Reply

Confirm Cancel

May 05
Inequalities for GMAT Quant: The Concepts You Must Know
10:00 AM PDT
-
11:00 AM PDT
GMAT Inequalities is a high-frequency topic in GMAT Quant, but many students struggle because the concepts behave differently from standard algebra. Understanding the right rules, patterns, and edge cases can significantly improve both speed and accuracy.
May 06
Paradox & Discrepancy Questions: GMAT Critical Reasoning #3 | GMAT Ninja
08:30 AM PDT
-
09:30 AM PDT
In Episode 3 of our GMAT Ninja Critical Reasoning series, we tackle Discrepancy, Paradox, and Explain an Oddity questions. You know the feeling: the passage gives you two facts that seem completely contradictory....
May 08
$10,000 MBA Scholarships Winners Drawing - Join & Watch the Lucky Winners
08:00 AM PDT
-
08:30 AM PDT
Join the special YouTube live-stream for selecting the winners of GMAT Club MBA Scholarships sponsored by Juno live. Watch who gets these coveted MBA scholarships offered by GMAT Club and Juno.

Back to Forum

Create Topic

Should I Retake the GMAT

1 2 3 4

yerbamate2020

Joined: 21 Jun 2020

Last visit: 03 May 2022

Posts: 11

Own Kudos:

230

Given Kudos: 3

GMAT 1: 710 Q46 V41 Verified score

GMAT 2: 770 Q50 V45 Verified score

Posts: 11

Kudos: 230

25 Jun 2020, 21:49

Kudos

Bookmarks

Lots of good advice and points to think about in this thread. For a lot of people, if you think that you will regret not giving it another chance or that you left points on the table (e.g. scored higher in practice exams), can't hurt to try again (in my opinion). I've heard of people just retaking 16 days later (minimum time between tests) without studying and seeing massive jumps, so you really never know!

medag

Joined: 28 Dec 2019

Last visit: 30 Nov 2022

Posts: 21

Own Kudos:

Given Kudos: 20

Location: Morocco

Schools: Fuqua '23 (II)

GMAT 1: 720 Q48 V42 (Online) Verified score

Schools: Fuqua '23 (II)

GMAT 1: 720 Q48 V42 (Online) Verified score

Posts: 21

Kudos: 1

05 Jul 2020, 13:50

Kudos

Bookmarks

I got a 720 Q48 V42 on the online version and I'm aiming a top B-School via a Fulbright scholarship, I'm 35 yo so I guess gmat score is very decisive in my case. Should I retake the exam since they're giving us a second chance with physical whiteboard or should I instead focalise my efforts on the admission process.? Thanks in advance

Hovkial

Joined: 23 Apr 2019

Last visit: 24 Nov 2022

Posts: 802

Own Kudos:

2,608

Given Kudos: 202

Status:PhD trained. Education research, management.

Posts: 802

Kudos: 2,608

30 Jul 2020, 17:53

Kudos

Bookmarks

The retake option also depends on what program you are applying to. For most of the people here, the program would be an MBA but there are others who are applying for a PhD.

Regarding PhD programs, unless you have scored a unexpectedly sad score, it is advisable to focus on strengthening other parts of your application. This would include research and professional experiences and academic skills. Trying to eke out a few more points by repeatedly taking the test will _not_ garner favorable points. PhD programs are not looking for GMAT maximizers.

For MBA programs, the situation is different. Here it may help to improve your GMAT score if your goal is to get into the "top" programs.

RetaketheGMAT

Tutor

Joined: 07 Aug 2020

Last visit: 27 Apr 2026

Posts: 355

Own Kudos:

Given Kudos: 2

Status:Founder & GMAT Coach

Affiliations: RetaketheGMAT by i4Excellence

Expert

Expert reply

Posts: 355

Kudos: 93

10 Aug 2020, 15:39

Kudos

Bookmarks

There's another major reason to consider retaking the GMAT: if you haven't mastered the PROCESS of taking the test as much as the mastering the content across all quant and verbal subject areas. Doing well on quant and verbal is as much about how you manage each stage of answering a quant question or a verbal question. Ask yourself a simple question, has an expert helped you to dissect your in-test approach to each type of question? If the answer is NO, then I can almost guarantee that you've got anywhere from 20 to 100 points left on the table that you can capture very quickly if you get the right help.

nshardlow

Joined: 27 Mar 2020

Last visit: 25 Jan 2021

Posts: 9

Own Kudos:

Given Kudos: 70

Posts: 9

Kudos: 2

09 Oct 2020, 09:26

Kudos

Bookmarks

Great resource here! I'll definitely dive into these further as I look to improve on my first attempt at 690.

pal2789

Joined: 26 Aug 2020

Last visit: 14 May 2021

Posts: 8

Given Kudos: 1

Posts: 8

Kudos: 0

02 Feb 2021, 07:28

Kudos

Bookmarks

I am looking to apply to Ph.D. Courses (strategy and business policy) this year, scored 690 (Q47, V38, AWA 6, IR 7)
Have 10+ years of work exp. in strategy consulting and corporate strategy.

Should I retake the test - I was scoring 720-740 range in the mock tests. I felt that the actual GMAT was much tougher than the mocks. I also missed answering the last verbal question.
This score was after ~2 months of prep along with a full-time job. I don't think on a daily basis I can devote more time than what I did in the past 2 months.

I am a female working in the corporate strategy team (Sr. Manager) of leading MNC and, hold an MBA as well as a BTech degree from Top-ranked colleges in India.

Please advice.

tanyashah

Joined: 11 Feb 2021

Last visit: 14 Feb 2021

Posts: 1

Kudos: 0

11 Feb 2021, 20:24

Kudos

Bookmarks

I like the humor in the article. Very well written. Enjoyed it thoroughly

EducationAisle

Joined: 27 Mar 2010

Last visit: 04 May 2026

Posts: 3,912

Own Kudos:

3,586

Given Kudos: 159

Location: India

Schools: ISB

GPA: 3.31

Expert

Expert reply

Schools: ISB

Posts: 3,912

Kudos: 3,586

26 Jul 2021, 05:20

Kudos

Bookmarks

pal2789

Since you were scoring 720-740 in your mocks and since you apparently could not manage your time well in the actual exam, I believe that a re-attempt would not hurt pal2789.

Hovkial

Joined: 23 Apr 2019

Last visit: 24 Nov 2022

Posts: 802

Own Kudos:

2,608

Given Kudos: 202

Status:PhD trained. Education research, management.

Posts: 802

Kudos: 2,608

26 Jul 2021, 10:04

Kudos

Bookmarks

pal2789

Why ask others what you should do? Others give you generic replies that are not useful.

Only you know if and whether you can score differently in a retake. A retake involves many things. Everything from your preparation to personal circumstances can vary and impact your performance on a given day.

Your actual score on test day can vary from your practice scores. Just because you scored xxx on a practice test, even if that was an official one, is not a direct indicator of what you will actually score. There are statistical and non-statistical reasons why your actual score can be different.

Strategy and business policy PhD admissions are very competitive. GMAT scores are only one component, but many applicants with high scores will apply. A 690 is a competitive score. Good luck!

sanya2711

Joined: 19 Jan 2021

Last visit: 11 Aug 2024

Posts: 79

Own Kudos:

Given Kudos: 225

Location: India

Schools: ESSEC (D) INSEAD MiM "24 (I) HEC MiM "25 (I)

GMAT 1: 690 Q49 V34 Verified score

GPA: 3.57

Schools: ESSEC (D) INSEAD MiM "24 (I) HEC MiM "25 (I)

GMAT 1: 690 Q49 V34 Verified score

Posts: 79

Kudos: 15

26 Aug 2021, 19:25

Kudos

Bookmarks

Hi all,
I gave my GMAT yesterday and scored a 690(Q49). I am planning to go for a master's in management and I am confused if I should sit for the exam again. This was my second exam. I had completely messed up my first attempt and scored a 540. So I have seen a 150 points improvement in roughly 2 months. I would love if some of the experts on this amazing forum could suggest what I should do?
(P.S-considering mental exhaustion and i am an Indian applicant)

Hovkial

Joined: 23 Apr 2019

Last visit: 24 Nov 2022

Posts: 802

Own Kudos:

2,608

[1]

Given Kudos: 202

Status:PhD trained. Education research, management.

Posts: 802

Kudos: 2,608

[1]

27 Aug 2021, 06:01

Kudos

Bookmarks

sanya2711

A 690 score is quite competitive for a Master's program. And your 150 point improvement from a score of 540 is impressive. Improving from 690 will be much more difficult though. You risk receiving a lower score on a new retake.

I suggest that you work on your application instead. The admissions committees will look favorably at your improved scores. However, if your third retake results in a lower score, that may not look so good for you. Do not risk it. But the final call is yours. Good luck!

sanya2711

Joined: 19 Jan 2021

Last visit: 11 Aug 2024

Posts: 79

Own Kudos:

Given Kudos: 225

Location: India

Schools: ESSEC (D) INSEAD MiM "24 (I) HEC MiM "25 (I)

GMAT 1: 690 Q49 V34 Verified score

GPA: 3.57

Schools: ESSEC (D) INSEAD MiM "24 (I) HEC MiM "25 (I)

GMAT 1: 690 Q49 V34 Verified score

Posts: 79

Kudos: 15

27 Aug 2021, 08:49

Kudos

Bookmarks

Hovkial

sanya2711

Thank you so much for the advice. I have decided to not go for a third attempt.

Posted from my mobile device

Hovkial

Joined: 23 Apr 2019

Last visit: 24 Nov 2022

Posts: 802

Own Kudos:

2,608

[1]

Given Kudos: 202

Status:PhD trained. Education research, management.

Posts: 802

Kudos: 2,608

[1]

29 Aug 2021, 19:32

Kudos

Bookmarks

sanya2711

Hovkial

sanya2711

Thank you so much for the advice. I have decided to not go for a third attempt.

One more point to remind here is that your GMAT score of 690 is sufficiently high for you to get through to consideration. MIM (and PhD) admissions decisions are not primarily based on GMAT scores. Of course you must have a decently good score, but the main determining elements will be academic and personal components of your application. Applicants with high scores are routinely rejected because they did not clearly explain the purpose of pursuing these degree paths or demonstrate that they possess requisite skills.

I would reiterate that you should not worry about any further retakes. As mentioned earlier, a lower score will raise questions as to whether the 690 score was a fluke. You do not want to create doubts. Instead, you should focus attention on the things mentioned above, which will help in giving you the final push to an offer.

rc871824

Joined: 07 Nov 2021

Last visit: 28 Apr 2022

Posts: 7

Given Kudos: 99

Location: India

Schools: Johnson '24 Bocconi Tepper '24 IMD Jan'23 intake Said '23 Judge '23 HEC Jan'22 Intake

GMAT 1: 710 Q49 V38 Verified score

GPA: 2.49

Schools: Johnson '24 Bocconi Tepper '24 IMD Jan'23 intake Said '23 Judge '23 HEC Jan'22 Intake

GMAT 1: 710 Q49 V38 Verified score

Posts: 7

Kudos: 0

12 Feb 2022, 15:04

Kudos

Bookmarks

I took my first attempt at the gmat day before and scored a 710(Q49,V38).I am an Indian male engineer but with a background in Finance and Fintech (non IT). I have below average undergrad GPA (from one of the Top 5 tech schools in India) but above average post grad GPA (from a top 15 Indian b school).Considering my age (31) I am targeting the 1 year European MBA programs plus a few tech MBA programs in the USA (namely cornell & nyu stern). If I decide to retake to try and improve my score to 740-750, I will miss the R2 app deadline of my target European schools (INSEAD and HEC paris) and will have to apply in R3 (which i believe is ill-advised for the over-represented Indian applicant pool).At the same time I understand that my gmat score is on the lower end of my applicant pool.

Does it make sense for me to take a re-attempt and apply in a later round or should I just use my current score and start working in my app so that I can apply in an earlier round ? Experts here please advise.

Posted from my mobile device

GmatKnightTutor

Major Poster

Joined: 31 Jan 2020

Last visit: 01 Nov 2025

Posts: 5,203

Own Kudos:

1,577

Given Kudos: 18

Posts: 5,203

Kudos: 1,577

04 Mar 2022, 20:55

Kudos

Bookmarks

All the best whatever you decide. Might be worth posting this query also as a profile review.

www.gmatknight.com/blog - > GMAT tips if you decide to re-take.

Rishav7

Joined: 11 Apr 2020

Last visit: 03 Feb 2024

Posts: 33

Own Kudos:

Given Kudos: 6

Location: India

Schools: Wharton '26 Stern '26 (II)

GMAT 1: 750 Q48 V44 Verified score

GPA: 3.82

Schools: Wharton '26 Stern '26 (II)

GMAT 1: 750 Q48 V44 Verified score

Posts: 33

Kudos: 5

23 Dec 2022, 01:55

Kudos

Bookmarks

Hi,

I am an Indian candidate and planning to apply for r1 next year. I targeting top m7 schools.

I have given my GMAT have scored a 750. Q48 v44 IR4 AWA5.

I am worried about a low IR score and low quant score (considering I am an Indian)

Should I consider giving the GMAT again?

GmatKnightTutor

Major Poster

Joined: 31 Jan 2020

Last visit: 01 Nov 2025

Posts: 5,203

Own Kudos:

1,577

Given Kudos: 18

Posts: 5,203

Kudos: 1,577

27 Dec 2022, 01:35

Kudos

Bookmarks

If you have the flexibility to retake and are confident you can score higher, the question may be: why not give it another go? A 750 is a great score to know you already have in the bag either way. All the best whatever you decide.

5 Quant tips

Rishav7

flman98

Wharton Moderator

Joined: 21 Jan 2023

Last visit: 18 Feb 2026

Posts: 8

Own Kudos:

Given Kudos: 4

Location: United States

Concentration: Finance, Leadership

Schools: CBS '26 (I) Sloan '26 (I) Wharton '26 (A$$$$) HBS '26 (A) Stanford '26 (D)

GMAT 1: 760 Q49 V45 (Online) Verified score

GRE 1: Q166 V170 Verified score

GPA: 4

WE:Military Officer (Military)

Schools: CBS '26 (I) Sloan '26 (I) Wharton '26 (A$$$$) HBS '26 (A) Stanford '26 (D)

GMAT 1: 760 Q49 V45 (Online) Verified score

GRE 1: Q166 V170 Verified score

Posts: 8

Kudos: 10

25 Jan 2023, 00:56

Kudos

Bookmarks

Hey Everyone,

I took the GMAT for the first time a couple weeks ago and got a 760 (49Q 45V 7IR 6AWA). I know it’s a competitive score, but I got 770s and 8IRs on both practice tests. Is it worth retaking?

For some background, I’m a US Army intel officer from West Point targeting M7s (Sloan #1). I won’t be applying until fall 2025, so I’ve got some time on my hands. Attending a top MBA program is huge/long term goal for me, so I don’t feel weird about working hard for marginal gains. However, I’m wondering if my time might be better spent somewhere else (CFA exams?).

Posted from my mobile device

GmatKnightTutor

Major Poster

Joined: 31 Jan 2020

Last visit: 01 Nov 2025

Posts: 5,203

Own Kudos:

1,577

[1]

Given Kudos: 18

Posts: 5,203

Kudos: 1,577

[1]

25 Jan 2023, 04:33

Kudos

Bookmarks

Quote:

I know it’s a competitive score, but I got 770s and 8IRs on both practice tests. Is it worth retaking?

You have a great score. That being said, if you feel it would bug you and you are really confident you could score even better on a quick retake, maybe give it another go. You're in a no lose situation in a sense.

May want to consider when to call it a day however, if the retake(s) don't go quite to plan. Ultimately, the GMAT is one component of an application.

All the best.

kshitij234

Joined: 30 Apr 2022

Last visit: 19 Mar 2023

Posts: 11

Own Kudos:

[1]

Given Kudos: 8

GMAT 1: 730 Q49 V41 Verified score

GPA: 4

Products:

GMAT 1: 730 Q49 V41 Verified score

Posts: 11

Kudos: 8

[1]

02 Feb 2023, 16:27

Kudos

Bookmarks

Go for it! I got my target score and dream school after 5 attempts. With GMAT, perseverance is the key.

1 2 3 4

Moderator:

Founder

43220 posts

Prep Toolkit

Announcements

How to Apply with a Low GMAT Score — and Still Get Admitted

Monday, May 4, 2026
11:30am NY / 3:30pm London / 9pm Mumbai

How I Won Admits from ISB, IIM Ahmedabad, and IIM Bangalore (Just Be Authentic)

Subscribe to MBA Club for New Videos on Essays, School-specific Strategies, & Insights Every Applicant Needs

AGSM at UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA RIVERSIDE

Top GMAT Focus Debriefs

An Emory MBA Powers Growth

Emory powers growth—professionally and personally. Built on a foundation of interdisciplinary learning, leadership development, and career readiness, our top-20 MBA program delivers a high return on investment with top-5 career outcomes.

Tuck at Dartmouth

Step Inside the Tuck Experience: Discover Tuck Events This Fall
Current Tuck MBA students and Discover Tuck co-chairs share advice for prospective students and reflect on why they chose Tuck for their MBA.

Read More

My Rewards

What are Rewards?

My Tier

(1 points)

HOT DEALS FOR MAY

	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.
	Manhattan Prep: $99 Bonus Score Higher on Your GMAT Exam. Guaranteed.
	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

Should I Retake the GMAT

Prep Toolkit

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