Should i retake the GMAT

Question

Hi Experts,

I took the GMAT today and scored 680(Q48,v35). I was constantly scoring in the 720-730 range in my mocks. I am targetting ISB,IIM A, IIM B, IIM C and SP Jain institute.The deadlines for the colleges are as follows:

ISB ->October 15
IIM A ->August 28
IIM B,C -> August end.

In my test, i panicked for the first few minutes in verbal and got some timing issues due to that(messed up one RC completely).I accepted my score of 680. But i feel i can go to 720 at least as my last 3 scores in the GMAT prep were 720,740,750.Should i go for a retest? What i am worried about is that if i score less than 680 this time, will it override my existing score of 680? and also is this score of 680 good enough to get me into ISB and other listed colleges. 
For my background, i am indian IT male with 5 years of Work Experience with 85% in Tenth and 67% in 12th and a CGPA of 8.I have some extra curricular activities filling up my profile in fields of music and sports.

Best Regards,
Vaibhav Shukla

Admissionado · Answer

Vaibhav,
Yes you should go for a higher score, if you think you can make it.

And don't worry so much about the lower score, nowadays you can cancel your test scores.

Best,
Jon

ARINGO · Answer

As an Indian IT male your GMAT score is very important, but most importantly: you say that you feel like you can do better so I would definitely say: yes, you need to retake, as otherwise you’ll always wonder “what if…”

And as already stated, a lower score can be cancelled so that is not an issue either. So I would really start the retaking process immediately if I were you.

Good luck!

JL

MG4MBACrystalBall · Answer

A few more detailed perspectives on this Vaibhav:
 
  From an years of experience perspective, you look set. But it will be important to understand details - how would you differentiate and how does the broader story connect. If there is something really powerful, who knows, that may have a bigger bearing on your overall prospects.  
  The re-take is a bit of a no-brainer. R1 is important, but never at the cost of a sub-optimal application. Read  here  for more on this.  
  In terms of multiple scores, we have a slightly different take than outright cancellation. Read about it  here .

Hope this helps.

Cheers,

Vaibhav0607 · Answer

Hi  MG4MBACrystalBall ,

Thanks a lot for your wonderful input.I would like to shed light on a few points here. My main target is ISB, whose round 1 deadline is 15th October. So i feel even if i complete GMAT by august end or september first week, i will have a good month and a half to prepare my application(provided i score good this time). I am keen to give the test by August end as IIM B and Sp jain have their deadlines by August 31 whereas IIM A has its deadline as 11th September.

Best Regards,
Vaibhav

MG4MBACrystalBall · Answer

Sounds like a plan buddy - go for it!

Should i retake the GMAT

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