Should I take the gmat again?

Question

Hello, I just took the official gmat for the second time.

730 - Q47 V44 IR7

I know that this is a good score, but I am disappointed in the Q47 (I knew exactly how to solve 2-3 questions, but I made some math errors that I didn't have time to look for, so I ended up guessing).
I have been consistently getting Q49 or higher on all the official practice exams. 
Even on my first official gmat I received 710 - Q49 V37 IR7 (I messed up this exam by over-studying the night before and being incredibly anxious. I lost all my stamina by the time I got to verbal..).

I am interested in applying to a few top 7 schools, and I know that if I don't make silly math errors, I could get 740 or higher. However, I am anxious to start researching bschools, putting together my applications, and attending some of their events.

So I had a few questions: 
Should I take the exam again? Is it worth it?
If I miss some bschool events this month (April), is that ok? Will there be more?
I will only have time to study 3 days a week now (Work: 12hr shifts with a 1.5hr commute both ways). Will that be enough to maintain and/or improve my scores?
If I do study more, what is the best method to push my score that last bit?

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you so much for your help,
David

bb · Answer

Hi. Your score is already on par with the averages at the M7. I don't think you will marginally or meaningfully increase your chances unless you are part of a competing demographic from Asia where a 760 is needed just to get adcom to read your essays.

So I guess the answer somewhat depends.

As to timing, I don't think many schools have events at this point in time since the last admissions cycle is still on-going (maybe I am off) but the new cycle does not really start until June (May for some of the ED schools like Columbia and Fuqua). June is when Essays and Deadlines are announced for most. (may be sooner this year). So in terms of doing things, you can't really start working on the essays since the topics have not been announced. You can potentially start networking with students which is an important part of the application process but they are probably swamped at the moment with finals and last minute internship juggling. Neverthless, this does not mean you have to study/sink a month of your life into the GMAT...

You are welcome to check profile of those who have been admitted using the filters in the decision tracker or use the WAMC and see if a bump in the score would help you. My suggestion would be not to go after it unless it is easy enough such as spending 2 weeks and then retaking. The only reason I would advocate it is to avoid regret 9 months later when you are waiting for the decisions and getting a ding (which is almost inevitable at least at one place) and wondering if you should have taken it again and gotten a 750 for example.... but that's about it. In general, a strong application (other than scores) will always trump the score at M7 as long as you are not a part of the highly competitive homogenous group of applicants.

Hopefully this is somewhat clear

Congrats on the score by the way!

dpar · Answer

Thank you so much for your response! I've been so completely focused on the gmat, that I haven't had time to research deadlines and such. I am Korean-American (Born and raised in the US), so I'm not exactly sure how my demographic is looked at. I've only read about how Indian engineers in IT have intense competition and high standards. I will take a look at the WAMC and other profiles!

It is reassuring to know that I have some time before the application process really begins. I think I will take the gmat again because I know that I can get a Q49 with the knowledge that I have now and because I have some time. I am one of those who would regret not trying haha

GmatKnightTutor · Answer

I lost all my stamina by the time I got to verbal

Did you mean Quant?

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

Hi dpar,

Since you have been getting high quant scores on your practice exams, why don't you just take the GMAT again ASAP? Is there a particular reason you want to wait to retake the exam?

bb · Answer

I asked your question today in the YouTube with Liza: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pLBi2hcdNfI But I did not make it in time at the end.

Would recommend watching it to get a sense of what you can do now while you have some time.

bb · Answer

Scott makes a good point. Why not give it another shot in 16 days since you took it last time with some refresh and review.

dpar · Answer

Hi, I meant Verbal for the first time that I took the real gmat (710 - Q49 V37). I couldn't concentrate and some of the sentences just wouldn't make sense to me...
I messed up by going through maybe 60 to 70 questions the day before the exam, so I was drained. On my second exam I only reviewed my notes the morning before the exam and then relaxed my mind the entire day, and I was completely focused the entire exam.

dpar · Answer

Yes, I might actually do that! I guess the only reason to wait would be to try and push my score even higher, but maybe that is not completely necessary.

dpar · Answer

Oh thank you! I'll take a look. Yes, I feel like I should soon switch focus and start researching the application process. I'll see what Liza has to say!

Thelegend2631 · Answer

IMO. You should attempt once again but make sure you're able to repeat your verbal score otherwise it'll be a meaningless affair. 
V44 is a really good score to be honest. I came across someone who tried reattempting GMAT and successfully increased his quant score but his verbal dropped. So it all depends on how much confidence you've in verbal

Posted from my mobile device

MathRevolution · Answer

Hello dpar,

Your current GMAT score is exceptional!

You can schedule a Comprehensive counseling session for 30 mins with one of our Math experts(https://calendly.com/mathrevolution/1-on-1-session) if you want to reattempt GMAT and wish to focus on increasing quant score to Q50-51.

We appreciate your time and patience in reading this reply.

Should you need any further information, please do not hesitate to contact us at info@mathrevolution.com

Success is within your reach.
Good luck!

Math Revolution Team

dpar · Answer

This is actually something I was wondering about. Would a 730 with a higher quant be better than a 730 with a higher verbal? From my understanding quant is more important to bschools, and a low quant score could be a red flag.

dpar · Answer

Hello, thank you! I'll look into it

Posted from my mobile device

GMATWhizTeam · Answer

Hi David,

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