Taking GMAT for 3rd Time, Good Idea?

Question

Hi everyone - this is my first post on GMAT club! I wanted to get some advice on whether I should retake the GMAT exam.

My goal is admission into a Top 20 US Business school, and I've already taken the GMAT twice. On my first attempt in 2018 I got a 730 (50Q/38V), but on my second attempt in 2020 I got a 710 (I don't remember by Q/V split because I cancelled the score as it was lower than my previous score, but I do remember I improved on 38V but got worse on my 50Q). I feel like if I make a third & final attempt at the GMAT that I can improve on my 38V and again get a 50Q, which should result in a 730+ overall score. This might be foolish thinking, but I feel like I need to get the highest GMAT score possible in order to compensate for the below average portions of my application to have a competitive application for the schools I plan on applying to.

My question is - should I retake the GMAT exam or am I better off standing on my current 730 score from 4 years ago and focusing on other aspects of my application?

Much thanks from a confused first-time poster!

MartyTargetTestPrep · Answer

Your plan sounds reasonable. After all, while a strong GMAT score won't save an application that is weak overall, it can help to make up for some weaknesses in your application, and taking the test again doesn't involve a huge time commitment on your part.

Meanwhile, since retaking doesn't involve a huge time commitment, you could both retake the GMAT and improve other aspects of your application.

That said, it could make sense to do a little more preparation before you take the test again to lock in high quant and verbal scores. For instance, you could do untimed streaks practice involving shooting for streaks of 20 questions or more correct in a row to develop the consistency you need to be sure to score high on both quant and verbal next time you take the test. You could do topic-focused practice or mixed sets in this way. Focusing on each topic until you get 20 hard questions correct in a row would make you a total GMAT machine.

For some more tips on achieving the type of high accuracy you need to achieve a 98th or 99th percentile GMAT score, you could read this post.  How to Get a Perfect 800 GMAT Score

Also, for some ideas on how to lock in a high verbal score, see this one.  How to Score High on GMAT Verbal

GmatKnightTutor · Answer

I feel like if I make a third & final attempt at the GMAT that I can improve on my 38V and again get a 50Q, which should result in a 730+ overall score

If you feel like giving it again and are confident you can do better, probably fair to say there won't be any pushback against it.

How to get a V40 or higher on the GMAT? What about a V51?

FALSEnine9 · Answer

It might be worth a shot. You should always get the highest score you can reasonably get. From what I can gather, you might not need to put in too much time preparing for the third attempt. Just ensure you are well rested and go for it.

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi kmalik,

First off, a 730/Q50 is an outstanding Score, so you can comfortably apply to any Business Schools that interest you. As such, another retest is probably not necessary. Depending on the specific Schools that you plan to apply to, you would likely find it beneficial to speak with an Admissions Expert about your overall profile and plans. Those Experts should be able to answer your Admissions questions and help define the specific areas of your profile that could use some improvement. There's a Forum full of those Experts here:

https://gmatclub.com/forum/ask-admissio ... tants-124/

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich

bb · Answer

Hi and welcome back to GMAT Club

Admissions and scores are not science per se as there are many moving parts. Check the WAMC tool.

It is not perfect but it allows you to play with variables and get a sense of what impacts your chances and where you want to focus. It will give you an idea how much it is worth improving the score.

Posted from my mobile device

GmatKnightTutor · Answer

In some ways, you are in a very comfortable position. Doing a retake with a balanced 730 already in the bag is a much more comfortable place to be than doing a retake with a score you could never see yourself applying with. I had a student, for example, who got a Q50 on both attempts. The first was one a 680. They ended up going from a V31 to a V40 on the retake (probably should add I only got involved after the first attempt). They didn't get a 760 but a 740 was enough for them to call it a day.

If you can similarly keep the Quant consistent at Q50, you could end up with a monster score if you improve the Verbal by a few points.

All the best.

If you can similarly keep the Quant consistent at Q50, you could end up with a monster score if you improve the Verbal by a few points.

All the best.

GMATWhizTeam · Answer

Hi kmalik,

First of all, Congratulations! 730 with a Q50 is a solid score to secure and as such I don't think you need to retake the GMAT. That is, unless you feel you can improve on this by at least 30-40 points. Here's an article that you may find helpful:

Should you retake the GMAT?     
In my opinion it really depends on how you would present your application and build your profile.

Bschools generally follow a holistic approach for the Admission criteria. The Adcoms look at your overall profile and not just the GMAT score in isolation. So, remember, it’s the overall profile that counts. Your chances of getting into a good B-school cannot be determined by any single factor such as your demography or any other factor. You then need to take into consideration the various other factors such as target schools, programs, overall profile. So, even if you improve your score to 750 or above, you still might not get the benefit if you don’t have a good profile as per the Adcoms. On the other hand, if your profile is good, then again there is no need to add 20-30 points anyways. The idea is that if you are below average in one area, you can compensate in others. For example, you can work on your essay(s) to give an edge to your application.

However, if you don't have an immediate deadline approaching for applications, you can consider going for a retake as you already have this score as a backup. A higher GMAT score obviously never hurts!

All the very best!

Feel free to reach out in case of any queries! Would be happy to take them up!

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