Should I retake the GMAT exam? Score-690 (V-31,Q-50,IR-8)

Question

Hi,

I just took my GMAT exam and my Score is 690 (V-31,Q-50,IR-8).

I am an Engineer graduate from one of the very reputed college in India with GPA 4. I am working as Linux and VMware administrator with 7 years of experience.

I am targeting Chicago based universities, primarily Booth and Kellog.

Please suggest if I should try for round 2 with this GMAT score or Should I retake the exam?

Looking forward for your suggestions.
Thank you!!

Neha

BillNella89 · Answer

I'd say definitely retake it, just to be on the safe side, since your overall score is a bit low compared to your demographic and that your verbal score is quite low as well. I don't think the quant aspect of the GMAT will be a problem for you so I recommend that, when studying again, you focus only on the verbal side of the test.

Best of luck and keep us posted.

enegoel · Answer

Thanks  BillNella89 .
Yes I have decided to retake it and I really need to concentrate on verbal this time.

BillNella89 · Answer

Great. Make sure to leverage all available verbal resources here on GmatClub and don't put too much pressure on yourself.

Once again, best of luck on the test and in your applications.

StratusDonna · Answer

Sajjad1994 · Answer

As for as Booth and Kellong and the rom available in your verbal score you should better retake
check out the median score of your school(s) of choice, it is better your score should not less than 
median GMAT score of the school

rohan2345 · Answer

Hi enegoel,

Congratulations on a great score. Although 690 is great, Indian IT is a very competitive pool to apply from. You want to make sure all the pieces of your application are as strong as possible. You have a great work profile and a phenomenal GPA. You can re-take the GMAT one more time and try to improve your verbal score as your Quant is great. Just revisit your concepts and give a few mocks and I am sure you will see great improvements.

Hope this helps. All the best.

MDLuffy · Answer

I agree with Rohan, given that the verbal score is so low (relatively to the competitive pool of Indian IT), I'd definitely try it once more and focus on improving the verbal score.

The nice thing is that the improvement from V31 should be easy enough if you just work on a few basics and core principles. Everything else looks good in your profile, so with that slight increase in verbal it would make you a very competitive applicant at your targeted schools.

MBADecoder · Answer

Hi Neha,

For both Booth and Kellogg, you should aim for a score above 730. Your current score will not be competitive.

Moreover, your work experience should reflect leadership skills which are valued by both business schools.

Any specific reason for targeting just these two b-schools?

afabmp · Answer

Let's look at the datas!

Here's a chart of the admits and rejections at Kellogg in the '16 - '17 year, from our  mba livewire  explorer:

https://i.imgur.com/dO29Lg3.png

While this isn't a representative sample,it's something to consider that there doesn't appear to be much difference above 690 GMAT  The  4.0 end of the spectrum. In my opinion, this is an argument against retaking (unless you're just downright certain you can score higher, then of _course_ it's worth it).

The stories a little different at  U Chicago Booth , but I'm still not convinced the data  necessarily  supports a retake

TheIvyLeagueEdge · Answer

Dear Neha,
Let me be honest and brutal.
 
1. With 7 years of WE (8 years by start of class?), you are already on the higher side. No way can you wait another year, if that is what you mean by retaking your GMAT. The only other possibility left then is applying in the 3rd round, and that is not helpful either. 
2. Booth and Kellogg are way out of your Indian IT profile right now. Aim for a bucket of safer schools (with the Verbal score of 31, even 10-20 will be a great range for you, although a 15-25 would be a more realistic target), and do it at the earliest.
3. Your GPA is awesome, but unless you have it from an IIT AND you have had 3 promotions in 7 years AND a list of great achievements, any assurances that you believe on, put you in further peril. 
Feel free to connect for a free detailed evaluation.

With all the very best wishes

BK

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