Taking the GRE for the 5th time vs. GMAT

Question

I am interested in applying for MBA programs next year. I was unfortunately an idiot and took the GRE exam 4 times in a span of 3 months trying to push through it and get it over with and ended up getting a lower score than I wanted. I am aiming for 324+. I realize now that I should have been more careful and strategic in my approach. I am now wondering if I should study more strategically for the GRE and re-take it for the 5th time or just give up and try to study for the GMAT instead? As a re-applicant, how negatively will admissions view multiple GRE attempts?

Pro of GRE: I am familiar with the content and have a sense of how to improve my score

Con of GRE: This will be my 5th attempt and am nervous that MBA admissions will view so many retakes as a negative (especially as a re-applicant next year)

Pro of GMAT: New test and opportunity to prove my quant skills

Con of GMAT: Less familiar + more prepwork required

I guess my general questions is after how many attempts do admissions personnel view the score in a negative way?

vikg007 · Answer

Ultimately, I believe you should proceed with a test in which you can actually achieve a good score as that is what will matter. Opting for GMAT without having a chance or the confidence to achieve a top score will not be fruitful. In this case, GMAT will give you a fresh slate but it would only be good if you can actually benefit from it.

Hope this perspective helps.

Hope this perspective helps.

GMATinsight · Answer

It's understandable that you're feeling torn between pursuing another attempt at the GRE or shifting focus to the GMAT. Both options have their pros and cons, and it's important to weigh them carefully in light of your goals and circumstances.

Firstly, it's commendable that you've reflected on your previous approach and recognized the need for a more strategic study plan. This self-awareness will undoubtedly serve you well in your future endeavors.

Regarding the GRE, your familiarity with the content and your insights into areas for improvement could be advantageous. However, the concern about multiple retakes is valid, especially as a re-applicant. Admissions committees may question the need for so many attempts and whether it reflects positively on your preparedness for the rigors of an MBA program.

On the other hand, the GMAT presents a fresh opportunity to showcase your quantitative skills and could potentially mitigate any concerns about multiple GRE attempts. While it may require more preparation, it also offers a chance to approach the admissions process from a different angle.

As for your question about how admissions personnel view multiple attempts, there isn't a definitive answer. Admissions decisions are multifaceted and consider various factors beyond standardized test scores. However, generally speaking, multiple attempts can raise questions about consistency and preparedness, particularly if there's minimal improvement between attempts.

Ultimately, the decision should align with your strengths, preferences, and long-term goals. Consider seeking guidance from mentors, admissions consultants, or representatives from your target MBA programs to gain additional insights tailored to your specific situation. Remember, perseverance and a thoughtful approach to improvement are valuable qualities in any pursuit.

My Suggestion: Go for GMAT as it's more acceptable for MBA course and will give you fresh energy. But this time, prepare well, practice mock tests and then take exam in about 3 months.

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nyancat098

I am interested in applying for MBA programs next year. I was unfortunately an idiot and took the GRE exam 4 times in a span of 3 months trying to push through it and get it over with and ended up getting a lower score than I wanted. I am aiming for 324+. I realize now that I should have been more careful and strategic in my approach.I am now wondering if I should study more strategically for the GRE and re-take it for the 5th time or just give up and try to study for the GMAT instead? As a re-applicant, how negatively will admissions view multiple GRE attempts?

Pro of GRE: I am familiar with the content and have a sense of how to improve my score

Con of GRE: This will be my 5th attempt and am nervous that MBA admissions will view so many retakes as a negative (especially as a re-applicant next year)

Pro of GMAT: New test and opportunity to prove my quant skills

Con of GMAT: Less familiar + more prepwork required

I guess my general questions is after how many attempts do admissions personnel view the score in a negative way?

nyancat098 · Answer

Thanks both ^! Super helpful and agreed that I have to do well on the next test I take (regardless of whether that's the GMAT or GRE). Completely agree that multiple re-takes can question my quant readiness

IVYCRACKERS.COM · Answer

Hi! I think it would make more sense to re-take GRE, but not without having a proper test-taking strategy and executing that strategy in mock tests multiple times, so much so that it becomes your default way of taking the test. Generally, schools don't care much about multiple attempts as long as the most recent score is pretty good. Also, if your overall acads have been decent then there is all the more reason for schools to not care about the number of attempts.

You can look at taking GMAT as well if you are willing to invest a couple of dedicated months (ideally 3 months) on preparation. Even in GMAT you will need to build the test-taking strategy and you will have to practice it in mock tests.

Overall, if you can build confidence about scoring well on the 5th attempt (after working on above pointers) - then park your nervousness aside and go for it!

nyancat098 · Answer

^ I was thinking along those lines as well but 5th time seems like it could cause red flags? My previous attempts have ranged from 310 to 320 due to multiple different reasons. Of course, if I were to retake the GRE, I would ensure that I'm prepared in the best possible way but wouldn't the previous score range cause a potential issue? Or, would admissions only look at the fresh new score if I'm able to explain the previous attempts in an optional essay?

nyancat098 · Answer

Another thing I want to note is that my GPA is on the lower side so I need the GRE/GMAT score to be stellar to showcase academic readiness

AjiteshArun · Answer

Hi nyancat098,

Taking the GRE/GMAT multiple times can be expensive (time, money), but your target schools are most likely not going to be too worried about the number of attempts. Also, given recent changes to GMAT score reporting, you can choose the score you want to report to your target schools.

IVYCRACKERS.COM · Answer

Hi! It won't really make a difference. To boost your confidence, let me tell you that I have worked with candidates who took GMAT/GRE 4-5 times and yet made it to the top global B-schools (couple of them made it to the top 10 as well). And the reason why I talked about acads was that some of these candidates also had average/low GPA. Overall, I don't think no. of attempts will make a difference as long as you are getting a good score (rather stellar

to cover your acads) on your last attempt. If you are still worried, we can discuss the specifics via DM as well.

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Taking the GRE for the 5th time vs. GMAT

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