How many times is too many?

Question

I've taken the GMAT 3 times and scored 580 (Q41, V28), 540, (Q39, V25) and 630 (Q44, V32) in that order. On my last test, the 630, I ran out of time on the verbal section and had to guess on the last 6 or 7. I think I could bring up my verbal score but I was wondering if taking the test for the 4th time looked bad. What does the GMAT Club think?

DAYNE · Answer

take it as many times as you want, never give up

SurgeMcNally · Answer

But are grad schools turned off by 3 or 4+ test attempts?

DAYNE · Answer

no because when they deny people because of a low score their quick to tell them to raise the score

praveen30 · Answer

Don't you think it would go negative on one application, Question will be why one took so many attempts to reach here, Not being planned ?

DAYNE · Answer

Wouldn't it also show that the applicant didn't give up and stayed the course?

How can it be a negative when they tell you hey your score is low, we need you to take the test again and the student takes the test again raising the score?

wonderland130 · Answer

I think it can be a negative if there isn't a great improvement in score. if you take it 10 mores times and highest is 650 then it will probably hurt. Take it again when you are ready.

shaselai · Answer

if you show great improvement then it should show your work ethic and perseverance. But if you take a couple more times and you get similar scores then it might look that you are at "that level" and might be pointless for the adcom to ask you to take it again. I say devote 2 months to the next test and follow all the "steps" here and see how you do.

nonameee · Answer

That is interesting. As far as I remember, when you apply to a college and take the SAT more than twice, your application is viewed rather negatively. Isn't it so?

shadow · Answer

when i've heard this question posed to school adcom members, they usually dance around it and give a vague answer. basically, you can take it 4-5 times as long as you've shown some sort of improvement, and it shouldn't hinder your chances. if you rush to take it again and you get a 630 again, this might be viewed negatively, however.

i don't believe there is any correlation with undergraduate admissions / SAT and b-school admissions / GMAT. the application process is extremely different in both.

i don't believe there is any correlation with undergraduate admissions / SAT and b-school admissions / GMAT. the application process is extremely different in both.

nonameee · Answer

i don't believe there is any correlation with undergraduate admissions / SAT and b-school admissions / GMAT. the application process is extremely different in both.

That's probably right.

SurgeMcNally · Answer

Thanks for all the input.

coaks · Answer

That's impressive alternative quote formatting.

snipertrader · Answer

Some schools specifically state the number of attempts which they look at in a positive light. For ex - Darden mentions 3 attempts.

The risk of giving GMAT time and again is - The adcom thinking that you are trying to "game" the system.

akaydee · Answer

I think it's important to see that you are scoring within your expected range in practice tests before going in for a retake. Taking the test four times is not going to affect your chances negatively.

Look at it this way. In your fourth attempt let's say you get a score of 660. It's definitely better than a 630. Of course in order to get a 660 you should have been scoring in that range in your practice tests. Therefore take your time before going in for a retake. Considering the improvement you have made realistically you should be able to bump your Q score by about 4 points and and your V by another 3 points which should give you a final score of about 670-680.

SurgeMcNally · Answer

thanks akaydee

ohfred · Answer

Just to check, are there any realistic gauge we can use to estimate our scores? Will the GMATprep be sufficient. It looks easy.....

BM · Answer

While not perfect, the GMATPrep is the most reliable gauge of you test day performance.

I agree with the general consensus here.

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How many times is too many?

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