Should I retake the GMAT?

Question

Hi,

I just took my GMAT today and got a score of 710 with 48 in Math and 39 in Verbal. I feel 740 is more a par score for me and I am considering whether or not to retake the GMAT.

I already am an MBA from IIM Lucknow and am working with an Indian PE firm, my target BSchools are only HBS, Wharton, Stanford (not yet sure), Chicago Booth and Columbia.

Suggestions / views welcome on whether there is an advantage in dedicating time and resources to get a GMAT score of 740 (will it be advantageous in my application to the above mentioned B Schools?) or should I rather concentrate on my essays and overall application given that first deadlines are in October (I cant retake the GMAT before 7 July 2011 as per Retest rules).

PS

KarishmaB · Answer

For the schools you mentioned, 720-730 is par. And yes, after taking CAT, GMAT should be relatively easy for you. That said, if you have a great story, you have a good chance at these schools. 20-30 points here or there in GMAT do not make much difference. If you give your all to your essays, you should be able to cut it. Since you already have an MBA, it will be a plus, provided you can explain your reasons for the second MBA.

paragcs · Answer

Thanks for your reply, Karishma.

Just wanted to know one thing more : which are the practice tests available which are good and comparable to the actual GMAT apart from Manhattan GMAT, Princeton Review and the GMAT TestPrep all of which I have already utilized?

eskimoroll · Answer

Generally, I'd say that you're in the 80% range for any school, don't think about re-taking the GMAT. With that said, you are an overrepresented minority and if you don't have anything particularly differentiating about your profile, you need to be cognizant of the fact that your competitive peer-set will generally have very high test scores.

varshaagarwal · Answer

710 is a good score though not in the higher 700s. I think you should apply with this score as you have already have a degree from IIM (L) and this will distinguish you from the rest of the people. Usually re-taking the test after you get a good score arises a doubt in the minds of the admission council that there must be a loop hole in your profile, which you are camouflaging with the high score. So its good to apply once you hit a 700+ on GMAT.

All the best!!

-Varsha Agarwal

All the best!!

-Varsha Agarwal

KarishmaB · Answer

If you do intend to take the test again, my suggestion would be to figure out exactly where you are not totally comfortable. I doubt just doing some more practice tests will help you get the extra 40 points. You anyway seem to have done many of them.

Let me tackle your question from another perspective. Put some extra effort in Verbal. Figure out what hurts you most - CR/SC/RC. If I were to take a guess I would say SC. You are strong in Quant so your CR should be good too (if you understand that the underlying concepts of Math and Logic are not very different). You have taken CAT so RC should be easy. For SC, go through each and every question of OG carefully and analyze each and every option. Write down your takeaways from every question. Veritas SC books 1 and 2 guide you on how to handle the most frequent topics tested on GMAT SC.

In Quant, try and look at alternative strategies to save time so that you have extra time for the more 'innovative' questions. Try to create your own hard problems by looking for small tweaks that you can make to a problem to make it a little harder. That will help you bump up from 48 to 50.

Check out my blog (given in my signature) if you are wondering what I mean by alternative strategies.

prashantbacchewar · Answer

Hi Parag,
Looking at your IIM L background your math score seems mediocre. I think you have plenty of scope to improve your maths.

paragcs · Answer

Hi,

Thanks everyone for the advice.

Yea, I am looking to retake the exam since I think I can improve on both the math and the verbal score, and am also aware of the fact that most Indians applying would have a higher GMAT score for sure.

Karishma, thanks a lot for your inputs on the verbal. I think thats the route I am going to start with. And will definitely track your blog to understand the alternative strategies.

Alex2008 · Answer

If you feel you didn't do yourself justice, you probably didn't. I heard somewhere that the average GMAT candidate takes the test 2.5 times and the score goes up more than not.

	Target Test Prep - Save up to $599 $400 Discount + $99 Bonus GMAT Club Tests
	e-GMAT: 60% Off on GMAT Focus Get to 735+ from any starting point
	Magoosh increases your score, guaranteed - 15% off ALL Magoosh GMAT plans with code GMATCLUB15 + Free GMAT Club Tests.
	Manhattan Prep: $99 Bonus Score Higher on Your GMAT Exam. Guaranteed.
	Experts' Global - ~~$1720~~ $960 End-to-End GMAT Prep + App Support: 150+ Videos, 2000+ Questions, 15 FLTs +
	GMATWhiz - $299 ~~$499~~ Experience the course through a free trial.
	GMAT Club Tests - Free Included with every course purchase of $149+ View all deals

Should I retake the GMAT?

Prep Toolkit

Top 5 GMAT Debrief Videos

615 to 715 in 15 Days (Ria's Strategies)

More than Quant/Verbal Abilities: Speed vs. Accuracy

745 with Only Self-Prep and GMAT Club

From 555 to 765: 210-point Improvement

Perfect 805 Score Debrief by Julia

My Rewards