740 in GMAT - retake?

Question

I recently scored 740 (q50 v40). To be honest I was quite disappointed. I know 740 isn't terrible but in my practice tests I was consistently getting 760+ towards the end.

I think I can get 770 or so if I give it again but I'm not sure if it's worth it? The key questions I have are;

1) will AdComs see a 'big' difference between a 740 and a 770/780?
2) how much do potential employers care about GMAT scores? (I'm thinking maybe it's more likely to get interviews if they see a 780?)
3) if I get lower than 740, can I cancel and hide this score and just stick with the original 740?

Few more points about me:
- I have a 'generic' profile (Indian male in Banking, although living/working in London) so I know need to set my self apart a bit more
- I have a clear weakness in GMAT (Sentence Correction!) so at least I know where to concentrate the second time round to improve
- Undergrad GPA is average (3.3 - 3.5 equiv, UK university), but have also passed all 3 CFA exams
- Targeting Columbia / MIT / Wharton / Booth

Thanks - would really appreciate any advice or feedback.

wellwell · Answer

Only retake if you can score 780 or above else its useless.. a 780 will get you 2% +- in your application if you feel satisfied about it

Sent from my SM-N910G using  GMAT Club Forum mobile app

kvw547239 · Answer

740 is already a great score. I'd say it depends on how much you really think you can improve, and if the time spent studying to do so could be better spent improving some other part of your application.

FWIW I took the GMAT twice -- I got a 730 the first time, but felt like I could tighten some sections and score a little higher (I was aiming for 740+). I studied a bit more and got a 770 the second time around. I don't know if that actually improved my applications all that much, but it did make me feel a bit more confident.

AjiteshArun · Answer

740 is an excellent score, but a 760+ is very much within your reach if you were getting 760+ consistently before taking the exam (especially if you were getting those scores on GMATPrep practice tests). It is actually possible that a 760+ falls within measurement error itself (that is, the GMAT score you received is not as accurate as it could be).

I would take the GMAT again if I were you, because yes, a score lower than 740 can be cancelled (and "hidden" from everyone else) and because Indians applying to the schools you mentioned are likely to have very strong GMAT scores. Just remember to put most of your effort in working on the rest of your application. A 20-30 point increase in score is unlikely to change things drastically (might help with some scholarships though).

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