I scored 700, should I retake ?

Question

Hello everyone,

I am reaching out because I need some help with what to do. I have been studying really hard GMAT for 8 months and I took 3 tests : 
1- 610 Q45V28 IR2 (canceled the score)
2- 660 Q47V34 IR5 (canceled the score)
3- 700 Q50V34 IR7

I hit the 700 but I feel really unsatisfied. I know I could have done better on verbal (not quant though, I was really surprised with Q50). On my previous GMAT prep practice tests my verbal scores were consistently around V40.

I had a rough night before my last GMAT which can partially explain the V34, I was not fully awake for the verbal section. I also performed the lowest on RC (where I am usually the best).

I am planning to apply the MiM in HEC Paris (not MBA!!), do you think retaking would be useful and get me a step closer to HEC or is the investment not worth it?

Thank you !!

maayo · Answer

I'm not really seeing what the downside is here, maybe you didn't explain it well.

Is the only opportunity cost here the $250 test fee and an extra 50-100 hours of study time? If so that's cheap. If you have to sacrifice significant resources however, better to explain them in more detail so people can offer you a better cost benefit analysis.

AkshdeepS · Answer

This link may help you : https://gmatclub.com/forum/should-i-ret ... ml?fl=menu

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

Hi olito

I’m glad you reached out and I’m happy to help. Before providing specific advice, I’d like to learn more about your GMAT experience and score goals. I have some questions:

1) How many practice GMAT tests did you take? Please list the dates on which you’ve taken any practice GMATs, the total scores, and the quant, verbal, and IR scores, as well as how you were feeling while taking the tests. Also, please tell me where these tests came from (ex: mba.com).
 
2) Please describe how you studied. How many hours a day? What resources did you use?
 
3) What is the deadline for HEC?
 
4) If you retake the GMAT, by when would you LIKE to take the GMAT? By when MUST you take the GMAT?
 
5) How many hours a day, on average, can you study between now and your next GMAT?
 
6) Have you ever had accommodations on any test? For example, extra time, a private room, or extra breaks? Do you have any medical diagnoses that could impact your studying or GMAT performance, such as ADHD, generalized anxiety, depression, or learning disabilities?
 
7) In your opinion, how prepared were you for the GMAT? It's important that you answer this question as objectively as possible.
 
8) Is there anything else that I should know? Anything else you’d like to tell me?

Arro44 · Answer

If you have the time and money I think retaking the test does not hurt.

However, as you are planning to take a quant heavy master the Q50 is already a very solid baseline for the application.

Good luck,
Chris

olito · Answer

Thank you all for your replies !!

1) I took a bunch : 
1- GMAT Prep: 460 Q27V26
2- Veritas: 580 Q40V30
3- Veritas: 630 Q45V32
4- Veritas: 630 Q42V35
5- Veritas: 600 Q42V31
6- Gmat Prep: 620 Q45V31
 Real GMAT: 610 Q45V28

7-Gmat Prep: 620 Q46V29
8-Gmat Prep: 690 Q44V39
 Real GMAT: 660 Q47V34

9- Veritas: 670 Q45V37
10-Gmat prep: 730Q48V42
 Real GMAT : 700 Q50V34

2) I was studying between 6 and 12 hours a day (depending on my schedule). I started with a veritas live class while taking the Math Revolution class (because I was really behind quant wise. After my second GMAT, I went with EmpowerGmat. I also studied quant with the Gmatclub tests. Until my second GMAT I have almost only focused on quant, I did not do much verbal, but after my second GMAT, I started doing much more verbal than quant. I have done a lot of exercises and took as many takeaways as possible from the problems I solved.

3) My deadline is around October

4) Ideally, I would like to have it behind me as soon as possible. I guess that I can take until the end of August. Then class will start again and it might get a little difficult.

5) Around 8 hours a day

6) Nothing!

7) I guess I was prepared pretty well on my last GMAT. I was much more confident than all the previous ones.

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi olito,

First off, a 700/Q50 is an OUTSTANDING score (it's just shy of the 90th percentile overall), so you can comfortably apply to any Schools that interest you. As such, a retest is probably not necessary. Since you're thinking in terms of Admissions, you would likely find it beneficial to speak with an Admissions Expert about your overall profile. There's a Forum full of those Experts here:

https://gmatclub.com/forum/ask-admission ... tants-124/

Another GMAT Assassin has been made!
Rich

	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

I scored 700, should I retake ?

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