GMAT Score Reports

Question

I have been trying to do some research on this topic and cannot find a definite answer to my question.

I took the GMAT a while back unprepared and did not do so great - Verbal basically killed me. I retook the test again over the last summer and did much better, but fell short of my goal a little bit. I vowed to take it once more to try and improve and then go with my best score. On the first test, I figured that I wound not hit my dream score, but I had studied and wanted to see where I stood. I sent the score report to two "safety schools." The second attempt I sent the report to a slew of schools that I would like to attend. My question is; if I were to retake for a third time, would there be any difference between a 3rd and 4th attempt as far as what B-School see on my score report? I have read that the latest three attempts are all that is filed on the score report. Therefore, would it really matter for reporting purposes if I took it 3 times as compared to 4 times? I have read that a lot of emphasis is placed on the # of times that test is taken (after three tries), but it seems that nonone would know about it anyway, given that only three scores would come up (apart from the 2 safety schools). I dont plan on a 4th attempt, but it does take a little pressure off. Can someone please clarify?

CaliCpa · Answer

Is it 3 scores, or 5 scores on the report?

I was thinking that is showed the last 3 scores, but now I am seeing 5 scores. Did this change recently?

mohater · Answer

Once you pass three or four times, schools may think you are simply score hunting.

As for your second post, it has always been five years for reportable scores, regardless of the number of times you've sat for the test.

CaliCpa · Answer

Got it, thanks.

Do you think that 3 takes is the magic number, or is 4 takes? I am referring to the number of takes before the adcom begins to get suspicious. I have seen some discussion and have seen 3 takes thrown around a little.

I am looking for only three takes if possible, but was just curious.

bb · Answer

Absolutely correct. I think the only part that has changed in the past 3 years was that schools now see ALL of your scores vs the latest 5 that show up on the applicant score report.

devdawgmba · Answer

I'd like to piggyback off this question if that's okay :-)

I understand the concept that: once you send a report to a school, they can see your exam history dating back 5 years. My question is this... What if I take the GMAT once and get a hypothetical 650 - which is sent to 5 schools. If I take the exam again a month later, in hopes of achieving a 700+ but end up doing worse, do those original 5 schools have the ability to see this if I haven't yet RE-SENT the score report from GMAT #2? I hope I'm phrasing the question correctly. Thanks!

mohater · Answer

Technically, if you do not tell GMAC to report your scores, the schools will only have your original score.

That being said, hiding a GMAT score is grounds for denying an admit into a school as some schools ask how many times you took the test and will look to confirm the # you report with the # on your score report.

Don't try to play games here, it's not worth it.

devdawgmba · Answer

Thanks mohater. You make a valid point. I certainly would not want to make it appear as though I were hiding something and will definitely send my scores. On the other side of that - I actually wanted to know how the process just worked in general - since it's not very transparent. If sending scores was an 'all-access' pass for bschools, and someone was confident their 2nd go around, then he/she could select 5 more schools and have a total of 10 schools without having to pay add'l score reporting fees (if they intended to apply to 5+ schools).

mohater · Answer

No, reports are at the time of the test. Thus, if you take the exam, report to five schools, take the exam again and report to five schools different from the first five, the second five will see both scores and the first five will only see the first score.

Reports are released as electronic records to the schools.

sonzobros · Answer

Do I need to know the code for each institution I'm sending the score or the GMAT software asks to choose from a list?

mohater · Answer

No, codes are for the older system. You have the ability to search for school by name during your appointment.

AN225 · Answer

Two questions:
a) Do school see other schools to whom you sent this report?

b) In my 2nd test I scored 710. In my 3rd test I scored 700. Do I need to resend the 3rd test to schools selected at the 2nd attempt? Or it is fine to indicate i took the test total 3 times (in case they ask so in the admission forms)?

mohater · Answer

a) No, some schools ask where else your applying
b) Don't play games. Some schools want all GMAT scores and all attempts. Always send the school the most updated score report. Always defer to asking the specific school these questions.

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