HELP! 700 GMAT Score. Should I retake?

Question

Hi,

I would like to ask for feedback on my dilemma. I got a 700 on my GMAT (Q49 V37), a true shame since I was performing over 42V on my Prep Tests.

I am Latin American, from Argentina, and have always worked in small companies (a personal career choice), and haven't got impressive extracurriculars (I work in an organization that grants scholarship to children who can't afford to maintain themselves and go to school) as I read on the Forum.

Should I retake the test? I am late to apply to many B-Schools and, if my grades are good enough, I would prefer to focus on my application process.

Thank you very much!

BazingAu · Answer

The answer to your question depends on where you are applying.

rtbs15 · Answer

Pretty stupid of me. I'm aiming to apply to a Top 10 school.

Posted from my mobile device

CriticalSquare · Answer

Hi Juan,

At this stage, you should focus on your apps. If your grades are solid from a reputed university, your academic profile is in pretty good shape! South Americans tend to have lower GMAT scores on average and adcoms understand that standardized tests don't play a prominent role in your education system. You've crossed a major hurdle by landing a score that starts with a "7". Would a higher score help? Of course. But there are opportunity costs.

At first glance, it seems your score is good enough. But that's based on high level demographics. I'd have to know a bit more about your profile, goals, etc.

But congrats on a great GMAT score!

Bhavik

abdc99 · Answer

Hi Juan,

It totally depends on what school you are targeting. And since you're thinking of the top 10, your GMAT score is just slightly below average but still is very good though, (which usually also means that it doesn't hurt to give it another try). However, you don't have that luxury of time as you are most likely applying during R2 which has deadlines at approximately 1st week of January across most schools. There isn't probably that much time to study really hard (To ensure an improvement in the score), take the exam, and write great essays. Personally, I spent my last a few weeks before the deadline studying very hard only to end up getting a similar score. Gladly, I had started really early with the essays, giving me a very good float time to take another test without sacrificing my application. Still, if I could go back in time, I probably wouldn't retake the exam. My suggestion if I were you is to put all my best on the application and what I can do in terms of extracurricular activities. Don't forget to spread your choices among the top 20 list even if you are applying to top 10s

Admissionado · Answer

I'm gonna go with what Bhavik wrote here...
But I also wanted to add a few questions that might change the way you approach things:
1-3. Is it better for you to apply this year or next from a personal perspective? Professional? Strategic?
4. If you DID decide to retake, what would you evaluate as your chances to do better? How easy or hard would it be? How high could you go?
5. If you don't apply this year, what else would you do? How would your career progress?

I'd take at least all of these things into consideration before taking a final decision,

Best,
JF

rtbs15 · Answer

Thank you JF, I am a bit self conscious on already starting it at 29, so I wouldn't wait another year.

On the other hand, if I stayed in my current job I would get a nice promotion, but I feel it is best to start the MBA ASAP.

I think I could Easily Score a 740 if I got the same Verbal result of the Prep Tests, but I would have to work on it.

What do you think now?

Admissionado · Answer

Well, if speed is your priority then do not retake! A 700 is a good enough score to get you into any school. It may be lower than the average of some schools (meaning things are harder), but if you want to make it in this year, you have to start applying NOW. And by NOW, I mean like YESTERDAY!

And you might wanna consider getting some help. All the best, Jon

VeritasPrepMike · Answer

Agree that it depends on where you are applying and where you are in the application cycle. In most cases I suggest people retake the GMAT if they think that will keep them out of their dream school. Worst case scenario you score the same or worse and then you don't submit the scores and are out a few dozen hours of prep. Best case scenario you increase your score by thirty to forty points and not only have a really good case for admission, but might even open up some scholarship opportunities. I know it is rough to have to prep for the test again, but think it is worth a shot. Good luck!

HELP! 700 GMAT Score. Should I retake?

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