REINSTATE MY SCORE? 690 - 660

Question

Hi GMAT Experts,

I would really appreciate some of your insights into my situation

So I took 4 GMAT attempts. Below are my results.

1st attempt: canceled 
2nd attempt: 650 Q47 V33 AWA 5 IR 7 (Jun, 2013)
3rd attempt: 690 Q49 V35 AWA 5 IR 3 (Aug, 2014)
4th attempt: 660 Q50 V29 AWA ? IR 6 (Oct, 2014)

Since I completely bombed verbal, I decided to cancel my score without any hesitation.

However, after I came back and started to look up on some articles regarding the implication of canceling the score, often I see experts suggesting that one should NOT cancel your score since it shows a lack of discipline and of planning.

Wonder if in my case, I really should just reinstate my score?

Best,
E

phlaym39 · Answer

I don't think it's possible to reinstate your score after you cancel.

bb · Answer

Yes, some experts also say that drinking water and eating food will be a likely cause of death. Which experts said this? Where did you see this and what year was this article from? With the latest cancellation policies, I don't think cancellation means much

phlaym39  with the latest change at GMAC, you are able to reinstate your canceled score for $50. You can also cancel your score after you see it unlike the old way (cancel and never know what the score was)

exousia · Answer

bb... one example would be the article from BusinessBecause (https://www.businessbecause.com/news/gma ... applicants) and the article was posted right after GMAC changed the cancellation policy.

Let me quote part of the passage:

He says it is common to see a candidate with multiple test results with an upward trajectory in scores. But if admissions committees see two cancellations, for example, “now they’re wondering just how bad the scores were – I’d say it’s more likely that they think the candidate really bombed the first two exams”, says Jon, who led the full-time MBA admissions team at Michigan Ross.

MBA applicants will also need to develop an extra element of strategic thinking. “One of the worst things I can imagine candidates doing is going into the test experience [with the] mind-set that they can just cancel the score if it doesn’t go well,” says John.

another example would be from eassaysnark　(https://essaysnark.com/2014/06/gmat-stra ... our-score/)

bb · Answer

Thank you for sharing. Interesting to see. I did not see, anything that was groundbreaking and I feel their comments were most related to those who are taking the tests for the first time (canceling the score on the first attempt). I did not feel they distinguished a cancellation after an attempt.

There are actually some reference but they only stated "But if admissions committees see two cancellations, for example..." and you don't have two as far as I know, so this does not apply.

Ultimately, you choose what you believe, so you choose what you do. The only information you have is what an article writer thinks admissions consultants think the admissions team will think. It is hard to figure out what the outcome will be and I can tell you that cancellations will increase 10x this season. I don't think the article covered that aspect at all. Basically, the question is - will the schools have to change their tactics and their perception of a cancellation if every other applicant has one on their test report...? something to consider.

P.S. I think you are doing quite well on your bschool research. Kudos!

Edit: you should ask on the Essay Snark blog to see what they think about an applicant who has already taken the test as they again, did not consider a situation with an applicant in your shoes.

exousia · Answer

Thanks bb for your time and valuable suggestion.

Cheers!

REINSTATE MY SCORE? 690 -> 660

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