Retake or apply with current score?

Question

Hi. I have taken the GMAT Focus three times within the past 9 months and have gotten the same score each time (625). I am aiming to apply to the top 10 business schools. My undergrad was from a top school and I work at a well known consulting company. Would you reccomend taking the test a 4th time to get a higher score (645+)? Any advice and tips on how to improve score/study methods would be helpful. Thank you

AjiteshArun · Answer

Hi rm20,

I can't say whether you  need  to retake, but yes, a 645+ would be awesome. What prep resources have you used, and are you aware of any specific weaknesses? Also, do you have a timeline in mind for the retake?

bb · Answer

Hi. You have a good profile. 
I don't think I would recommend taking it if you got the same score 3 times. Have you taken a GRE diagnostic? 
I have seen lots of people come out with high GRE scores after average GMAT (lower than yours) which I guess talks a bit about the difficulty of GRE but with a strong profile, that won't be an issue.

So in your equation to retake the GMAT or not, I would also add another option - considering the GRE. It is actually not as much of a shift.

P.S. If you decide to retake the GMAT - I think that's always an option. I would suggest sharing more detailed scores so people can suggest meaningful improvement/etc.

-BB

bb · Answer

P.S. here is the Top 10 Focus Average (converted; not native as they have not really published widely their focus scores) but it should still hold. You are a bit short (40-50 points below average) and that's a meaningful difference.

https://gmatclub.com/forum/average-gmat ... 30038.html

MBAGuide · Answer

Hi  rm20

Highly recommend that you do not get emotionally invested in the GMAT exam because you are hurting your chances despite having a good overall profile. Please read my piece on when to switch from GMAT to GRE. Depending on how crowded your pool is, even a 645 may not give you that competitive advantage. Therefore, try to switch to the GRE, which can help you break the streak and achieve a much higher percentile quickly.

When to switch to GRE from GMAT? Consider these to evaluate your plan : ISB

bb · Answer

I don't think they are applying to ISB...

MBAGuide · Answer

Yes, of course, they might not be, but the tips are universally applicable

Regards
Aanchal

KarishmaB · Answer

Share all 3 score reports. Might give some insights on your weaknesses. Fixing those specifically will help.

SarfrazAP · Answer

Well that would depend on whether you did anything significantly different between your earlier 3 attempts. Because the GMAT is the kind of test on which, unless you make some changes to your prep, you will end up with the same (or similar) score every time.

Moreover, and you will like the sound of this, if you were to make those changes to your prep, the score can easily jump 50 or more points from here. The standard deviation of the GMAT score itself is about 25-30 points.

Trying the GRE, as others have suggested, is also a very good suggestion. You can certainly consider that.

admitStreet · Answer

rm20 - What's the sectional split of your GMAT score, and how did it change across the 3 attempts? If you feel you've hit a plateau on the GMAT, switching to GRE could be a wise move. Here is a decision making framework to help. Which schools to target would depend on a deeper assessment of your profile: work-ex, extracurriculars, career goals, score, etc. Hope this helps. Regards, Arvind Founder, admitStreet | Request a free profile evaluation W: https://admitstreet.com | E: consultingteam@admitstreet.com | LinkedIn

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

Hi rm20,

I see many questions have been asked, but I'm wondering about your scores from your official practice exams. If you scored higher on those than you did on the actual GMAT, it may be worth giving the GMAT another shot. If you do decide to move forward with a fourth attempt and want some additional advice, feel free to reach out.

rm20 · Answer

Hi all! Thank you for your response. Here is the breakdown from my latest test:

Quant: 82
Verbal: 82
DI: 79

My other tests were similar, with 1 or 2 points up/down in a section. Seems to me I need a little improvement in all sections, but open to hear your thoughts!

rm20 · Answer

I have not taken a GRE diagnostic so I might try that! My section scores are  Quant: 82,   Verbal: 82,   DI: 79. I feel like I am close in each section and should stick it out with the GMAT but open to hear thoughts!

EducationAisle · Answer

Unfortunately 625 is on the lower side for the top 10 schools that you are targeting.

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

I see it's been almost 3 weeks since this test. Did stick with the GMAT? Or did you try ot move forward with the GRE?

rm20 · Answer

I haven't decided yet. Is there a preference between GMAT and GRE from schools? Or are both equally weighted?

Retake or apply with current score?

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