Old GMAT score was higher...

Question

So I took the GMAT in Dec 2009 and scored a 620. This time I took the exam and scored only a 550. My only chance to retake the exam is on December 30th or 31st but applications are due by January 1st (I am not sure if they'll take an unofficial score). I sent the score to 5 schools I am planning to apply to, so what I am wondering is if I can just send my 620 score and will they use that instead. I also wonder, for any other schools I apply to can I just send the older score instead?

I am currently teaching university level MISY courses and I will have two years of teaching experience when I apply. For my MS in IS I had a gpa of 3.8, a 4.0 for my MBA and a 3.6 for my undergraduate. I hope all of this will make me a good candidate.

I am currently teaching university level MISY courses and I will have two years of teaching experience when I apply. For my MS in IS I had a gpa of 3.8, a 4.0 for my MBA and a 3.6 for my undergraduate. I hope all of this will make me a good candidate.

MacFauz · Answer

The 5 schools that you have sent your score to will automatically have access to your earlier score since it is less than 5 years old. They will consider the higher score i.e 620. There is nothing that you need to do further.

jenl2881 · Answer

Really? I did not know they'd get both. Should I retake it on December 30? My department chair thinks I won't get in with only a 620.

MacFauz · Answer

It depends on which schools you are applying to.. But yes, with a 620 the answer is more often than not yes, you need to retake.. A 620 is not even the 70th percentile and the average at most top 20 schools is around the 690 mark.... So if you think you can do better (which I think you can based on your GPA) then I would say definitely retake.. But one more thing that you may want to consider is you already having an MBA. This might not be the greatest news to hear but many schools don't look favorably upon a second MBA - some even outright saying that they won't consider applicants who already hold an MBA degree... I suggest you clear that up with the schools you are applying to..

jenl2881 · Answer

Oh, sorry I forgot to mention I am going for a PhD! The field I am looking at is Information System within the Business department (basically I do not want Computer Science). Some schools I am looking at are:

University of Arkansas
Louisiana State University
University of Texas at Arlington
University of Washington
Purdue
University of Cincinnati

I know the last 3 are very competitive but I am hoping for luck with UA and LSU since I teach currently. UA's program uses SAP which I am certified in and teach currently. They'll both still want a higher GMAT score I'm sure. I gave up on Carnegie Mellon and NJIT as these require 720+.

I am scheduled to retake on December 28th (the last day any were available and I have to drive 200 miles). I found some great 30 day study plans on here I am definitely going to use. This time I'll study the Verbal as well since my score on that went down.

I love this website.

GMATDanger · Answer

Hi jenl2881, First, make sure you check whether Information Systems department is accepting applications for Fall 2014. Lindner (University of Cincinnati) is not accepting applications for Information systems (https://business.uc.edu/programs/phd.html). In fact, I am observing this as a trend. Kelley School of Business (Indiana University) is not accepting applications for IS (https://kelley.iu.edu/Doctoral/Admissions/page13870.html). So, please be sure whether your target school wants to admit students for Fall 2014. Second, I was in your place last year (scored a 620). From my experience, I would say that you have made a wise choice of retaking GMAT. All the best! :-D

-- regards, GMATDanger

jenl2881 · Answer

Ty for the advice! Wow and I looked over each program very thoroughly and didn't see that... Will they post this information on their program page?

From what I can see Purdue, UW, UA, and LSU don't mention anything. I know one I had wanted did say they only accept new students every other year (2013 was the most recent).

Carcass · Answer

All the information was provided in the ealier posts are correct. I suggest to retake too.

Also I would add to look at your program very carefully and try to find (if possible) a mentor. Even if the school doesn't mention the minimum score, yet it is resonable to think that a good program wants at least 680.

Please feel free to ask any further.

regards

jenl2881 · Answer

I studied every day and got a 590. My math went up only one point to 33 and my verbal was 39. I am a bit disappointed. I used magoosh's 30 day study plan.

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rango · Answer

Calm down; Analyse the Mistakes and Try to Bounce Back. I know that you will do it jenl2881. Now Happy New Year; Chear Up :-D

jenl2881 · Answer

There is no time to retake now. I realize I should have just focused on getting my verbal as close to 50 as possible, since verbal I pick up easily. My math score bummed me out a bit since I learned so much.

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