Took it thrice 480-420-620. Is this bad on application?

Question

I finally crossed the 600 barrier on monday, however while applying at reputable schools will this be viewed as a positive indicator e.g someone who is persistent and really wants to achieve or otherwise. I'm remaining positive and would like to see it this way but I do need your feedback. I have 5 years of Information systems / development/analyst experience with a bachelor from Unversity of texas - 3.0 gpa.

Thanks

Thanks

jallenmorris · Answer

I think 620 on the 3rd try will be fine. Most places seem to only look negatively if you take it more than 3 times. Are you going to apply to University of Texas ?

As a Sooner, I have a hard time giving you my best advice, but since we share the same goal of b-school, that'll be enough for me to look past your long horns ;-)

Best of luck in the app process.

Best of luck in the app process.

jasonc · Answer

I don't think it looks bad for you to try again after scoring low, especially since you showed a large improvement in the final test.

I do think it looks bad if you have a 720 and try 3 times just to increase your score to a 740, or have a 750 and retake just to get a 770.
(of course this is assuming you're not in the more competitive profiles for the GMAT - in those cases retaking to get a 720 to a 740/750 may make sense? I don't know)

StartupAddict · Answer

As long as that big jump is there-- which you have, 480 to 620, aka 33rd percentile to 70th+, that's all that matters.

Yahsek · Answer

Nah, those 3 scores shouldn't count against you. If anything it's a good thing that you made such a great improvement.

hl1711 · Answer

Quick answer is no, that won't hurt especially you did so much better on 3rd try.

At the same time, I wonder if taking multiple times really hurts. Do admission people really look at everyone's scoring trends from the Official reports? I'm not sure if they have the time. When they say they only consider the highest score, I'm believe that's the score they consider (on the application there's only 1 space to put in that number). Later on, they'll probably have some admin to verify that the score you put into the app does indeed exist in your official report.

wawatan · Answer

i heard a guy took the gmat 9 times and he got accepted to nyu stern program! talk about persistence! but it's so expensive...250 bucks each exam.

jasonc · Answer

Personally I thinking taking the test 9 times just shows that he didn't adequately prepare the first 8 times :p

9 is a little excessive... in fact, any over 3 is excessive.

Took it thrice 480-420-620. Is this bad on application?

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