Retake and Round 3 or Try?

Question

Hi all, looking for some advice on whether to retake my GMAT which would push me into R3 or try for R2 to up my chances.

For context, I am looking to apply to top business schools in the UK and US (top choice would be CBS), but my GMAT score is very low. I scored 565 on the Focus, which was below my aspirations but equally somewhat realistic given limited available prep time. Other than the GMAT, however, I feel I could have a fairly strong profile:
- European female with 7 years international experience through studies / work / volunteering
- 4.0 GPA from a top UK university
- Various awards, leadership positions and extra-curriculars during University
- 3 yrs WE at a top BB investment bank; early promotions / top-ranked (hence also very limited prep time given 16h work days and preoccupied weekends)
- "Top notch" referee that knows me well
- Genuine interest / story for why an MBA
- Have done my fair share of networking

With this in mind, is there any merit in applying R3 (where acceptance rates are even lower) but with a better GMAT, or is there any chance I would still be considered even with my abysmally low score?

Thank you!

pintukr · Answer

A higher GMAT score will significantly boost your profile further.. will enhance your chances.

All the Best.

AjiteshArun · Answer

Hi ueid,

I don't have an answer here, but do you want to maybe go for (spread your applications across) both R2 and R3? A higher GMAT score and more time to work on your essays may help (unless you've already done a lot of that work), but it's really hard to say how much, especially since you don't currently know what your new score will be.

Are you also open to R1 (next cycle)?

bb · Answer

You are about 100 points below the average at the school as you’re looking at.

I would say the chances are slim though not impossible. I think the biggest question is how likely is it that you’ll be able to improve your score.

Thinking about it, I would apply in round two with your score because you can possibly retake it within the next few months and then an updated score or if you can’t improve, that’s a much better shot than around three. You may end up having to reapply Next season but that’s not really a problem.

ueid · Answer

Thank you very much - would you have any colour on how much more competitive R3 really is? e.g., in the context of the GMAT, do applicants even "just" below the average get "penalized more" for it vs in the earlier rounds?

I think I could definitely improve my score but in reality there is a good chance it may still be somewhat below average nonetheless.

bb · Answer

R3 that is in Speing is only open for 10% of spots. So it is 5-10 times more competitive. You have to compete with all the R1 and R2 applicants, WL and R3.

	Manhattan Prep: $99 Bonus Score Higher on Your GMAT Exam. Guaranteed.
	Target Test Prep - Save up to $599 $400 Discount + $99 Bonus GMAT Club Tests
	e-GMAT: 60% Off on GMAT Focus Get to 735+ from any starting point
	Magoosh increases your score, guaranteed - 15% off ALL Magoosh GMAT plans with code GMATCLUB15 + Free GMAT Club Tests.
	Experts' Global - ~~$1720~~ $960 End-to-End GMAT Prep + App Support: 150+ Videos, 2000+ Questions, 15 FLTs +
	GMATWhiz - $299 ~~$499~~ Experience the course through a free trial.
	GMAT Club Tests - Free Included with every course purchase of $149+ View all deals

Retake and Round 3 or Try?

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