Worth it to retake GMAT?

Question

Hi Admissions Consultants,

I took the GMAT once and scored a 710 (Q49, V38) almost two years ago. I also graduated 2 years ago with a 3.6 GPA majoring in biology from Ivy undergrad (non-HYP), and have been working in a small consulting firm since. I was recently promoted so I plan on applying to T15 and M7s next cycle so that I would matriculate with 4 years of experience.

I am also an “ORM” so I am debating if I should retake the GMAT. My main concern is that I haven’t taken tests in a while so it may take considerable effort to exceed 710, let alone reach 710 again.

Should I use this year to spend time boosting my GMAT score or would my time be better spent crafting my story through volunteering and extracurriculars?

Reach: CBS, Yale SOM
Target: Dartmouth Tuck, NYU Stern
Safety: Cornell Johnson, UVA Darden

Thanks in advance.

MBAGuide · Answer

saljunas it would be beneficial if you could provide more specific details about your demographic. Also, I'm assuming you are based in the US, but please correct me if that's not the case. GMAT Your GMAT is balanced. I advise applicants to assess GMAT scores for the quantitative and verbal sections separately. Admissions committees evaluate your performance relative to your peers within your demographic group, typically using a bell curve approach. For those from overrepresented populations at top business schools, a Q49+ score (above the 75th percentile) may be considered borderline elite. This score signals to the admissions committee that you can handle the rigorous and analytical academic curriculum. For native English speakers, on the other hand, a high verbal score is viewed positively by admissions committees because it demonstrates a strong command of the language, which is consistent with the expectations of this population. For non-native speakers- Your verbal score is more likely to reflect your ability to participate in discussions in a truly global and diverse group at schools that place a high value on discussion-based pedagogy. In addition, the way your career has unfolded in the last 2 years (career progression) and your future potential in terms of what you plan to do next is a critical factor in deciding whether or not to consider a retake. What type of consulting work have you been doing? Do you specialize in a particular industry? Many factors remain unclear to provide solid guidance. Get candid advice tailored to your specific situation. We do not cap discussion hours with our applicants. Feel free to connect Aanchal Sahni (INSEAD alum, former INSEAD MBA admissions interviewer) MBAGuideConsulting LinkedIn |WEBSITE: https://mbaguideconsulting.com/ | Message: +91 9971200927| email- mbaguideconsulting@gmail.com

admitStreet · Answer

saljunas - Broadly speaking, targeting 10-20 points above your target school's average GMAT would be recommended. Having said that, also since your score is balanced (Q/V), you have consulting experience (more details on this can help assess the strength of the professional arc), and the Ivy undergrad helps, profiles are evaluated holistically i.e. CV, essays, work-ex, GMAT/ GRE, interviews, etc. If you are below average in one (or more of these) factors, aim to be much above average across all the other dimensions. You haven't mentioned post MBA goals, but clarity around that and presenting them well would also be a big factor in the process. Regards, Arvind HEC Paris MBA alum, Admissions interviewer W: https://admitstreet.com | E: consultingteam@admitstreet.com

Archit3110 · Answer

No harm in retaking gmat.. if you can improve score by 20 points it will add edge to your profile only.

Posted from my mobile device

saljunas · Answer

MBAGuide 
 admitStreet

I have been doing consulting work and am based in the US for the healthcare industry, but would like to expand into more general consulting for a variety of industries, as healthcare may not be what I want to focus in in the future. I want to do my MBA and recruit into MBB into their post-MBA generalist practice. I see that Yale, Dartmouth, and UVA place well into MBB and consulting in general, so I am hoping to get into these schools.

Doing some more research on this year's incoming class of 2025's statistics, I should probably retake the GMAT again and aim for 730+. Are there any good resources out there or any tips to bring my GMAT up 20+ points?

Thanks!

bb · Answer

This is not what you asked, but I feel you have a better chance of getting into Fuqua with your healthcare background. 
You can fall back on healthcare as Plan B and Fuqua would see it positively and as a lesser risk. 
You don't have to pursue healthcare after you get admitted but I have known people who leveraged their Healthcare backgrounds to get in and pivot to consulting.

As to the GMAT Tips, we have lots. Based on the super minimalistic input, I don't think it is realistic to expect any serious or helpful recommendations... the only thing I can say is that scores are improved by eliminating weaknesses. You can improve both Q and Verbal. Whatever you find easier to boost, but don't ignore the other. At the same time, 710 is just fine for Fuqua or Darden for a US applicant. You can also consider the GRE - it seems more forgiving from the adcom perspective and if you are not looking for a scholarship may be the way to go if you feel you are hitting a wall with the GMAT

MBAGuide · Answer

saljunas I agree with BB about 710 being a good score for the US demographic, especially if you are a minority (you mentioned ORM). This is precisely why I asked about your demographic profile. I don't see why you shouldn't apply to Duke and Tuck, given that they are both consulting powerhouses and recruit heavily from healthcare. Even if you may not want to continue in healthcare after an MBA, building some leverage with the admissions committee using your background is an advantage that you shouldn't overlook. McKinsey would likely offer you the opportunity to interview for the generalist track. Many healthcare applicants move into a focus area (in healthcare) a few years into the generalist consulting track. The consulting exposure itself should give you a good enough idea of where you want to specialize, even if it is not in healthcare. Yale and UVA can be on your list of target schools as well. I recommend applying to 5 schools to see where you can maximize your chances with scholarships. Get personalized advice tailored to your specific situation. We do not cap our discussion hours for our applicants Aanchal Sahni (INSEAD alum, former INSEAD admissions interviewer) MBAGuideConsulting LinkedIn |WEBSITE: https://mbaguideconsulting.com/ | Message: +91 9971200927| email- mbaguideconsulting@gmail.com

MiMEssay · Answer

👋 Hey saljunas,

Here is a detailed profile evaluation for you!

👉 Academics: Securing a 710 GMAT score coupled with a 3.6 GPA from an Ivy school demonstrates academic prowess. Such scores often align with the mean scores of many top B-schools, showcasing your readiness for rigorous programs.

👉 Professional Progress: Ascending to a consultant role within two years at a boutique firm speaks volumes about your dedication and growth potential. For instance, securing promotions early, like you have, indicates exceptional performance and leadership qualities.

👉 Application Strategy: With an ORM background, having multi-dimensional experiences will make you stand out. Narratives of your consulting projects, or times when you overcame challenges, can be captivating.

👉 School Suggestions:
➡️ Dream: CBS, Tuck, Dartmouth 🌟
➡️ Competitive: Duke, NYU Stern, Cornell Johnson 🎯
➡️ Safety: Foster, Illinois, Arizona⚓

For your profile, strong recommendations and essays that resonate with your experiences and future goals will be pivotal in the application process.

If you need more help, we'd be happy to set up a FREE call and give more pointers on how to improve your profile and the right schools you should target.

👉   Click Here to Set-Up a FREE Call   👈

GeneralEducation · Answer

710 is a solid GMAT score and is within or close to the median range for many top MBA programs. While a higher score can always improve your application, it may not be necessary to retake it if your other aspects are strong. Completing 4 years is a good amount of experience and can offset a slightly lower GMAT score. Your promotion also demonstrates career progression, which is a positive factor.
Drafting a compelling story and demonstrating your leadership, impact, and involvement outside of work is major. Admissions committees look for well-rounded candidates, so spending time on extracurricular activities and volunteering can strengthen your profile.

To evaluate your right fit program in the US, try our unique  B school selector  tool or talk to our  Alumni panel  to understand your stand.

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