Worth taking again?

Question

I took the GMAT for the second time this weekend and scored a 680 (44/40). This was an improvement on my earlier score 650 (36/42). At this point is it worth taking again to try to crack 700? I'm looking to apply to HBS, Stanford and U Chicago

lepium · Answer

If, based on your Gprep or other data, you think you can crack 720 - 730, then I'd say retake. If, on the other hand you were expecting around 700 then I would not retake it.

Cheers. L.

CrazyHorse · Answer

If you have the time, prep for it and see if your score improves significantly. If it doesn't, don't retake.

Do your other stats make you competitive at those schools? If not, your GMAT score won't make much of a difference.

And really, you should apply outside the top 10. Rankings really don't mean as much as fit!

ColumbiaDream · Answer

Were you scoring higher than 680 on your practice tests?

chillonamill · Answer

I was scoring 700-710 range on practice tests. I've pretty much exhausted all the materials I have between the two attempts. After getting my offical score back today, I think I'm just going to stay contempt with 680

ColumbiaDream · Answer

Ok..Just go with your gut feeling. Lepium gave some good advice. Good Luck with everything else. Hope to join you soon in the Business School Applications Forum..
CD.

Sergey_is_cool · Answer

I would recommend to retake it f you have time and money. The average GMAT score for those schools is between 690 and 710 and you are a little bit below that mark.

tennis1ball · Answer

It is worth re-taking it if you aim for those schools. 
but if your other part of application is very good, it is not really necessary.

Sergey_is_cool · Answer

I'd retake it. I wouldn't apply to HBS with GMAt score less than 720.

kidderek · Answer

Retake only if you can score significantly higher. 

Sorry to burst your bubble but your recent 30 point increase doesn't show much to adcom. I believe the standard of error is 30 points, so you could have just had a good day. Either way, I'd say aim for 740+ or don't bother.

chillonamill · Answer

I'm not retaking it. Seems much more important to focus on gearing up for the application process at this stage.I won't say that 740+ is impossible, but it seems that once your within one standard deviation of the mean score, it becomes a matter of profile and presentation. Thanks for the advice.

sm176811 · Answer

It depends on u. If u are DAMN sure that u can get better then take it. There is a chance that you might get lesser score. Even though the schools take the top score, they get to see all your score.

I got 690 and I retook and got 690 again! Retaking it wasnt much of a help, just that my scores are valid for a longer period now.

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