Know When to Retake the GMAT

retake the GMAT

Occasionally, we hear tales of MBA applicants offered admission in a top business school with a 640 GMAT score. But in truth, accepting students with scores of 700+ is more the norm at the most competitive programs. So, should you automatically retake the GMAT if you don’t hit 700?

Before you start to panic and become hung up on achieving the highest score possible or fixate on the average GMAT score reported by the schools, we urge test-challenged clients to focus instead on aligning their scores within the 80 percent range. Schools usually list this information within their admitted class profile.

Many experts in the test prep industry advise all students to plan on taking the test twice. If you score at or above your goal on the first try, you can always cancel the second sitting.

Remember, top schools want to see scores in the 80th percentile in the quantitative section. So if you score 100 percent in verbal and low in quantitative, you would want to retake the GMAT exam. This holds, especially if you don’t have a strong quantitative background outside of the GMAT.

What’s a “good enough” score?

There is absolutely no reason to retake the GMAT when you score over 700. You’ve already proven you can handle the quantitative component of the curriculum. Now turn your focus toward ensuring all of the other parts of your application are as strong as possible.

Keep in mind that this high number is primarily for those targeting a top-tier MBA program. If you scored a 680, the decision to retake should be carefully considered. You may be better off focusing on your essays or coaching recommenders instead. Applicants looking at programs in the top 20 or 50 should check the average scores of admitted students to determine their personal target GMAT score.

If illness, nerves, exhaustion, or simply a lack of adequate preparation resulted in a low score, then a second attempt becomes necessary. Repeat test-taking, with additional preparation, typically results in a higher score as students become familiar with the experience, and therefore, less stressed out.

The Graduate Management Admission Council allows you to retake the GMAT as many times as you like. Make sure to check your target schools’ deadlines to allow enough time to send in your final scores.

AdCom has no problem if you retake the GMAT

Applicants self-report their highest score, and it’s worth noting that the admissions committee has no issue with students taking the exam more than once. In fact, committees may look positively at the dedication you’ve shown to improve upon your prior performance. Lisa, a former MBA Admissions Officer on our SBC team shares,

“It shows perseverance, self-awareness, and judgment; schools generally don’t hold it against you that you take a test multiple times and use the score report you indicate in your application.”

To be clear, we’re talking about a score report with two or three scores, max—not one that shows you’ve sat for the GMAT seven times.

After your first test, it’s time to reflect on your entire GMAT performance. Determine your weaknesses, and double down in those areas as you resume your studies. Don’t completely ignore the sections you did well on, however. You wouldn’t want to improve in one area but do worse in another the next time.

If you studied alone or took a class for your initial preparation, consider studying with a GMAT tutor for the second go-round. A test prep expert can work around your schedule and tailor the curriculum to your needs.

Advice for applicants with test-taking anxiety

Finally, some people aren’t natural test-takers and have a less-than-optimal performance no matter how well they know the material. One of the primary causes is stress under pressure. If you’re taking the test in person, it may help to watch this video tour of the GMAT Test Center and detailed explanation of all procedures to increase your comfort level about what to expect.

If that familiarity still isn’t enough to calm your nerves come test day, consider using relaxation techniques such as meditation and visualization to reduce test anxiety. Also, try to retake the GMAT in the same center will help you feel more comfortable.

Business school hopefuls can be incredibly hard on themselves when they make mistakes on the GMAT, but each error is a learning opportunity and a chance to improve. So don’t become discouraged if your first score isn’t where you’d hoped. Relax, and think of it as a dress rehearsal for a stellar performance to come.

Image via ink media

Did you know that SBC offers test prep services? We’ve recruited a team of best in class instructors who will help you recognize your individual learning style, discover holes in your foundation knowledge and set manageable yet ambitious goals. We focus on a deep understanding of the content, and later a grasp of smart test strategies. Let SBC’s long tradition of excellence support all aspects of your application process.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.
*
*

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Contact

(323) 934-3936
info@StacyBlackman.com

Latest Blog Post

Do This When You Visit the Campus of Your Target B-Schools

You wouldn’t buy a home you hadn’t seen in person first, would you? The average cost of an MBA education at the most elite business schools is over $200,000. Therefore, it makes good sense to ...