In a Dilemma

[vijayallenraj]

First off I wanna start by apologizing if it is in the wrong section.

I have taken my GMAT Test 3 times till date and my scores have been:

1. June 2010 - 650 (Math - 45 Verbal - 34)
2. May 2012 - 660 (Math -46 Verbal - 35)
3. August 2012 - 640 (Math - 41 Verbal - 38)

Now the third time around, I goofed up. I didnt keep an eye on the timer, and therefore ran out of time for 5 Math questions. I had to leave it unanswered. I know I can do better and score atleast 48, and improve my score to around 690 or 700.

I wanna know if it is bad to take the GMAT a fourth time. I am willing to try it, and I dont wanna go into an application process with a low GMAT score, when I know I can do better. Another reason for it is because I am an Indian Software Professional, and I know I need all the help I can get from my GMAT score. Can you please advice if it is advisable to try it a fourth time?

Thanks!

[StaceyKoprince]

This is exactly the right place.

Most schools don't care if you take the test up to 3 times. Some schools care if you take it 4 or more times. But your first test was in 2010, so they may "discount" that and not care if you take it 3 times this year.

Certainly, if you do get the 690/700 next time, then they're going to care most about that score. :) So I don't think you have anything to lose - if you don't raise it, it'll just be the same as the others, and if you do, then they'll mostly care about that.

If I were you, I think I'd go for it. You know you can get a higher quant score because you did the first two times. So if you can keep up your new, higher verbal score from the 3rd exam and hit the quant levels that you hit on the earlier exams, then you'll get a higher score!