Taking the GMAT three times?

[patrick.andriola]

Hi all,

I completed my MGMAT course in April and took the exam soon after and scored a 680 (Q43 V40). I retook the GMAT yesterday and scored a 690 (Q42 V41).

I know I am underperforming in Verbal, as my MGMAT and GMATPrep scores are usually around 43-46. I think if I retook the test I'd have a good shot at 700-710, but I could of course end up with a 680-690 again.

So my question is: should I take the GMAT a third time to possible increase 10-20 points? Do B-Schools care about taking it a third time?

Also, how are multiple GMAT scores reported to schools when one applies?

I am a college student, so I have no idea about my possible future work experience, but have a ~3.6 GPA and will be applying to Top-25 schools.

Thanks!

[StaceyKoprince]

The best person to ask is an admissions expert, not a GMAT expert. :) We have a folder here called "Ask an Admissions Consultant" - you can copy your post and paste it again in that folder.

I can tell you that the schools will see all valid test results when you submit your test scores (it's like a school transcript, on which they'll see all of your grades). Your scores are valid for 5 years, so if you are still within the 5 year period of your first test, then the schools will see all of the scores.

Generally speaking, I've heard that the schools don't care if you take the test up to 3 times. Anecdotally, I have heard that if someone keeps taking the test but there isn't much of a difference in the score, some admissions people will wonder why the person persists in taking the test with no real change / result. Some people may perceive that in a negative light (eg, the student keeps taking the test again but isn't really doing what needs to be done to improve; the student isn't able to figure out what needs to be done to improve, or the student is showing a lack of judgment in not letting this go and focusing on other things, such as a promotion or volunteer work, that could enhance the application).

But I'm not really the best person to ask about that - the admissions experts are the best people to ask.

[StaceyKoprince]

p.s.

Just wanted to add - great job on your first two tests! Everyone seems to want the magic 7xx score, but there is no real statistical difference between a 690 and a 700; a 690 just happens to start with a 6 instead of a 7.