Should you sign up for another GMAT/GRE session?
What is a decent GMAT score, and should you retake it? Have you taken the GMAT or GRE at least once but are unsure whether your score is competitive enough for top MBA schools? The solution, however, is not as simple. It totally depends on the school and the candidate. If you come from an overrepresented application pool a better GMAT score may be all you need to stand out from the crowd.
At the end of the day, the only disadvantage of retaking the test is the time and cost involved. It's an option to think about. If you're applying to top MBA programs and want to make sure you're putting your best foot forward at all times, do it. However, if you're on the verge, consider the following five questions:
1. Is your GPA below the national average for your desired schools? And, if so, how much so?
If your GMAT score is 30 points or more below the average for your target schools (or 6 points or more below average for the GRE), you are part of an overrepresented candidate pool, and your undergrad GPA is also below average, it's generally worth looking into what you can do to improve your score.
However, if everything else about your application is outstanding, such as your unique professional experience, a high undergraduate GPA, and excellent extracurriculars, you may be able to apply with a mediocre test score.
2. How many times have you taken the test, and how far have you progressed since your first try?
If you took the GMAT or GRE once and were unhappy with your result, you should probably retake it. Most candidates take their preferred standardized exam many times, usually 2-3 times. Multiple efforts are actually seen favorably by the admissions committee since they demonstrate dedication to the application process.
If you take it four or more times and still don't meet your target score, you may want to focus on other aspects of your application and change your school list to hedge your risks. However, if you've made moderate advances with each retake, you could still have room to attempt again.
3. How diligently did you study?
Did you give it everything you had? Do you have any room for improvement in your score? You might not if you took a reputable course, completed all of the assignments, hammered increasingly on your weak areas, and took real practice examinations. You could repeat the test and perhaps get another 10 points for the GMAT, but it's debatably not worth it for that small gain.
On the other hand, if you took the test without any structure or strategy for studying, you might be able to considerably improve. Take the time to fully prepare before scheduling a retake. Whether your greatest GMAT score has been a 620 or 720, if you have this type of potential remaining, why not take advantage of it?
4. How does your score compare to your performance on practice tests?
Did you regularly perform better on practice exams that were totally simulated than on the real test? If that's the case, your actual test score day may have just been a bad day for you. But if your real score is the same as how you did on practice tests and you were just hoping to get lucky and do better, you probably don't need to plan a retake.
5. How much time do you have till your deadlines?
If you have fewer than two months and still have a lot of work to do on your applications, your time would be best spent on higher-return initiatives, such as focusing on your essays. However, if you have at least four months before the Round 1 deadlines, go for it.
Another alternative is to postpone your applications until Round 2 if you are determined to increase your test score but lack the time to do so. But this is not an option for everyone, especially if you wish to take advantage of an early decision option.