Why You Should Retake the GMAT and Apply in Round 2
Deciding on whether or not to retake your GMAT exam and what round to apply in can be a tricky decision. One one end of the spectrum, round one applicants might have a slight upper hand as there is a clean slate for everyone because no one has been admitted yet. Round one also has a smaller pool of applicants, more available seats, and an abundance of diversity. Business programs are looking for well-rounded individuals who fit their culture and demonstrate that they can proactively engage and excel with the curriculum. But what round should you apply in and does it really matter? A good rule of thumb is to apply to the earliest round you can, so long as you don’t compromise the quality of your application.
Regardless of which round you apply, you want an optional GMAT score, thoughtful, well-crafted essays, superb letters of recommendation, and history of reaching important milestones. Unlike your undergraduate transcript, work experience, or community involvement, your GMAT score is one area of your application that you still have the opportunity to change. In many cases retaking the GMAT and submitting your application in round two can improve the quality of your application, here are three reasons why you should retake the GMAT and apply in round 2.
1. You didn’t dedicate enough time to study.
This may seem obvious, but the GMAT exam shouldn’t be taken lightly. If you invested less than ten hours per week studying for the GMAT, then it is a good idea to postpone your application to round two and retake the GMAT to raise your score. At the very least we recommend that our clients should study one hour per weekday and five hours per weekend.
2. You scored low in the quantitative section of the GMAT.
Top MBA programs want to see scores in the 80th percentile in the quantitative section. Therefore, if you end up scoring high in verbal and low in quantitative, it is best to retake the exam to ensure your score is more well-rounded.
3. You want to increase your score to reach your target schools.
According to research conducted by the Graduate Management Admission Council, 75% of those who take the exam twice actually do improve their score on their second attempt by an average of 33 points. Business schools will, in fact, take your highest GMAT score. The GMAT exam’s Score Preview feature allows you to make the choice to report or cancel your GMAT score following your completion of the GMAT exam, at no additional cost. You can also cancel your GMAT score online for a fee, within 72 hours after the scheduled start time of your exam. Although canceling your score can seem like a comforting option, there are a few things you should take into consideration prior to doing so:
You will not be able to view them at a later time unless you choose to reinstate your score, which means any canceled scores can be reinstated up to 4 years and 11 months of the exam date, fees apply.
You will not be eligible for a refund of any test fees.
The score cancellation will not be reported or otherwise indicated on all future score reports.
You must wait 16 calendar days to retake the exam for a third time if you please.
Retaking the GMAT does not leave a black mark on your application. The second, third, or fourth time around can not only be a more comfortable test-taking experience, but it can also help you to improve your score and ultimately, your business school candidacy. We have worked with clients who have taken the GMAT 6 or more times, and they still are admitted! If you feel that your current GMAT test score does not accurately reflect the quality of your application, there is no harm in waiting to apply to round two. Your best option is to analyze your first test and create a strategy for improvement moving forward. For more information to help you prepare for the GMAT, consider these 4 tips from Ivy Advisors. Book a free consultation with Ivy Advisors today to commence your journey to an MBA.