640 GMAT, Top 10 Aspirations

by **darryl258** Tue Aug 12, 2008 5:26 pm

I am deciding whether to take the GMATs once again. So far I have taken them 3 times:

2005: 15% Math, 44% Verbal
2007 November: 29% Math, 88% verbal = 560
August 2008: 55% Math, 87% Verbal = 640

My main question is will it look back to take the GMATs for a 4th time given the steady increase in math and the fact that my first exam was in 2005? What about a 5th time if necessary?

Overall, my undergrad profile is Electrical Engineering with GPA of 3.4, and Economics degree with 3.5, Strong work experience and demonstrated career progression - 4.5 years out of school. Currently posted internationally with responsibilities over middle eastern and european offices for a fortune 100 company. Volunteering background, and strong references from Alumni of top schools I am interested in.

I feel that aside from my GMATs I have a real chance at a top school. How many more tries would you say that I have on the GMAT before it starts looking bad...if any??

Thank you!

by **MBAApply** Tue Aug 12, 2008 8:09 pm

Your scores are all over the place, suggesting that your scores aren't your true potential - but perhaps you're not preparing for the exam as effectively as you should. Take courses if you haven't already - or if you have to, hire a private tutor. With your background your quant scores shouldn't be that low - suggesting that it's not lack of ability, but lack of proper preparation.

Re-take the exam, but not without a wholesale change in your preparation (i.e. if you've already stayed with one testing prep company, it might be a good idea to switch, or to get a private tutor).

Alex Chu
alex@mbaapply.com
www.mbaapply.com
http://mbaapply.blogspot.com

by **darryl258** Wed Aug 13, 2008 4:25 am

Thank you.

Would you see a downside in taking the exam again? For instance if I were to take the GMAT once more and score worse then a 640 would this reflect badly on my application, or would admissions simply take my best score? Also, if necessary, do you think taking the GMAT up to 5 times in my situation would reflect negatively, or is 4 the maximum?

Thanks!