is there any point in retaking with a 700 (45Q,41V)? or is my time better spent studying? i have a 3.89 GPA in electrical engineering from UT-austin --i feel like if i retake again there is a chance i could score lower...or higher really. getting a 750+ seems to be more of a crapshoot....i was practicing more in the 720-730 range--(48-49Q)

my work experience is nothing special--engineer in the semiconductor industry for 3 years. outside of work im heavily involved in habitat for humanity and am organizing a fundraiser for the fall hoping to raise 60K to build a house. i have a lot to talk about in this regard because im very passionate about the cause ---doing this almost feels like having a 2nd fulltime job.

anyways...if i could get some input regarding retaking i would appreciate it

Thank you for your inquiry.

Although a 700 score is great, if you think that you can improve your score significantly, then you should go for it – assuming that time and money are not an issue. You should not worry about scoring lower as virtually every MBA program accepts your highest score and understands that candidates take the test more than once. So, while it may not be that rewarding to spend the time to boost your score by twenty points, if you really think that there is a chance that you could improve by more and that 750 is a possibility, you should spend the time and take the GMAT again.

Sincerely,
Jeremy Shinewald
MBA Mission

www.mbamission.com
646-485-8844
Skype:MBAMission

thank you for responding...so if I retake it and say I get a 730-740...is that enough of an increase to justify retaking? The reason I'm asking is that I know it will take more time to study and prepare for this and I don't know if that time would be better spent pursuing the other activities I"m currently involved in...

Well, it is difficult for me to weigh the varying benefits between the two without knowing more about your profile. Generally, if you have a choice between a 730 and no community service or a 700 and an commencing with a commitment to community activity, for example, the latter would be preferable.

Have you been committed to your activities for a long time? Please shed some light on what your choices are…

Sincerely,
Jeremy Shinewald
MBA Mission

www.mbamission.com
646-485-8844

well i would increase my involvement with habitat for humanity. im currently organizing a fundraising gala to raise 60K for a house...i would pursue further fundraising activities with habitat for humanity such as heading up their leadership council to raise 120K later this year and other opportunities. im also exploring entrepreneurial options although i havent had much time lately because of the gmat.....

do you think pursuing these extra-curricular activities would be the better option?

It is important to keep in mind that the application process cannot be boiled down to a scientific calculation. In my experience, I have found that candidates who have strong leadership credentials tend to find their respective ways, ahead of those who have marginally higher GMAT scores, but lack that same exclamation point in their profile. So, if it truly is an “either or” scenario, I would recommend solidifying your profile ahead of your adding a few points to your GMAT (particularly because you have a strong score already).

Ideally, you would do both; even if you don’t have time to study, you might want to take the test again, recognizing that you have the potential to do even better. Worst case, you don’t do any better and you have lost nothing because schools only look at your highest score. Best case, you score better with minimal incremental effort and still have your enhanced leadership credentials.

Sincerely,
Jeremy Shinewald
MBA Mission

www.mbamission.com
646-485-8844
Skype: MBAMission