Should I take the GMAT twice?

June 10, 2009 9:49 AM

Is it a good idea to take the GMAT twice? (More information inside)

I recently decided that I want to pursue a Master's degree in a business discipline at a local college to get myself thinking academically. My concern is I have considered applying for b-school, except I am just not ready(GMAT score wise, and financially) to be starting a B-school yet.

I need to take the GMAT to start this program at a local college starting this fall, as they're willing to extend the deadline. After I take on the program and make some connections (professors for recommendations, grades, etc), I am thinking of taking the GMAT again for a higher score (better prepared, ofcourse), to apply for b-school, even a dual degree program at a larger and nationally recognized school.

Is taking the GMAT twice a bad idea, especially spread out? Should I take some courses at the local college before applying and properly prepare for the GMAT and enter at a later admission period?

I'd appreciate any suggestions you may have to offer.

posted by anonymous to education (7 comments total)

You say you have to take the GMAT to be admitted to a college program? And then you want to take it subsequently to be admitted to a master's program?

I have never heard of the GMAT being required for an undergraduate program, however, my recollection is that GMAT scores are valid for 5 years, and, depending upon the school, you may have your two scores averaged, or the school may take the highest one.

If you wait a period of 5 years between sitting for the test, the old score is thrown out and only the new score is reported to schools.

At least, this is what I recall from taking the GMAT a decade or so ago. I would verify this with the people who administer it.
posted by dfriedman at 9:54 AM on June 10

When I decided to take an MBA I signed up for a Kaplan course.

Although you can take the GMATs and excel without such a course, IMHO its money well spent (and I'm frugal bastard). They'll run you through test strategies as well as practice exams, and you can see your grades increase during your study.

At least here in London they'll offer access to their testing facilities for a while after you complete your course as well.

The GMAT isn't anything I'd like to repeat, but (seriously) the folks that teach it apparently take it several times a year. They know the structure and material inside out, and it seems that if you've gotta take it, it only makes sense to fully prepare.

Finally, there is at least one Kaplan tutor (perhaps ex?) here; maybe she'll add a few points.
posted by Mutant at 10:07 AM on June 10

It is not at all a bad idea to take the GMAT twice! When you send the official score report as part of your application, GMAC will report all your scores from within the past five years, but most schools, especially nationally recognized schools, have it in their best interest to take your highest score -- simply put, it makes them look better when they report statistics to the public, a la "Hey, look at how impressive our student body is, the average GMAT score for the entering class is [enter highest number they can reasonably report]."

Additionally, taking a class at a local college, especially a math class, will only strengthen your application. It demonstrates to the admissions committee that you recognized that you had a gap in your skill-set and that you took active steps to remedy the gap, therefore better preparing you for the challenges of an MBA program.

It sounds like you are taking all the right steps. Best of luck!
posted by booksandwine at 10:10 AM on June 10

As dfriedman pointed out, some schools will average your two scores. If the school that you eventually apply to is one of those, then you're not gaining nearly as much as if you just took it once (or waited the 5 years until your first score disappears). Also, you seem to think that the first program that you want to apply to will, upon completion, have you better prepared to take the GMAT.

My recollection of the exam is that it's not a subject matter test so much as it is an aptitude test. Brushing up on your math and writing and doing brain teasers (and taking a prep course or a study guide) will serve you better on the exam than a full-on curriculum. Also, look into the Miller Analogies Test. If your schools of choice accept this in lieu of the GMAT, you might find it easier.
posted by bluejayway at 10:16 AM on June 10

These types of tests are very reliable, generally--you will perform very much the same on the second round unless you have done something quite different to prepare. I'd recommend doing some studying on test taking strategies, working some practice tests, take a course if you choose (as mentioned above). But unless something went wrong the first time through, like you felt sick, or got psyched out, then don't expect much difference on the second time through.
posted by midwestguy at 10:21 AM on June 10

Anecdotal experience: I took the GMAT twice over a 4 year period and dramatically improved my score the second time around. I was able to leverage the experience of the first to modify my preparation habits into a program that worked for me, and made all the necessary adjustments on my own without any outside assistance. So, I think there is definitely value in taking it twice, but you have to recognize your deficiencies and action them in between tests. Don't take the test again unless you have made some fairly dramatic changes to your study techniques.
posted by fusinski at 10:34 AM on June 10

Taking the GMAT is pretty expensive ($250, I believe), so there's at least one motivating factor to only taking it once. If you're worried about whether schools will frown on you taking it multiple times, I wouldn't worry about that. It's common practice, and the school will almost certainly take your highest score (that varies by school, so double check that your top choice schools do that).

And, as Mutant mentioned, there are a number of test prep programs that can help you learn how to take the test and improve your score. Kaplan is one of many. I teach/tutor for them, but I teach the SAT, not the GMAT. The basic premise is the same for all of the tests though, in that they have people who research the tests and know what kinds of questions are asked. A test prep program can help you work out timing issues, practice taking the test, and tell you have to maximize your existing skills to get the best score.
posted by booknerd at 11:00 AM on June 10