Should I Re-Take the GMAT?

Teixeira Cacilda
Forté Fellow

The MBA application process is a holistic one: the committee considers all parts of the application in consideration. That being said, the GMAT is still a very important part of the application.

You have prepared for the GMAT, taken the courses and still are not happy with your GMAT score, so you ask yourself “should I take it again?” If you feel like you can improve with some studying, it’s definitely worth another try.

Business schools consider the highest GMAT score, so you’re not hurting yourself by taking it again.

However, if your score is decreasing, maybe you should reconsider re-taking.

A higher GMAT score can mean more financial aid.

Business school is expensive and the more money you can receive towards defraying those costs is a huge help.

For some programs, you can submit GMAT scores even after you’ve submitted your application.

If you’re applying for a round and you’ll be taking the GMAT after the application deadline, talk to the admissions office at the school and they’ll most likely accept those scores after you’ve submitted the application.

Employ a new strategy to GMAT preparation to get your score higher.

Maybe the preparation materials and the company you’ve been using has you at a plateau, so trying a new approach may help you score higher.

If your score is stuck at a certain number and need a fresh perspective, try Knewton GMAT. The preparation program is convenient, relatively inexpensive and it was very helpful for me after I had tried various other services. This is also a good strategy if you’re short on time because you can set the pace.

Cacilda Teixeira
Forté Fellow and MBA Candidate 2015
University of North Carolina (Kenan-Flagler Business School)