Should you retake the GMAT to improve your score? Admissions expert Varsity Tutors has a guide to help you interpret your test score.
You have finally completed the GMAT and your scores lie before you. With so many important numbers on one page, how do you decide where to begin?Review Total, Verbal, Quantitative Scores
Begin by reviewing these three measures. Your total GMAT score falls on a scale from 200 to 800, and the current mean result is 547. Quantitative scores range from 6 to 51 (scores below 6 and above 51 are rare), with an average mark of 40. Your Verbal score utilizes the same range. The current mean is 27.
What does this mean for you? The average scores for all test-takers will not necessarily match the mean scores at your prospective schools.
One strategy is to find the 80th percentile for those MBA programs that interest you. If your total GMAT score falls in or above that percentile, your chances of acceptance are likely to be higher.
However, if your total GMAT score falls below that range and you believe you can improve the result, you should think about retaking the exam. Speak with the admissions counsellors at your business schools about how score will factor into their decision.
Assess Integrated Reasoning, Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) scores
Your AWA response is scored from zero to six, and the current mean result is 4.34. Integrated Reasoning is a relatively new GMAT section and as such, it has the least historical data to analyse. Your Integrated Reasoning score can range from one to eight and the current mean score is 4.33.
These portions of the GMAT tend to speak more to specific skill sets than the Total, Verbal and Quantitative sections do.
For example: if you are a seasoned journalist, with numerous published works to your name, an admissions committee may not look at the AWA as the best example of your writing abilities, but they may closely examine your Integrated Reasoning results.
Conversely, if you are an accomplished mechanical engineer from outside of the United States whose last written work was a college paper, your AWA may be more carefully assessed. Either way, speak with your business schools.
Determine What You Can Improve
Should you retake the GMAT? The answer depends on your situation. How many times have you completed the exam thus far? Can you commit to studying and sitting for the test again?
If you feel that your performance did not represent your true abilities and that you could improve your scores with practice, then yes – consider taking the GMAT again.
However, if you do not feel that your results would be significantly stronger, you can instead strengthen other areas of your MBA application in order to present the best possible package to admissions committees.
The GMAT is important, but it is only one portion of your application. Your work experience, personal statement, letters of recommendations, GPA and the quality of your interviews all play roles too. Successful MBA students bring complete packages to their programs.
Mahlena-Rae Johnson is a professional GMAT tutor and contributing writer for Varsity Tutors. She received her MBA from University of Southern California in 2010 and scored a 740 on the GMAT.
Student Reviews
University of Southern California Marshall School of Business
Where dreams take flight
USC is seriously awesome when it comes to setting students up for success in their future careers. The Career Center is a total game-changer. They offer a ton of resources and support to help us find internships, polish our resumes, and connect with alumni who are doing big things in various industries. Plus, USC's location in Los Angeles means there are tons of job opportunities and internships with top companies. It's a fantastic place to learn, grow, and kickstart your career.
Diversity
University of Southern California is a particularly incredible place since everybody is truly overall quite steady. I like the variety and the feeling of home it brings to me. In addition, the professors prioritize the needs of their students, and they make USC feel like a home away from home thanks to their kindness and compassion. The campus is truly astounding and I've never felt bored at USC.
good academic atmosphere
I really like the University of Southern California. Teachers always encourage students to actively speak, think, explore, and question in class. In addition, extracurricular activities and socializing are also important components of our learning and life. For example, joining campus organizations, participating in community activities, traveling, dining, or watching games with alumni or classmates can help us broaden our horizons, exercise our abilities, and relax our mood.I recommend you to come to our school.
My Campus
A lovely campus with most students being very smart and academically rigorous but also are able to create time to enjoy social life. It has great professors who helped us to advance our majors to the better for instance the professors in my department of sport science were very dedicated and competent. They were of great help to me and to the rest of our class. I remain a proud alumni of USC
School Life
I am a first-generation college student—the first in my family to attend a four-year university. My acceptance into USC was an honor and a privilege. I am a proud trojan and love the campus. They have support groups for low-income students and a program for first-generation students. I am apart of the latinx Student Union and am very happy with the progress that this club has made in inclusion. My only complaint is the cost of the university being a low-income individual its not hard to pay for but it has taken a toll in me financially. Overall campus live is great. GO TROJANS !
Usc
I am a junior at USC. The professors, classes, advisors, facilities are all amazing. The school is diverse and is always expanding its financial aid resources. The location isn’t the nicest but there are a lot of friendly and helpful public safety officers Fight on forever!
incredible classes and creative growth
So, classes at the University of Southern California have been incredible for me. The professors are super knowledgeable and passionate about their subjects. They make the material engaging and interactive, which really helps with learning. The class sizes are generally small, allowing for more personalized attention and meaningful discussions. Overall, I've had a great experience with the classes at USC!
Accessibility of professors
The professors' accessibility makes it simple for students to reach out to them. My time at University of Southern California was fantastic. The staff is dedicated to creating a positive and productive environment for all. Overall, the college emphasizes equal opportunities for student participation.
High quality academics
Within the University of Southern California, students thrive in an active community, benefiting from high-quality academics set in a beautiful campus backdrop. The courses are meticulously crafted, meeting professional standards, and ensuring comprehensive learning. The institution's array of accessible support services creates a conducive learning environment.
