Should You Retake NMAT if Your Score is 198?
Receiving a NMAT (National Management Admission Test) score of 198 can be disheartening for many aspiring MBA students. This score is generally considered below average, which poses a challenge for admission into competitive business schools. However, whether to retake the NMAT or accept the score depends on multiple factors, such as target schools, score requirements, and individual profiles.
Understanding NMAT Score Cutoffs
Research Target Schools and Their Score Requirements: Different business schools have varying NMAT score cutoffs. For instance, reputable schools like NMIMS (National Institute of Management) consider scores above 200-210 as the minimum average. While some schools like NMIMS Mumbai accept scores from the first attempt without retaking, others like KJ Somaiya and SDA Bocconi have higher cutoffs. Researching specific score requirements for your target programs is crucial.
Personal Profile Considerations
Consider Your Academic and Experiential Background: A lower NMAT score can be offset by strong academic credentials, significant work experience, or notable extracurricular activities. However, the impact varies by institution. For instance, some schools in Mumbai have cut-off scores around 207-208. A score of 198 might still provide a chance, especially if you can enhance your admission profile through other qualifications.
Retesting and Improvement
Feasibility of a Retake: If your target schools have high score requirements, and you believe you can improve your score with additional preparation, a retake might be a wise decision. This year, the NMAT cut-off seems to be higher at 240-245. Due to the adaptive nature of the test, many people have been able to score in this range. While it might be more challenging to score the previous cutoffs, a higher score can significantly improve your admission prospects.
Conclusion and Recommendations
The decision to retake the NMAT is complex and should be made carefully. While a score of 198 may not meet the expectations for programs at NMIMS Mumbai, it does not entirely close the door. For other institutions, like those in Hyderabad, Banglore, and Indore, you still have a chance. Retesting could enhance your chances of securing a call for GDPI (Group Discussion and Personal Interaction) at these programs. Furthermore, if you are targeting the main NMIMS campus in Mumbai, a retake could significantly improve your admission chances as the cutoff for such programs is around 207-210.
Ultimately, consider your individual situation and whether you can achieve a higher score with additional preparation. Whether you choose to retake or not, ensure you update your application to reflect all the useful information about your profile and improvements.
Good luck with your NMAT retake or future application endeavors!