GMAT 700. Bittersweet.

rising j · Posted: Tue Oct 07, 2008 5:19 pm Post subject: GMAT 700. Bittersweet.

So I finally crossed the 700 line, however as awesome as this is, I did so with an non-ideal raw score distribution.

I received a Q44 – 70%, V42 – 92%, and overall 90% on my 700.

I performed well during most of the quant section, but serious test performance issues/anxiety got to me on the last 7 quant questions. Likely resulting in a string of 3-4 incorrect questions. I knew this because after the exam I re-worked some of the problems and verified this.

That aside, the V42 is one of the highest verbal performances ever, on any of the practice tests I have done.

Education: I have a quant background; biomedical engineering from a top 3 Undergrad in this field. GPA: 3.2

Work Experience: 4 years in the medical device industry, starting with product design engineering, and now functioning as a Project Manager; main responsibilities include brining medical device products from bench top concept to commercial launch.

Extracurricular: 3 years board member of local chapter of 40 chapter nationwide non profit, that creates opportunities for young people to excel in leadership roles that promote public health, education, and community development in Latin America.

What should I be thinking? How is this imbalance going to affect my app?

The schools I am looking to apply to are as follows: Columbia, NYU, Duke, USC, and Yale.

Lisa Anderson · Posted: Wed Oct 08, 2008 6:12 pm Post subject:

Dear rising j,

I think you need to focus your energy on your applications and get them in as soon as possible. You have a great score and it is not that lopsided. Your quantitative coursework from undergrad and your work experience go to demonstrate your quantitative aptitude as well. I do think you have a good shot at these schools with your profile. But it will come down to how well you present yourself in your applications for you to be offered a seat in the class.

Best of luck,
Lisa

rising j · Posted: Wed Oct 15, 2008 11:00 pm Post subject:

Hi Lisa,

Thank you for the information. As always, your posts are very valuable. What you wrote reminds me of one of the biggest life skills I learned while preparing for the GMAT: identify and prioritize then 10 millions things that are on your plate.

Although I am in Round 2 category right now... I have read that it is still beneficial to get the applications in as soon as possible. Is this b/c these schools utilize a rolling admissions process and seats are getting filled on a daily basis?

Thanks Very Happy