Quant Background w/ Low Quant Score

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Quant Background w/ Low Quant Score

by dseider » Mon Nov 03, 2014 5:14 pm
Hey guys,
I'm interested in honing a list of schools to visit this spring in advance of applying in the fall. I'd really appreciate some feedback as to whether or not I'm a viable candidate. Here is my background:

-University of Florida Graduate (top 50 college in US News).
Major: Business Administration - Marketing. GPA: 3.5

-Work Experience:
1 year in rotational management development program at publicly traded company
2 years at middle market investment bank as an IB analyst (top decile-ranking of analysts both years)
2 years (at matriculation) at middle market venture capital firm

-GMAT: 700 Total; (59% - Q; 99%-V); 6.0 AWA

-Extra Cur: President of 100 man fraternity in undergrad; founded philanthropy benefiting MDA in undergrad; 3 years volunteering in at-risk schools tutoring middle schoolers about financial topics while working; guest lecturer at University of South Florida on VC/PE to graduate level class (3 lectures) while working

I'm concerned that my low quant score on the GMAT is going to hold me back. Will my quant-heavy background in IB and VC make up for this? The score was a fluke, but I no longer have time to study for and re-take the test.

Schools I am most interested in targeting:
-Northwestern
-Columbia (Will ED help?)
-Duke
-Yale

I appreciate the help. If I can approach my selection process intelligently now, I intend to reach out to a consultant in the fall to help refine my personal message. The help is greatly appreciated.

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by Stacy Blackman » Thu Nov 06, 2014 2:06 pm
Hi dseider,

Thanks for your post. For the programs you are considering, nothing about your story makes me think there is any reason why you cannot be admitted, but nothing stands out telling me why you should be admitted. All of the reasons why a top program would admit you are in the details of your work experience, personal experiences, personality, values and overall story.

For your GMAT score, we recommend that if you believe you can improve your score by 30+ points, that you take the exam again. It's important to remember that your highest score is self-reported on your application, so admissions teams will focus on your best score.

If you'd like, we provide free 30 minute phone consultations here: https://www.stacyblackman.com/contact/

Cheers,
Conrad and the Stacy Blackman Team
Interested in a free 30 minute consultation with the Stacy Blackman Team? Sign up here: https://stacyblackman.com/contact
S T A C Y B L A C K M A N Consulting
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