Quantitative/Verbal Discrepancy

MBALA2009 · Posted: Wed May 07, 2008 2:26 pm Post subject: Quantitative/Verbal Discrepancy

Greetings,

Just took the GMAT last Saturday and scored a so/so 610. Problem was the quantitative. I've always had problems with math, and is probably one of the the main reasons I ended up as a corporate lawyer to avoid having to deal with numbers.

Scored in the 89th percentile in the verbal but a horrendous 44th percentile in the quantitative.

2 part question relating to the above:
1) to what extent will top MBA schools look at each individual section in their assessment? ie How will they view a good overall score of say 650, if it consists of a near perfect verbal section and a very poor quantitative section?
2) to what extent will schools view taking the GMAT more than once as a negative? I am specifically interested in applying to UCLA (Anderson) and USC (Marshall).

I am positive that I will be able to get top-notch reference letters, am confident in writing good essays, and have 4 years work experience in Canada's top corporate firm. Any guidance on whether I should take the GMAT over would be much appreciated. At this point I am leaning towards re-writing it.

Many thanks!

VP_MBA_Guru · Posted: Thu May 08, 2008 10:54 am Post subject:

Hi MBALA,
Thanks for your post! Sounds like you are a good candidate for the schools listed.

First of all - AdCom will take your highest GMAT score (thankfully they dont average like the LSAT!).

Regarding the GMAT - AdComs will look at both your M and V scores. They will also compare to your GPA and other aspects of your application. For example, if you have a low GMAT Math score, but have a stellar GPA and strong analytical work experience - that could offset the lower GMAT Math score. How is your GPA (specifically your quant oriented classes)?

Do you think you could get a higher score? Would make your candidacy much more competitive. I believe the average score for UCLA and USC is somewhere in the range of 680-700.

Good luck,

NP