Advice for top 15 schools

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Advice for top 15 schools

by utahjazz8 » Fri Jul 16, 2010 11:16 am
I am just seeking some advice from those of you who have applied to top schools or who are getting ready to apply.

I just took the GMAT today for the second time and scored 700 (Q44, V41) and am slightly disappointed because my quant score declined from the first time I took the GMAT last month. My first score was 680 (Q47, V37). I guess I am just a bit mad with my splits this time as the 700 breaks down to 68%ile in quant and 93% in Verbal. I actually feel better about the 680 score because both Quant and Verbal were 80%ile. I am wondering if top finance programs will factor in the fact that I already posted a solid Q47 or if i will be judged by the quant abilities I displayed in the second attempt?

I have no explanation for why my quant score dropped except that I may have missed an early question or two. The first time I took the exam, I guessed on the last four quant questions and still did well, so I cannot underestimate the importance of nailing the early questions. There seemed to be a great deal of variation between the two quant tests. The first one had far more questions on work rates and geometry, while this one was focused heavily on number properties and factors/absolute value in particular which is not one of my strengths. I did focus a lot more of my time on verbal in the month between the tests though.

A bit about myself. I just graduated from a large western state school in honors finance with a 3.8 gpa and am looking to get into banking or some sort of sell side position. I just figured I would take the GMAT while i am still in study mode and am looking at the top 15 schools (UCLA, Berkeley, Harvard, Wharton, Tuck)

I also want to thank all of you on this site who have provided me with so much useful information. Reading other posts encouraged me to retake the test and helped me tremendously in my strategy. Thanks.
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by Bryant@VeritasPrep » Fri Jul 16, 2010 11:47 am
Don't worry about your split. The schools will get all your scores, and while they will use the 700 for your stats, they will see the prior score and split. As you know, your score is good for five years, so get out there and rack up some progressively responsible, challenging experience and the world will be your oyster.
Bryant Michaels
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