710(Q 51,V 33) AWA 4--Should I retake?

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ashes_phoenix: Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts; Posts: 5; Joined: Tue Sep 01, 2009 8:30 am

by ashes_phoenix » Wed Sep 02, 2009 10:03 pm

Hi,
As you can see my verbal and AWA scores are pretty low. I do sincerely believe my verbal skills are much better than what the scores reflect. Regarding my score I have a few queries:
How will my low verbal and AWA Scores impact my applications to the some of the top 10-25 US b-schools?
Can I offset this by good TOFEL score or good interview (as my communication skills are strong)?
If I take GMAT again and get more or less similar score but with a higher Verbal Score-How would the schools view this?
Will my high Quant score give me any distinct advantage?

My background:
Indian Male, Mechanical Engineer
Work Ex: 3.5 Years working for a large IT Company as Design Engineer in Engineering Services Department (Mechanical design). My job involves designing components of Turbo-Machine.
International Work Ex- I worked 6 months in Switzerland at client site.
I recently got promoted as well.
I have been involved in CSR activities and event management within my company.

What do make of my profile and would you advise me to take GMAT again?

Thanks in advance.

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Source: Beat The GMAT — Ask an MBA Admissions Consultant | Wed Sep 02, 2009 10:03 pm

Cindy Tokumitsu: Legendary Member; Posts: 590; Joined: Mon Sep 08, 2008 3:51 pmFollowed by: 7 members; Location: New York; Thanked: 47 times

by Cindy Tokumitsu » Thu Sep 10, 2009 1:05 pm

Hello,

Your low verbal score could be a red flag for top schools (definitely for the top 10 level, a little less as you go down the scale) especially as you're an international student. They generally are looking for 80% in each section, though they're willing to go a little lower in verbal for foreign applicants. You can partly mitigate the low score by (a) having a great interview (if you're invited to interview), (b) showing verbal skill in your essays, (c) having your recommenders highlight your communication skills, (d) high TOEFL. These things will help. The high quant score is great, but they will want reassurance that you can handle the writing, speaking, and interaction demands of the program.

As far as retaking and scoring higher in the verbal, that would be excellent, if feasible. If you are sure you can get a higher score then it makes sense to retake. If not, then it's questionable.

Best regards,
Cindy Tokumitsu
Senior Editor, Accepted.com
www.Accepted.com

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