I just Beat The GMAT!

I took the GMAT a week ago and scored a 710 (Q44, V44). Normally I would be fine with that score (although I have been scoring 720/730 in practice tests). I am, however, rather disappointed with the quantitative score. A score of 44 places me in the 68th percentile.

How detrimental is this low quant score to my overall application? My upper-end in practice tests was 47/48, but I think test-day nerves got to me on a handful of the quant questions. I was hoping for a 45/46 at that point.

I am aiming at the top-tier B-schools (Harvard/Stanford/Wharton/Booth/Kellogg) but probably will not be applying for another few years. I graduated from a top-20 university with a 3.75 GPA in economics. Currently working in finance at a leading global tech company.

I realize my quant score is on the low end, but perhaps I can devote additional effort to other areas of my application (work experience, recommendations, leadership) if they can somehow overshadow this low score. Also, I am hoping the admissions officers can see a solid undergrad GPA and work experience in finance show as a sign that I am reasonably competent in real-world mathematics (most likely had a bit of an off day on the GMAT).

What do you think? Should I stay put with the 710 and not risk a lower score, or re-take in an attempt to boost the quant score? Thanks!

If I were you , I would be happy with the 710 and move on. Especially if you feel you other qualifications are good, I don't think a marginal 10 or 20 more points on the GMAT would offer you much benefit. I think your instincts are good to focus on the application and also on what you can achieve between now and when you apply.

Bryant,

Thank you for the reassuring. I will certainly devote my efforts to the other critical aspects of the application. I just thought that it might make sense to test again given that I have a few years before I'll need to apply. Those are probably just lingering reactions to having taken the exam last week.