Ask an MBA Admissions Consultant

First of all, thanks for taking the time to give me an evaluation.

I recently took my GMAT, scoring a 690 (43Q/41V) - a bit skewed - (92%V/68%Q). My undergraduate GPA is very strong at 3.9 (majored in Finance), and I have spent the past 3 years at a top consulting firm.

I'm currently targeting UNC, UVA, Duke, IU, and NW but I have some concern about the low quant score.

My study plan was intensive for 3 months, so I'm quite burned out and would find it hard to quickly improve in my math. With a strong application and good LORs (I know alumni at all schools targeted), can my GMAT score hold up?

Thanks again.

Hello,

The low quant GMAT score could raise concern, but you have one clearly mitigating factor: strong grades in quant courses, which provide a track record of success in quantitative methods. If you apply quantitative methodologies at work, that’s a second mitigating factor. The adcom will consider these factors in weighing your preparedness. However, you should make the point explicitly in a short, straightforward optional essay addressing the issue. In addition, having recommenders cite your quantitative ability and input (with specific examples) would be helpful, if it’s possible. With all of these steps, you can go a long way to mitigating the low quant GMAT.

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

Thanks very much Cindy.

That is great advice.