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Unbalanced Score 710 (50Q 34V)

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Unbalanced Score 710 (50Q 34V)

by xxxzzz2509 » Sat Sep 26, 2009 2:42 pm
Hello beatthegmater,

I've just taken the GMAT today and got a score of 710 (50Q 34V), which is a significant improvement over my last month result of 650 (48Q, 34V). Should I retake the test? I've read that many admission officers would prefer a well-balanced score over a slightly higher but a not so well-balanced score? I do not have to re-take the TOEFL since I will graduate from a Liberal Arts Colelge in the US and GMAT verbal score is probably my only 'English certificate.' What are your 2 cents on this? I have not received my AWA yet but last time I got 5.5 but I bet it does not count.

As a sidenote: I am a non-native speaker rising senior in college and probably MBA is not my cup of tea right now since I do not have enough experience. Do you think that low verbal score is a big deal for some specilized master degree in, lets say, finance?

Thanks, guys

P.S. Anyone out there who is feeling disappointed like I did when I first touch the GMAT, please don't. I scored 5XX when I first do a mock test. Just keep up with the work and it'll pay off.
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by beatthegmat » Sun Sep 27, 2009 6:01 pm
This is one of those rare occasions where I will recommend a 700+ achiever to consider re-taking the GMAT. Something you mentioned in your last message raised a flag for me--that you are a non-native English speaker. Because of that fact, admissions committees are going to be looking toward your GMAT verbal score to validate whether you will be able to handle their English-based MBA curriculum (assuming you are going to an English-based school).

Do you have any other elements in your application that indicate some strength in Verbal? Perhaps you did well in some English literature classes in college, or something of that nature?

If not, then I would consider re-taking with a focus on improving your verbal score. It drives me nuts to recommend this, but because you are a non native speaker, I think raising your verbal score will do you a lot of good when it comes time to apply.

Good luck!
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by xxxzzz2509 » Sun Sep 27, 2009 7:14 pm
Thanks so much for the advice.

Coursework-wise, I had a 300 level honor English literature class that I managed to get a B+ and an English composition class where I had an A during my first year in college. I also have a couple of history and religion class where I had either A- or B+ and those two are the lowest grades I've had in my whole four years. I have A for the remaininng writing intensive classes (geography e.g.). Is this enough to get me pass by?

I certainly can re-take the test but it is a real pain since my housemate has to drive me (1 hour commuting at least). I am sure he'll be cool with helping me out but I just don't want to take advantage of him.

FYI, I am aiming for specialized program in Finance or a couple of pre-experience master in management in Europe, rather than U.S. based post-experience program. I don't know how this is gonna change the game plan though.

What are your 2 cents on this?

Oh, by the way, thank you, again, for setting up such a wonderful community.
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by xxxzzz2509 » Sun Sep 27, 2009 7:33 pm
By the way, I have a couple of tips for anyone who is taking the GMAT:

+ Manhattan GMAT's Math is trickier than the real deal but their verbal is probably not there yet. Here is my scores for 6 MGMAT:

MGMAT 1: 680 (48/36)
MGMAT 2: 660 (47/36)
MGMAT 3: 700 (50/35)
MGMAT 4: 720 (48/40)
MGMAT 5: 720 (48/40)
MGMAT 6: 760 (49/45)
Prep 1: 690 (49/35)
Prep 2: 740 (50/38- maybe?)

I once thought the level of MGMAT's verbal is comparable to that of the real one. Boys, I was wrong. The real ones are much longer and more complicated than all the MGMAT. Be ready.

+ If you can get a decent headset from the testing center, please do. I didn't the first time and I've paid for it.

+ Don't drink too much water. I did not but my friend did this and, needless to say, he need to go to the rest room in the middle of his Q.

+ Break is now 8 minutes. It is much shorter than you think it is. I arrived 3 min. late for the Quant. and I thought I was !@#$%, but at least everything unfolded the way it should.

+ It's probably better for you to take the test at noon rather than in the early morning. Reason: traffic jam can suck the fun out of your GMAT day.
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by beatthegmat » Sun Sep 27, 2009 7:50 pm
Thanks for your kind words and your good questions. At this point I think the best thing to do is to ask an MBA admissions consultant in this forum for advice (see the 'Ask an MBA Admissions Consultant' section below). Given your interest in a finance-based program, your verbal performance may not have as much weight as I had thought--these programs probably care a lot more about your quant skills.

Good luck! Please let us know what you decide to do. And when you get into your b-school app prep, I hope you continue leveraging this community. :)
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