Are my GMAT scores adequate?

Expert replies

bjcoolj: Junior | Next Rank: 30 Posts; Posts: 25; Joined: Tue Jul 07, 2009 5:25 pmFollowed by: 1 member; Thanked: 4 times; GMAT Score:730

by bjcoolj » Sat Aug 08, 2009 3:43 pm

I took GMAT twice.

1. 700/90th percentile - Q49/88th percentile V37/81th percentile

I received mixed responses about my score from the admissions consultants so I retook GMAT today and received following score.

2. 730/96 percentile - Q49/87th percentile V40/89th percentile

Although I did improve my score, I am not sure this is enough. I read somewhere on the board that you would want 750 for top U.S. MBA programs.

I'm also worried that my GPA (3.0) is not that attractive and my work experience as environmental engineer (5 years at a small consulting firm) doesn't really measure up to those of other candidates who worked at well-known institutions or global companies.

If I think I can improve my score, should I retake the GMAT?

Source: Beat The GMAT — Ask Stacy Blackman | Sat Aug 08, 2009 3:43 pm

david2008: Senior | Next Rank: 100 Posts; Posts: 31; Joined: Sat May 09, 2009 7:45 pm; Location: Bay Area; Thanked: 4 times

by david2008 » Sun Aug 09, 2009 10:27 am

I'm no admissions consultant but I've never heard of anyone needing a 750+ to get into a top business school. Your GMAT is solid so just focus on essays and recommendations. GMAT is mostly a check-box and at 730, you won't be dragging any school's GMAT avg. down so don't worry about it at all,

good luck

GMAT/MBA Expert

Lisa Anderson: MBA Admissions Consultant; Posts: 3845; Joined: Wed Feb 06, 2008 8:57 pmFollowed by: 148 members; Location: Houston, TX; Thanked: 442 times

by Lisa Anderson » Sun Aug 09, 2009 12:12 pm

Dear bjcoolj,

Congratulations on your new score! I do not think you need to take the GMAT again as the rest of your application is just as important, so that is the best place to focus your energy. Likewise, increasing your GMAT score another 20 points is probably not going to make a significant difference in your admission decisions. What matters most now is how well you make your case for a seat in the class and convey your solid rationale for getting your MBA in relation to your past experiences and future career goals.

Best of luck,
Lisa

Lisa Anderson
Consultant
Stacy Blackman Consulting

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bjcoolj: Junior | Next Rank: 30 Posts; Posts: 25; Joined: Tue Jul 07, 2009 5:25 pmFollowed by: 1 member; Thanked: 4 times; GMAT Score:730

thank you.

by bjcoolj » Tue Aug 11, 2009 11:17 pm

I needed to hear that... I've been getting so much mixed responses from various sources. Thank you.

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