I studied intensely for the GMAT this summer in hopes of applying to an accounting PhD program this December, and today was test day. Shocked by my score, I doubt whether I have a realistic chance of getting into a decent program, and I would really, really appreciate some advice from an admissions consultant on whether I should even bother to apply.
Here is my official score from this morning:
Q45 (72%)
V35 (73%)
650 (79%)
Is this score likely to fall below whatever threshold schools use as an initial screen applications (i.e.. I would not even be considered)? The answer is extremely important to me, because I may be able make up for the low score in other areas. Actually that's a question... will this make up for my score:
- B.S. in finance with 3.7 GPA from the University of Central Florida (a likely unknown state school in my hometown)
- M.S. in finance with 3.5 GPA from the University of Florida (go Gators!)
- Two years of work experience as a financial analyst
- M.S. in accounting with ~3.6 GPA from the University of Florida, expected December 2010
- Before I went to grad school the first time and with almost no preparation, my GMAT score, now expired, was 580 total (60%) with Q41 (61%) and V29 (53%). I was 19 years old at the time; yet, I was still able to get into UF on the strength on my recommendations among other factors, and I excelled in that program.
I realize the popular response to a low score might be to retake the test; unfortunately retaking the test within the appropriate time frame to apply in December is probably not an option for me, at least not with any amount of additional study this fall. Strangely, my practice tests suggest that I should have scored significantly higher today, so I don't know what to do. And I think a reasonable estimate of my prep time this summer is around 450 hours over 9-10 weeks using the MGMAT 8-book series and the three official guides. I studied diligently and consistently and targeted my weaknesses throughout the process. Therefore, I can confidently say my poor performance was not due to a lack of preparation in any way.
My scores on three MGMAT CAT's and official GMAT practice test #1 were extremely similar, although each revealed a new quant area for me to focus on. There was little variation in the total score, 680 on most attempts (including official practice #1), so as of a couple weeks ago I considered that number to be a fair predictor of my official results. However, for the past week and a half I completed an extraordinary amount working on my speed/time management while studying and practicing in the specific quant areas in which I was having difficulty; a couple days ago I took official practice test #2 and scored a 710 with Q45 and V41. That verbal score was consistent with a slight upward trend in my other practice tests, up 3 points from my starting point before any verbal prep at all. I always sensed that I performed well on the verbal section in both the MGMAT and the official GMATPrep tests. Even today, though it very difficult at times, I actually felt extremely confident and thought I may have even scored a 42+ in that section.
I have never been good at standardized tests, so I'm almost not in complete disbelief, but I don't understand how I could study for so long, know so much, feel like I did so well, and fail so badly. I mean, a V35 is light years away from a V41. Maybe my quant score would have been too low anyway, but I felt like I had a shot before. Some of the schools I was interested in when I expected to score around 700 were University of Washington at Seattle, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, University of Southern California, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and Indiana University at Bloomington.
While I realize this forum is aimed toward MBA applicants, I would sincerely appreciate any advice or insights you can provide. I passionately aspire to pursue doctoral studies in accounting, but with the intensity of my commitments this fall, I would like to have a better sense of whether my efforts to apply would be futile.
Ian
Here is my official score from this morning:
Q45 (72%)
V35 (73%)
650 (79%)
Is this score likely to fall below whatever threshold schools use as an initial screen applications (i.e.. I would not even be considered)? The answer is extremely important to me, because I may be able make up for the low score in other areas. Actually that's a question... will this make up for my score:
- B.S. in finance with 3.7 GPA from the University of Central Florida (a likely unknown state school in my hometown)
- M.S. in finance with 3.5 GPA from the University of Florida (go Gators!)
- Two years of work experience as a financial analyst
- M.S. in accounting with ~3.6 GPA from the University of Florida, expected December 2010
- Before I went to grad school the first time and with almost no preparation, my GMAT score, now expired, was 580 total (60%) with Q41 (61%) and V29 (53%). I was 19 years old at the time; yet, I was still able to get into UF on the strength on my recommendations among other factors, and I excelled in that program.
I realize the popular response to a low score might be to retake the test; unfortunately retaking the test within the appropriate time frame to apply in December is probably not an option for me, at least not with any amount of additional study this fall. Strangely, my practice tests suggest that I should have scored significantly higher today, so I don't know what to do. And I think a reasonable estimate of my prep time this summer is around 450 hours over 9-10 weeks using the MGMAT 8-book series and the three official guides. I studied diligently and consistently and targeted my weaknesses throughout the process. Therefore, I can confidently say my poor performance was not due to a lack of preparation in any way.
My scores on three MGMAT CAT's and official GMAT practice test #1 were extremely similar, although each revealed a new quant area for me to focus on. There was little variation in the total score, 680 on most attempts (including official practice #1), so as of a couple weeks ago I considered that number to be a fair predictor of my official results. However, for the past week and a half I completed an extraordinary amount working on my speed/time management while studying and practicing in the specific quant areas in which I was having difficulty; a couple days ago I took official practice test #2 and scored a 710 with Q45 and V41. That verbal score was consistent with a slight upward trend in my other practice tests, up 3 points from my starting point before any verbal prep at all. I always sensed that I performed well on the verbal section in both the MGMAT and the official GMATPrep tests. Even today, though it very difficult at times, I actually felt extremely confident and thought I may have even scored a 42+ in that section.
I have never been good at standardized tests, so I'm almost not in complete disbelief, but I don't understand how I could study for so long, know so much, feel like I did so well, and fail so badly. I mean, a V35 is light years away from a V41. Maybe my quant score would have been too low anyway, but I felt like I had a shot before. Some of the schools I was interested in when I expected to score around 700 were University of Washington at Seattle, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, University of Southern California, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and Indiana University at Bloomington.
While I realize this forum is aimed toward MBA applicants, I would sincerely appreciate any advice or insights you can provide. I passionately aspire to pursue doctoral studies in accounting, but with the intensity of my commitments this fall, I would like to have a better sense of whether my efforts to apply would be futile.
Ian
