Hi,
Target schools: Harvard, Wharton, Columbia, INSEAD, and IMD.
I recently took my first GMAT exam (680; Q 68% (44), v 89% (40)) and am deciding whether I should take another GMAT or go ahead with the application process. Most of my friends say that although my score is less than each of these schools' averages I should focus on writing killer essays rather than spending time on another exam. Having a demanding full-time job means spending 30 hours (out of 120 that I should have until November for R2) on studying GMAT rather than working on the essays. On the other hand, I believe a score of 700 is achievable.
My current thoughts are that my Q score is too low, and that I will not be able to use my grades from college courses to compensate (taking additional courses now is also not a viable option). My work, however, requires intensive use of math (financial modeling and valuation, for example). On the bright side my V score is very high compared to my compatriots and other Asian candidates. Could this be viewed favorably by adcoms?
What would be your suggestion? A retake of GMAT?
Additional Information:
GPA: 3.1 (about 85th percentile) from one of the Thailand's best two schools
Work experience: 6.5 years (at matriculation)
Industry: Extensive exposure to banking, corporate finance, M&A and agribusiness.
Employers: European companies
Leadership: Country representative for a regional leadership initiative, Solid leadership roles across international offices. Trusted and promoted to lead most of the staff who are more senior and possess higher qualifications.
I participated in a number of extracurricular activities including volunteer work during college (I have continued the latter, although on a sporadic basis).
Your help is much appreciated.
Target schools: Harvard, Wharton, Columbia, INSEAD, and IMD.
I recently took my first GMAT exam (680; Q 68% (44), v 89% (40)) and am deciding whether I should take another GMAT or go ahead with the application process. Most of my friends say that although my score is less than each of these schools' averages I should focus on writing killer essays rather than spending time on another exam. Having a demanding full-time job means spending 30 hours (out of 120 that I should have until November for R2) on studying GMAT rather than working on the essays. On the other hand, I believe a score of 700 is achievable.
My current thoughts are that my Q score is too low, and that I will not be able to use my grades from college courses to compensate (taking additional courses now is also not a viable option). My work, however, requires intensive use of math (financial modeling and valuation, for example). On the bright side my V score is very high compared to my compatriots and other Asian candidates. Could this be viewed favorably by adcoms?
What would be your suggestion? A retake of GMAT?
Additional Information:
GPA: 3.1 (about 85th percentile) from one of the Thailand's best two schools
Work experience: 6.5 years (at matriculation)
Industry: Extensive exposure to banking, corporate finance, M&A and agribusiness.
Employers: European companies
Leadership: Country representative for a regional leadership initiative, Solid leadership roles across international offices. Trusted and promoted to lead most of the staff who are more senior and possess higher qualifications.
I participated in a number of extracurricular activities including volunteer work during college (I have continued the latter, although on a sporadic basis).
Your help is much appreciated.
