Disappointing GMAT score

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laneengland: Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts; Posts: 2; Joined: Wed Dec 22, 2010 3:50 am

by laneengland » Wed Dec 22, 2010 4:02 am

Hi

I would really appreciate some advice on MBA admissions. I am hoping to get into Fordham or Baruch in New York, I have a low GPA (I have degree from a red-brick university the UK) in Chemistry, but a strong 7 year work history including fast-track promotion and strong references. I took the gmat for the first time a month ago and got a 590 (31 Quant and 38 Verbal), I was a little disappointed in the quant score and thought I could do better so took it again. The second time I got a 550 (35 Quant and 30 Verbal)! I am so disappointed with my score! I thought the Quant went worse than it did and couldn't focus properly on the Verbal section. I couldn't believe it when 550 came up though as I was scoring 630's and 640's in my practice tests.

I now need to decide if I should sit it again, what do you think? 590 is within Fordham and Baruch's range but I am not sure how the 550 will affect my chances.

I would really appreciate any advice you can give me as I have put my all into this MBA process and I am feeling pretty stuck right now!

Many thanks
Lane

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Source: Beat The GMAT — Ask Stacy Blackman | Wed Dec 22, 2010 4:02 am

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 » Thu Dec 23, 2010 5:38 pm

Dear Lane,

Your 550 should not really be a factor as most schools only use your highest GMAT score in your evaluation. Since your 590 is within range for Baruch and Fordham, I think you need to weigh your resources at this point and focus your efforts where your chances will be maximized. Your essays, resume and interviews are just as critical as the GMAT and need to present a compelling case for your admission. If you will sacrifice these other components on another retake, then I think you should forgo the retake. You want to get your applications in by the R2 deadline if possible, so time is of the essence to turn in a strong application package. Think about your time and resources between now and the deadlines--then you can determine whether or not a retake is feasible.

Good luck,
Lisa

Lisa Anderson
Consultant
Stacy Blackman Consulting

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laneengland: Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts; Posts: 2; Joined: Wed Dec 22, 2010 3:50 am

by laneengland » Sun Jan 02, 2011 9:40 am

Dear Lisa
Many thanks for your reply; I really appreciate your time and advice. It is good to know that most schools take the highest score as that is the factor I was most worried about.
I agree that sitting the gmat again may take up valuable time that I could spend on the other parts of my admission and there is a chance I may not improve on my 590.
Do you think it is acceptable to get in touch with the admissions officers at the schools i am interested in to get their thoughts?
Thanks again
Lane

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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 » Tue Jan 04, 2011 7:30 am

I think it is always a good idea to reach out to your target schools. You might not get a concrete answer, but it is an opportunity to establish rapport and make a positive impression. That way, when your application comes across the desk, there is more to your name than just the paper it is printed on.

Best of luck!
Lisa

Lisa Anderson
Consultant
Stacy Blackman Consulting

Learn more about me

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