Low GMAT quant score for admissions

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Low GMAT quant score for admissions

by Ferret1 » Tue Jul 07, 2009 7:11 am
Hello I did initially address this question to Linda directly but now I notice the Accepted.com folder so will post (sorry not too familiar with the site!)

Would greatly appreciate any guidance:

"Hi Linda,

I sat for my GMAT yesterday and scored a 660 (Q40, V40). I was very frustrated because content-wise I was well prepared and scored well in my last two GMATprep tests : 740 (Q48, V44) and 750 (Q49, V44). My major problem is not the knowledge of content but that nerves got the better of me on the day particularly in the quant section where I just went blank on a few questions which caused me to panic and rush the section. What is more frustrating is that this is the second time that this has happened. The exact same thing happened a month ago and I ended up cancelling my scores after the quant section because I knew that I had under-performed and wanted another crack at it.

I am only planning to apply for MBA programs for Sept 2011 so I do have time on my hands to re-sit if absolutely necessary but am feeling so dejected that I am not sure if I have the energy (or money) to try again. I would really appreciate it if you could consider my profile and advise me whether it would be essential to up my mark or if I have a chance as is:

South African male
Undergrad majors: Politics, Philosophy, Economics
Post grad degrees: B Com (Hons) in Finance
B Phil Logistics
All fairly strong academics, Deans merit List (top 10%), Golden Key Society etc.
Work-ex: 3.75 years (at Sept 2011) as a Business Analyst and then a Business Process Engineer in supply chain consulting at a large multinational.
Extra-curricular: Strong, esp community service.

My major question is whether the quant focus of my studies may counter the low GMAT quant or the score would be too low to be competitive for the following programmes:

Esade
Rotterdam
IE
Oxford
Cambridge
INSEAD

I do realise the last 3 or 4 may be a stretch but thought that maybe I may stand a chance as my overall profile is not particularly common.

Thank you!

Greg
Source: — Ask an MBA Admissions Consultant |

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by Cindy Tokumitsu » Mon Jul 13, 2009 5:18 pm
Hello, Greg,

Certainly the strong quant focus of your studies along with strong quant grades will somewhat mitigate the relatively low GMAT quant score. With the possible exception of Insead, I don’t think that, in the context of your profile overall, the 660 would be an automatic disqualifier. That said, it makes the schools reasonable reaches that would otherwise be closer to par, which in turn means that your execution of the applications should be nearly flawless to present a compelling candidacy – don’t just rely on the differentiating facts.

Best regards,
Cindy Tokumitsu
Senior Editor, Accepted.com
www.Accepted.com