BREAKING: Target Test Prep releases Brand New 2026 On Demand GMAT prep course

Redeem

Just took the gmat - 680 - question

Launched April 26, 2006
This topic has expert replies
Post new topic Post Reply
Previous Topic Next Topic
Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts
Posts: 2
Joined: Thu May 28, 2009 10:25 am

Just took the gmat - 680 - question

by GmatQuestion2 » Thu May 28, 2009 11:10 am
Thank you in advance for your reply. This forum has been extremely helpful this past month.

I recently took the GMAT and scored a 680 Q47 (79%) and V37 (81%).

White male going into investment banking. Won't have time to take the test later so I took it now (I just graduated). I won't apply until 2-4 years from now and am expecting averages to only increase at the top schools.

I took about nine practice tests. 6 MGMAT, and GMATPREP 3 times. Never scored lower than a 670, but never scored higher than a 720. However, scored 700+ on 6/9 of those exams. In short, I think I might be able to cross the 700 barrier. I just need help assessing if I should retake and if so, how much am I risking by retaking?

I want to go the best MBA program possible. I know my 680 brings down the 710 averages of those schools, but my score is also well-balanced. Should I try to shoot for the 700 plus and if I score below the 680 or hit a disproportionate score will my chances be hurt of getting in at those schools?

I would have about 3 weeks to study if I decide to retake.

Thank you.
Top
Source: — Ask Stacy Blackman |
User avatar
MBA Admissions Consultant
Posts: 1090
Joined: Wed May 27, 2009 4:06 am
Thanked: 175 times
Followed by:68 members
GMAT Score:750

GMAT score

by Bryant@VeritasPrep » Thu May 28, 2009 12:15 pm
There are many factors obviously that go into b-school admission. a 680 is a great score--well done---but you are correct that it gets more competitive all the time. I would actually be less worried about that score getting you into a top school (it should be achievable assuming you have a strong overall package), and more worried about that score landing you an investment banking job. Bulge bracket investment banks are pretty darn snooty when it comes to bestowing job offers and will ask not only your GMAT score and split in an interview, but possibly even your SAT scores! Yes I heard some horror stories about the nit-picking that was done with some of my colleagues who went through the banking interview ringer (I worked for Goldman Sachs for 3 years after b-school but not in banking division). bottom line, if you think you can get a 7 handle on your score, I would do it if your goal is i-banking. They are a proud bunch and like to do a lot of self-measuring and comparisions with the new hires.
Bryant Michaels
MBA Admissions Consultant


Enroll now. Pay later. Take advantage of Veritas Prep's flexible payment plan options
Top
Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts
Posts: 2
Joined: Thu May 28, 2009 10:25 am

by GmatQuestion2 » Thu May 28, 2009 12:22 pm
I appreciate the quick response - thank you!

My apologies. I wasn't very clear. I am starting as an investment banking analyst in July. That is why I took the exam now b/c I will be working 90+ hrs week for the next 2 years and was hoping to get this off my plate early. This is also why I only have a few weeks left to study.

With this in mind, do you mind assessing how risky it is if I chose to retake?

Thank you.
Top
User avatar
MBA Admissions Consultant
Posts: 1090
Joined: Wed May 27, 2009 4:06 am
Thanked: 175 times
Followed by:68 members
GMAT Score:750

still say better with 7

by Bryant@VeritasPrep » Fri May 29, 2009 4:00 am
I still say if you think you can get a 700+, it would pay off, but you will have to weigh the risks of spending the time preparing and then potentially not pulling off a 700+. There is no real risk in your score going down, since you would only need to disclose to banks your top score and schools, even though they get all your scores, should be good about considering your top score only. not sure if this adds additional clarity, but hope it helps.
Bryant Michaels
MBA Admissions Consultant


Enroll now. Pay later. Take advantage of Veritas Prep's flexible payment plan options
Top
Post new topic Post Reply
• Page 1 of 1