I just Beat The GMAT!

I didn't crush the GMAT, but I at least flicked its ear. Several places online state that some top schools apply a 80/80 rule, meaning an applicant should score above 80 percent in both sections. I want to be excited about my score, but the 75 percentile in quant is making me question the strength of my score. Can anyone put a nail in the coffin on this one - will a top-5 school not admit an applicant because of a 75 percentile quant score? I've spent lots of time studying for this test, so if I need to increase the quant score, then I'll retake, if not, then let the celebration begin.

overall your score is good enough to be accepted into any program. Now that doesn't mean you are a shoe in or will be accepted. You need to work on your application essay's. Get great recommendation letters, and do well when you go in for your interview. Also I it depends on your work experience too.

good luck, and your off to a fantastic start!

i've heard the exact same thing about the 80-80 rule. i've even read that some programs (i believe it was Wharton) applies an 85-85 rule. but, if you look at the 80% range for the gmat scores of successful applicants to a top b-school, they are always in the 660-760 range. so, by consequence, a number of successful applicants are below the 80-80 range.

given your amazing verbal score, if you can score a 49 for your raw score in quant, it might be worth your time to retake it. these adcom people see 700-720 all day. you can definitely crack a 760. that will stand out nicely.

blah8065 - you are absolutely right. The rest of my resume is pretty solid - 3.8 GPA, and 5 years work experience for a Fortune 500 company in an international leadership role. It seems like moving on is the more sensible thing to do. Why spend more time trying to score 5 percentage points higher in quant?

johnnycapps - I feel your sentiment too. The thing that's biting at me is that I took the test another time a couple months ago and I scored a 49 in quant, but my verbal score was a 35. So I totally know I'm capable. Man, I piece together a Q49 and a V45 and that score would be beautiful (i.e. 760+). You make a good point about schools accepting people who scored in the 660 range - I believe that at a 660, one of the person's score - i.e. quant or verbal score - would have to be below the 80th percentile.

blagh8065 is right when he says that, even if you have scored well, you assay , workex and interview will decide werher you will get your desired b-school.
You surely have scored well, and as you said you seem solid in other areas as well, so now jaust focus on the interview.
congratulations for a good score and Good luck!

Thanks for the response Roma! Yeah, that seems to make the most sense to me too. Time to move on and work on the app. Thanks!