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

Redeem

Evaluate please - in betweener?

Free advice from the world's top MBA consultants
This topic has expert replies
Post new topic Post Reply
Previous Topic Next Topic
Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts
Posts: 1
Joined: Wed Sep 11, 2013 3:03 pm

Evaluate please - in betweener?

by kennedy1982 » Wed Sep 11, 2013 3:14 pm
Hi, I am 30 years old with 6-7 years work experience in tech, most recently at an established ecommerce firm in Bay Area in a business role. I went to Stanford for undergrad, where I had a 3.3 GPA. I just scored a 720 on the GMAT. If I want to go to a top-5 B-school, should I retake the GMAT? My last two practice tests scored in the 740-750 range, and then I dropped on test day. By retaking, I would be forced to apply in the second round rather than the first, and I am worrying this later application round will disadvantage me. But I was thinking it makes sense to go for the higher GMAT score since I know I have a good shot at getting it, and need to compensate for a lower-end GPA. Assume my recommendations and essays are strong. Thanks for your help!
Top
Source: — Ask an MBA Admissions Consultant |

GMAT/MBA Expert

User avatar
Legendary Member
Posts: 1088
Joined: Thu Apr 18, 2013 3:29 pm
Thanked: 171 times
Followed by:52 members

by CriticalSquareMBA » Thu Sep 12, 2013 1:16 pm
Hey there,

This is an interesting question with, unfortunately, no right answer. Your GPA isn't fantastic but you went to Stanford. What did you study? That makes a difference.

If you're looking to apply top 5, then a 720 is average for most of those programs. On the other hand, you're not the first person to say, with confidence, that they can improve their 720 by 20, 30, or 40 points because of how they have done on their mock exams. It doesn't always pan out. That's something to consider.

Overall, in your case, would 20 or 30 points make a difference? I'm inclined to say no. If your R1 applications are ready to go, I'd suggest you actively pursue this round versus the next.

Then again, it's a personal question that has a lot to do with your comfort level. For example, if you get dinged you may spend the rest of your life wishing you had retaken the GMAT (even if your ding had nothing to do with your score). So, in that regard, it might be worth future peace of mind to consider retaking it.

All that said, I still think you should go for R1 - there's no guarantee you'll improve your score while there is an advantage to applying earlier. As the adage goes, a bird in hand is worth more than two in the bush.

Bhavik
Critical Square | MBA Admissions Services

Web | Facebook | Twitter

Sign up for a free consultation today!

We love helping! Was this post helpful to you? Thank us and let me know!
Top
Post new topic Post Reply
• Page 1 of 1