I just Beat The GMAT!

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 starting as an investment banking analyst in a little over a month. Won't have time to take the test later because of the hours 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.

First of all, this question would probably be best for the admission consulantants, but I will give you my opinion.

People too often think that you MUST get the GMAT average of a school to gain admittance. This is not the case. 680 is a very good score (FAR above average). Furthermore, it seems like you will gain valuable work experience with your upcoming job (very important for top MBA programs). However, the one recurring trait that I have noticed is that the top schools like to see the quantitative scores at the 80th percentile because these schools think that it prooves you can handle the first year of b-school.

It seems that you are an intelligent person who is very capable of achieving this goal. If you feel you have the time to do this, then go for it! But if not, I think you have a great shot with the top schools if you make sure that the rest of your application is strong.

But like I said, asking an admissions consultant is probably your best bet.

Good Luck!

Thank you for the reply. Do you mind commenting on how much I am risking if I do decide to retake?

Thanks again.

I dont think you are risking anything. Most of the schools take the best score and since you are not going to apply any time soon you also have the opportunity of building a good profile, doing something extra outside work etc to make a strong competitive profile. Since you were consistently scoring in the 670 to 720 range i dont think your score is going to go less than that. Go ahead and give it a try if you want to.

I agree with hk. Also, why would you think you will do worse? GMAC claims to have a standard deviation of 30 for the test. This means that a test taker will generally score within 30 points of his or her ability. If I had to guess, you probably scored below your ability. And if you study more, with a litte luck you can get a 740+

You're in a demographic where having 680 is not as bad as having 680 for other groups. No one please don't flame me but I've been keeping up with who gets accepted and who does not from other boards into top programs and I see the trends.

That being said, it will only make you better to have over 700. FWIW, the top programs haven't really noticed higher GMAT scores. With the exception of the very best, like Stanford, seems to be that 700 to 710/720 has been basically the range at most top 10's/20's. If schools really wanted to, I think they can load up the whole class with all 750's, but they do not for diversity reasons and because they know that GMAT is not all there is to it in the world of business (many soft skilled people with mediocre gmats but are excellent leaders)