Advice on GMAT scores

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Advice on GMAT scores

by tschuma » Mon Sep 13, 2010 9:14 am
I've taken the GMAT 3 times now.

1st attempt
Q42V40 - 660

thinking I could do better I took it again
Q40V42 - 680

Knowing my Q was lower than it needed to be for the program I am applying for, I took it a 3rd time

Q46V31 - 640

Unfortunately, the Verbal on the last test was the lowest score Ive ever gotten - by alot (practice and real test included, I have NO idea what happened)

My best Q and V is equivalent to the 710 area. Should I take this again? Does my last attempt just look awful?
I am entering UCLA as a MPP student and would like to do a joint degree with UCLA Anderson. The biggest weakness of my score (since ill have to use the 680 if I dont take it again) is the Quantitative. I am taking several graduate-level quant classes this fall and have a high undergrad GPA 3.75 in a quantitative field. Would that be enough to overcome lower GMAT?

Any insight would be much appreciated.
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by Lisa Anderson » Tue Sep 14, 2010 5:26 pm
Dear tschuma,

You have evidence in your profile of quantitative aptitude with your undergraduate degree. Depending on how you do in your graduate level work, you will also have those courses. Did you take the GRE for the MPP? How did you do on it? You might also submit a copy of your GRE scores if your scored well on the quant section as evidence of your abilities. I think you do have a chance with your 680 even though your quant score is a 40. A 40 is not a horrible score; it is actually a little above average for the GMAT. I think it is a matter of you deciding if you feel you have a strong enough application otherwise--if you do, then I would use the 680 and move forward.

Good luck,
Lisa
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