Research MBA Programs

Hi,

I attempted GMAT for the second time yesterday and scored a pathetic 610 (Q:47, V:28). In my first attempt I got 640(Q:46, V:32, E:5.5). I don't know what went wrong in the exam. I was scoring around 700 in all my practice tests. I have put in a lot of effort and time in preparing. And for my second attempt I put close to 90% of my time in Verbal preparation. I guess, I just don't do good on the verbal section for some reason.

Profile:
30/M
I have a Masters degree in Computer Science with a GPA of 3.89/4.0
I did my undergrad in India and scored 81% (Top 10% of the class)
I have decent volunteer work and currently I am a project coordinator at a volunteer organization.

I have been working for the past 4 years in a top tech firm and was promoted recently. Currently I am leading a project and managing an international team(3 members).

I plan to apply to the following schools:
1) Columbia
2) Stern
3) Tuck
4) Wharton
5) Darden (may be)

What are my chances? Should I take any courses at some community courses in order to strengthen my profile?
What else can I do in order to strengthen my application? How can I offset the low verbal score?

Thanks!

Hi Rainmaker,

It will be very challenging to be accepted at one of those schools with a 640. I would suggest taking a prep course and trying to improve your score so that you can fall into the 80% range (usually about 680-740 at top schools). Of course, a high GMAT will not guarantee acceptance but it will help make you competitive.

In addition, you need to make sure you have fantastic recommendations, otherwise, your profile looks good. Much will come down to recommendations and your essays.

Hope this helps!

Hi Jessica,

Thanks a lot for your reply.

1) If I take the gmat for the 3rd time, will it have a negative impact on my application? Does it matter how many times you take the gmat?

2) Now that almost all schools accept GRE as well, should I try giving GRE instead of GMAT? I am trying to figure out which option is better - giving GMAT for the 3rd time or giving GRE instead.

Thanks for your time!

If you want to go to business school, you should take the GMAT. In theory, it doesn't matter how many times you take the test, the schools only care about your best score. However, in practice, if you report all of the scores to the school, they may take into account that it took you 3 tries to score well (and they will also then have access to your worst score). This is why I often advise people to self-report rather than have scores sent automatically. This way, schools will not have your "bad" scores!

Also, keep in mind that most people get similar scores on subsequent tries UNLESS they prepare differently. In your case, I'd make sure to take a prep course or get a tutor prior to taking the test a third time.

Good luck!

Thanks a lot Jessica!

Appreciate your help.

I've heard that you're better off studying for the GMAT as opposed to the GRE because apparently the GMAT is more difficult. I don't know for sure if that's correct though. I was going to study to take a gre practice test but I decided to go the other route and I'm now preparing instead for the GMAT. Does the GMAT really carry more weight with colleges?