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Score vs. Percentiles - which is more important?

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Score vs. Percentiles - which is more important?

by anapplicant » Sat Dec 18, 2010 4:21 am
I just took a 2nd GMAT today, and while the overall score has improved, the score differential between quant and verbal has widened (mostly because I was so focused on improving verbal this time around that quant fell by the wayside. Here are the comparisons:

1st testing: Q47 (77%)/V38 (83%)/690 (88%)
2nd testing: Q43 (65%)/V44 (97%)/710 (92%)

I'm applying to HBS, Stanford, and Wharton. For each, which score would you recommend that I report, particularly since HBS and Stanford only allow one score to be reported?

Also, would you think that taking the test again (after the round 2 deadline) would benefit me at all? I know it wouldn't make it in time to be considered along with my application but would sending an email sometime in January stating that I scored a 750+ be beneficial, or would my other qualifications more than compensate?

Thanks for your advice!
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by Tani » Sat Dec 18, 2010 11:06 am
When GMAT reports your official score it will include all scores for tests taken in the last five years. If you have to fill in a single score on your application, use the most recent one. In the end, they will see them all.
Tani Wolff
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by anapplicant » Sun Dec 19, 2010 12:56 am
Thanks so much for your prompt response. To clarify my question, I am more worried that in submitting the 710 score, the Quant percentile will raise red flags (particularly a 65%). On the flip side, the 690 score is much more balanced in the scores (78% Math / 83% Verbal), with the downside being it isn't an "over 700 score". Due to the fact that admissions committees are concerned about 80th percentile in each section, would there be merit in submitting the 690 score as opposed to the 710 score?

In terms of the score reports, all of the schools have stated that I do not need to submit official score reports until after I am accepted (which would be after the actual evaluation process). This would mean that both Harvard and Stanford would only see one score (so either one that is above 700 but low quant, or one that's 690 but balanced percentiles). Given this situation, let me know if your recommendation would still be to submit the 710 score. I am curious as to whether the fact that I am in a quant-heavy industry and did well in my economics major would be sufficient to overcome the low quant in the 710 score.

Your input is much appreciated!
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by Tani » Sun Dec 19, 2010 1:51 pm
It's a tight call, but I would go with the 710. There is such a psychological impact form those over-700 scores. Some schools are concerned that people who get below 50%ile will have trouble with the classwork. That shouldn't be a problem at 65%ile. You can certainly use an optional question to point up any strong undergraduate quantitative grades as well as the quant aspects of your work and your 78%ile on the former test. You might also mention to your recommenders that it would be helpful if they would reference your quantitative skills.

Good luck
Tani Wolff
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