I just Beat The GMAT!

Hey guys,

I took the GMAT on Thursday for the second time and scored a 730 with a percentile of 96% (Q48 - 83%, V42 - 95%). I scored a 690 the first time (Q47, V38, AWA - 6). I'm not particularly happy with the score as my practice tests were in the range of 750-770 before the exam.

Anyway,is the score good enough? I'm looking to apply to the top programs only - Harvard, Stanford, Wharton, Kellogg, and LBS. Stanford and Harvard have an average of 720, and the others are all around the high 600s/low 700s. My demographic is somewhat competitive from what I hear as well (Indian/Male/Finance). On the plus side, I have a fairly high GPA from Wharton undergrad (3.7+), and I can get some solid recommendations as well. I'm doing some extracurriculars as well, which will probably increase now that I have some free time.

I'd love to hear what you guys think.

EDIT: Also, if you need any advice/study tips etc., feel free to PM me or ask me on this thread. This forum was really useful to me in my prep, and I'd love to help out wherever I can.

Dude... You are GOLDEN! Wharton undergrad with a 3.7 and 730 GMAT. If you can show leadership in some way you are a shoo-in.

Hey Zuleron,

I didn't notice that you're from Philly . Thanks for the advice (and for those amazing 700+ maths questions, those helped me a lot!)

With the economy in it's current form, you need almost a perfect score. Harvard and all the heavy hitters are now beginning to turn a large portion of people away. Don't think you're the only one applying for Harvard with a great score.

The largest group of people ever are applying at these schools with near perfect GMAT scores. If the average admission for these schools is 720 then expect it to be bumped up to at least 765 or more, they will still have a lot of people to choose from.

Dude, unfortunately with a 730 and a wharton undergrad you won't get in, so don't loose your time applying!! Focus on your GMAT and take it again next year and leave this year's applicants in peace
just kidding dude!!! You definately beat the gmat!

You got a big shot chance!! congrats and best of luck!!!

To each their own. Applying and just assuming you get in is a recipe for disaster. You're applying with the assumption that not many people have this score, in this recession you are up against people with more years experience and higher GMAT scores, welcome to the new economy.

Hey uymba, thanks for the post! I'm actually not applying this year, will be applying for a spot in the Class of 2011 .

casey259: I see your point, but I highly doubt that the average score will go to 765. The range of scores for admits is somewhere from 550-800 for Stanford and Harvard, so I'd think the average score would probably be around 730 or 740 tops by the time I apply. I'm also not assuming that I'll get in anywhere, I just hope that I'm competitive enough to have a shot at admission.