bdahlg68 wrote:Dear Consultants,
I just took the GMAT with the target to score around 720. I fell just short with a score of 690 (Q46, V39). Right now, I don't plan on retaking since I don't think this will hold me back from getting into my target school, Michigan. My question is really if the top MBA programs have the same perception issue of a sub 700 score versus a 700+ score. Even though there is almost no difference between 690 and 700, I feel like there could be a larger perception gap in the administrations office. Is this in fact the case? Is it maybe a ding on my app to have a 690 instead of a 700+?

TIA for any insight!

Brian

Brian,

You really can't look at the GMAT's role in admissions decisions without the context provided by the rest of your application, or at least your academic performance, especially when it is so close to the school's average GMAT score. The question isn't so much the difference between a 690 and a 700; the question becomes one of the overall attractiveness of your application.

Basically I agree with you that your score is competitive at Ross and that you should not retake at this point in time, but there are factors that could make it less or more than competitive:
* How was our undergrad GPA? Above or below average?
* Is your work quantitative and business related, thus reinfocing the skills you need for b-school?
* Did your undergrad GPA have an upward trend?
* HOw were your grades in business-related or quantitative courses?
* Are you from an under-represented or over-represented group in the applicant pool?
* do you have lots of leadership experience or interesting extra-curricular activities?

Best,
Linda