Retake the GMAT?

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Retake the GMAT?

by JJSD50 » Thu Jun 25, 2009 9:27 pm
Not sure why my posting was removed, but I'll try this again.

So... I'm debating retaking the GMAT. I took it about a year ago and scored 690 (80%+ in each subject). I was a bit disappointed not to break the 700 threshold, but at the same time started to get fairly busy with work and didn't have time to recommit to taking it again. Now that I'm looking at applying to school, I'm thinking that 690 may not be high enough.

Summary application:

Work - banking (debt market; leveraged finance supporting private equity buyouts); a couple promotions; ranked in the top of my class; deals to talk about; will have 5 years of experience when entering; high salary (if that factors in - what I'd be giving up).

Recs - will have solid recs from VP and managing director I work for. Both have top tier professional/academic backgrounds.

Extracurricular - 2-6hr/week commitment at an animal shelter for the past year and a half. Have done habitat days. Have done volunteer tax preparation programs.

Leadership - was a resident assistant (RA) in undergrad. Helped start a student run property management team for a large student housing property during undergrad. Unfortunately, I won't have any analysts supporting me until September (I work in a satellite office).

Essays - Feel fairly confident with these, but we'll see.

GPA - A weak spot. 3.2 overall (not top-tier school), dual concentration in financial management and accounting, minor in psychology. But I was working 2-3 jobs to put myself through.

Personal - white, male, 25.

Target schools: Columbia (early decision), Kellogg, Stern

Thanks in advance!
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by Lisa Anderson » Fri Jun 26, 2009 7:18 pm
Dear JJSD50,

I think you are within range for your target schools. Your 690 is close to the average for Columbia, Stern and Kellogg and your GPA is a little below average. Since admissions decisions are based on more than the numbers, your essays, recommendations, and interviews can get you a positive decision. These components give you another chance to shine and make your case for a seat in the class. You will need to convey your successful leadership and teamwork experiences in your essays as well as a solid rationale for getting your MBA in relation to your past experiences and future career goals. Nevertheless, if you have only taken the GMAT once, it might be worth taking it again--especially if you think you can get it up 20 points.

Best of luck,
Lisa
Lisa Anderson
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Stacy Blackman Consulting

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