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Do I have a shot? Or should I re-take

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Do I have a shot? Or should I re-take

by victoryk » Fri Oct 30, 2009 9:15 am
I recently finished my GMAT and scored a 640. Definetly not my best score, I had been scoring between 680-720 in my practice tests. I want to apply for Round 2 applications and I know the deadline is quickly approaching.

I realize I don't stand a chance with top 10 schools, but I would love to get in to USC Marshall. Do I stand a chance to get in? Or should I retake the exam?

GMAT: 640
GPA: 3.4 (University of California, San Diego) degree in Economics.
Work Experience: 4 years at PricewaterhouseCoopers, promoted to senior associate after 2 years.

I believe I have 2 great recomendation letters, and have said great things about me. I know my gmat score is at the lower end, and I am confident if I retake the exam I can easily get a 680. Does anybody have any advice? Taking the exam in a month will definetly decrease the time I have for my application essays.

Any advice would be helpful.

Thanks
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by Bryant@VeritasPrep » Fri Oct 30, 2009 10:57 am
The Marshall school has an 80% GMAT range of around 550-700, so your 640 is probably not too many standard deviations from the mean, and is a good score. While the 680 would be better, I think your time would be best spent preparing thoughtful essays. The average 700+ scorer prepares for the GMAT for over 100 hours. If you are tight on time, you would be far better off putting that energy and time into your application package. Also, don't forget that your undergrad GPA appears to be higher than average for Marshall, which could work in your favor and help innoculate any concerns that might arise about your ability to handle the program. Having worked for a top firm like PWC is great and some say work experience is the most important element of the application mix. I wouldn't rule out top 10 schools--you should go to the best ranked school you can get into that is a good cultural fit for you. Remember, the posted GMAT averages are just that--an average. Many folks get it with scores far lower than yours. hope this helps.
Bryant Michaels
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by victoryk » Fri Oct 30, 2009 12:20 pm
Thank you very much for your reply. I would rather not go through the blood, sweat and tears of taking the test again. Just a little disappointed that I didn't score higher. I looked up the USC 80% range and the 550-700 I believe refers to the MBA.PM nighttime program. For full time I saw the 80% range is 640-720.


Thanks for the encouragement, I will start working on my applications.

Thanks again.
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