Profile/Retake GMAT?

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Profile/Retake GMAT?

by pocketsalt » Sat Oct 18, 2008 6:06 pm
I took the GMAT this morning and received a 720 (95%) - (44Q - 70%, 44V-97%). I think I did all right on the AWA, but I had a lot of trouble sleeping and am certain I can do better on the quantitative section. I am applying to receive a Masters of Science in Finance, and some of my target schools are the London School of Economics, Oxford, and Princeton. Overall, I plan on applying to programs with varying levels of math, since I am uncertain what I really want to do.
I am 24, have no real work experience, and graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a B.A. in economics and a general business minor. I graduate summa cum laude with a 4.0 GPA, and I won some small award for a research paper. I also took a decent amount of math, including calc 1-3 and statistics. If I need to, I can take linear algebra, diff eq, and other courses in the spring of 2009. Also, I had a few part-time jobs in tutoring/teaching saxophone lessons, but I did not have any extracurricular activities that would stand out too much.
As for the GMAT, I got a 760 (49Q, 44V) on the second practice test I took, but I think I could do better on that with a bit more practice, especially on the quantitative section.
Should I retake it? Do Msci Finance programs look at overall GMAT or individual sections more? Are there other aspects of my profile that you think I should improve? I am applying for 2009, so I plan to complete most of my applications by the end of the year.
Thank you very much for the help, and I apologize if I left out any important information.

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by Lisa Anderson » Mon Oct 20, 2008 3:54 pm
Dear pocketsalt,

I see no reason for you to retake your GMAT if you are applying to MS Finance programs. Admissions for MS programs is different than MBA programs, so it is hard to say what the schools you are applying to are looking for in their candidates. Generally speaking, you need to present a rationale for the MS Finance in relation to your career goals. Also, you will want to explain a gap in employment between graduating with your BA and starting the MS program. Your effort is better spent on your applications and your rationale for why you want to get a MS in Finance.

Good luck,
Lisa
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by pocketsalt » Tue Oct 21, 2008 3:46 pm
Thank you very much your input.