Dear horace110,

Your total score is considered, but your breakdown is as well. The raw quantitative score and raw verbal scores are also important to demonstrate a level of aptitude where the admissions committee feels confident you can handle the work in the program. All schools are different on where that level is, and it might even vary a little based on what the rest of your profile looks like--high GPA v. low GPA, work experience, etc.

In my opinion, you have a great GMAT score. A 730 is high and above average for most schools. Generally speaking, a raw quantitative score over 45 is considered strong and over 50 is exceptional. So, your 47 quant is a pretty good place to be. There are some programs that really look for raw quant scores of 50+, but I would bet there are people in those programs with raw quant scores in the 45-49 range also.

Best of luck,
Lisa