Should I Re-Take GMAT: 710 45Q 42V

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Syrios12: Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts; Posts: 2; Joined: Sat Jul 14, 2012 4:34 pm

by Syrios12 » Tue Feb 05, 2013 8:18 pm

Hi All,

Sorry for this somewhat ridiculous post. I realize that there is no magic yes or no answer to this question, but I would love some input. A bit of background:

I graduated with a 3.7 in Economics with a minor in math.
I have worked in Economic Consulting for the last 2 years.
I am hoping to apply to MBA programs in the next 1-2 years with an aim at top 10 schools.
I scored a 710 on the GMAT with a 45Q & 42V.

I am worried about two things: (1) That my 710 overall is a bit shy of the average for most top 10 schools, and (2) that my quant score is in the 68 percentile (I am hoping, though, that my quantitative background helps mitigate this effect).

I have only taken the GMAT once, but I did study quite a bit, and I am not confident that I can boost my quant score unless I really commit a lot of time to the endeavor (I also realize that I could retake and do worse...).

Given the above, do you think it is a good idea to commit a lot of time to trying to boost my GMAT - specifically my quant score? I have also thought about taking the GRE as I think the more straight forward type of math questions are more suited to my strengths. Any thoughts?

Thanks in advance.

Source: Beat The GMAT — The Application Process | Tue Feb 05, 2013 8:18 pm

GMAT/MBA Expert

brianlange77: GMAT Instructor; Posts: 417; Joined: Mon Jan 07, 2013 8:49 pmFollowed by: 93 members; Location: Chapel Hill, NC; Thanked: 132 times; GMAT Score:750

by brianlange77 » Tue Feb 05, 2013 10:03 pm

Syrios12 wrote:Hi All,

Sorry for this somewhat ridiculous post. I realize that there is no magic yes or no answer to this question, but I would love some input. A bit of background:

I graduated with a 3.7 in Economics with a minor in math.
I have worked in Economic Consulting for the last 2 years.
I am hoping to apply to MBA programs in the next 1-2 years with an aim at top 10 schools.
I scored a 710 on the GMAT with a 45Q & 42V.

I am worried about two things: (1) That my 710 overall is a bit shy of the average for most top 10 schools, and (2) that my quant score is in the 68 percentile (I am hoping, though, that my quantitative background helps mitigate this effect).

I have only taken the GMAT once, but I did study quite a bit, and I am not confident that I can boost my quant score unless I really commit a lot of time to the endeavor (I also realize that I could retake and do worse...).

Given the above, do you think it is a good idea to commit a lot of time to trying to boost my GMAT - specifically my quant score? I have also thought about taking the GRE as I think the more straight forward type of math questions are more suited to my strengths. Any thoughts?

Thanks in advance.

Like you said -- no right or wrong answer here... a few initial thoughts:

1. A minor in math (assuming good grades) means just as much, if not more, than a certain percentile on GMAT quant.
2. What level of school was your undergrad? (Ivy, near-Ivy, Directional Fly-over state school?)
3. What tier of consulting firm do you work for? (McK/BCG/Bain, Accenture/Deloitte, Joe's Consulting company?)
4. Do you have other holes in your application that might benefit from additional attention?

Thanks.

-Brian

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Syrios12: Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts; Posts: 2; Joined: Sat Jul 14, 2012 4:34 pm

by Syrios12 » Tue Feb 05, 2013 10:59 pm

Brian,

Thanks for the quick reply!

My math GPA is a 3.66.
I went to Brigham Young University in Provo, UT. Not sure how to categorize it.
I work for a top tier econ consulting firm, which is different than management consulting. But within econ consulting the firm I am at is in top 5.
Other holes probably include limited management experience since I do more analysis type work. Also, I have okay extracurricular work, but probably not stellar.

Thanks again.

GMAT/MBA Expert

brianlange77: GMAT Instructor; Posts: 417; Joined: Mon Jan 07, 2013 8:49 pmFollowed by: 93 members; Location: Chapel Hill, NC; Thanked: 132 times; GMAT Score:750

by brianlange77 » Fri Feb 08, 2013 5:50 pm

Syrios -- Solid. THe biggest advice I'd offer you is to go get some visible leadership experience (community, volunteer, take on a special project at work, etc.)

Good luck!

-Brian

PrepMBA.AlexLeventhal: Master | Next Rank: 500 Posts; Posts: 288; Joined: Wed Jun 22, 2011 10:23 amFollowed by: 11 members; Location: Los Angeles/NY; Thanked: 58 times

by PrepMBA.AlexLeventhal » Thu May 23, 2013 6:20 pm

Syrios,

So as not to restate what others have posted, let me share an observation from watching my private clients year after year. I have seen that when folks are on the borderline with their gmat or have the quant lower than what feels comfortable, in the majority of cases there is an improvement when they retake. Why? Well, sports performance is very psychological and is often about momentum. Same here. When you are intellectually talented and you commit to getting better, I have seen that you usually do. I might have different advice had you already taken 3 times and saw no change.

I'm sure a more straightforward answer would have been more gratifying than hearing my parlor psychoanalysis� But if you have time, why not? And if you are aiming for the top of the top 10… Study some more and see if your practice tests start to move. Don't worry about doing worse!

Good Luck!

Alex

Alex Leventhal
Harvard MBA, 1998
Prep MBA Admissions Consulting
www.prepmba.com
[email protected]
(323)424.3178

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