Mediocre GMAT Score, Non-Traditional Applicant, What Next?

[drabblejhu]

Hi, Stacy or Lisa,

I took the GMAT today and got a 670 (40 Verbal; 42 Quant). I took the MGMAT course, and studied consistently.

I am primarily interested in applying to Stanford's joint MBA-MA in Education program. However, the competition this year and my weakness in quant gives me pause.

What are my chances are for applying R2 this year? What I can do to improve them? Should I try to take the test again in January while working on my essays? Should I wait until next year so that I don't have to face the challenges of re-applying.

Here is a fuller picture of me: I am a diversity coordinator and English teacher at an independent high school in the Bay Area. I have been in education for the last 4.5 years, and my goal is to move into for- and non-profit management with the intention of starting my own organization with an education focus in the next few years.

My academic background includes a BA and MA in English from Stanford (GPA: 3.88). I took a few econ courses, but no straight math courses since AP Calculus in high school.

My recommendations from a fellow teacher, my department chair, and the principal of the school will be strong and well-written. I can opt to add other letters from another colleague and the Head of School, who received his PhD in Education from Stanford and knows my work pretty well.

Career highlights include teaching service learning courses, leading students to initiate change efforts on campus, facilitating difficult conversations among colleagues, and creating a collaborative project for private and public schools. I have presented my work at a regional and a national conference; last year, I was awarded a grant for outstanding teaching by my administrators. In addition, I was chosen to participate in a selective teaching institute at Columbia University. Currently, I'm on the Board of Directors of a non-profit that provides education and support services to educators and students of color.

In addition, I have participated in a leadership development course; currently, I'm in the business school mentorship program for women.

Thanks in advance for your advice,
J

[Lisa Anderson]

Dear J,

I would focus on your applications at this point so you can submit the best application package possible. I think you have a competitive profile and have interesting experiences to share. I understand your concern with your quant score, but I'm not convinced it is low enough to retake the GMAT. Of course, higher is better but if you retake the test you always run the risk of getting a lower total score--and your 670 is a strong score. If you believe you can increase your quant score without losing the verbal score, then it might be worth retaking it in early January. I also think you can assuage concerns on your quantitative skills by taking a few math courses instead like college algebra and calculus. You can note in the optional essay that you will be taking those courses prior to starting business school as part of your preparation.

Best of luck,
Lisa

[drabblejhu]

Lisa,
Thanks for your encouraging message. I registered to take the test, but I'm definitely prioritizing the essays as of now. I just signed up for some hours with Stacy Blackman, so I look forward to working with you or one of your colleagues!

J