Low GMAT, should I wait to turn in applications?

[nk1981]

Stacy,

I just took the GMAT and got a 620. Going into it I was very focused on my quant b/c that is where i had been struggling on practice tests and I am a history major. However, i did okay on quant, I got a 43. However, I did terrible on verbal and got a 31. I believe I should be in the 40 range on verbal. So I think I should be in the 680-700 range. I'm planning on taking it again in late January.

I was planning on applying to second round to the following schools: Haas, Ross, Kenan-Flagler, and McCombs. I know that I am way out of the range for Haas and Ross. Should I wait to turn in my applications until the third round after I have taken the GMAT again in January?

My profile is :

Education: University of Texas (3.3) B.A History

Work: I have been the overseas operations manager for a US importing company that sells furniture and home accesories to major US retailers based in Indonesia for the pat three years.

Community: I have been very involved with a USAID funded group that helps Indonesian vendors become more efficient, sustainable and raise the living standards of their employees.

I think I have strong essays because of my unique experience working internationally and I have strong recomendations.

Any thoughts on what would give me the best chance would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,

Nick

[Lisa Anderson]

Dear Nick,

I'm glad to hear you are planning to retake the GMAT. I agree that is is better to submit in round 3 with a stronger GMAT score. However, you will want to have your applications ready to submit by your test date so you can submit your applications right after you take the test again. Many schools will not let you submit and hold your application pending a new test, but some will so you might check with each school.

Best of luck,
Lisa