GMAT 610 - which business school?

[yozhig]

I just passed the test - unfortunatelly it was 610 (quant 44, verbal 29). That's sad, especially as I did 690 in GMATPrep (quant 50).
I am thinking whether I can get admitted to a decent B-school with that score, or should I pass the test again.

I am 35 old white non-native English speaking (apparently..) female with scientific experience. Want to change my career.

Thanks a lot for advices

[Jen Kedro]

Hi there,

While a 610 is respectable and above the average score of all GMAT test-takers, it is well below the average at the top-ranked programs. If you scored 690 on GMAT Prep, it is likely that you are capable of scoring closer to that level on the real exam, so if you decide you are willing to invest the time/energy/$$ to re-take, that would enhance your application quite a bit if you could bring that score up to a more competitive level. Certainly people with 610's do get accepted everywhere, even Harvard, but the chances are much slimmer at that score level and it is much less common.

Overall, the decision will be based on your entire application, though, so in addition to the GMAT, be sure to invest time and energy into your essays and other factors. You'll need to convince the admissions committee that an MBA is right for you at this point in time, and that you are right for their program.

Finally, think about what programs you are most interested in and you feel will be the best fit for you; then find out what the average scores are at those programs, to truly get a feel for how competitive you would be.

Good luck!

[yozhig]

Dear Jen,

Thank you very much for answer!
I will do as you said - first, figure out about the programs, and then decide.