Advice - 630 - re-take?

[ca117]

I took the GMAT today and got a very disappointing 630 (38Q, 40V). I feel embarrassed even posting it, but I wanted to ask for some advice.

Basically, I started my entire MBA research and GMAT preparation process very late in the game - but still wanted to try to make the CBS April deadline. Although I feel other parts of my application are very strong, I think today's score firmly puts me out of contention.

I'm really disappointed because despite certain circumstances, I was determined to work hard and put forth the best application I could. I just don't want to give up on going to CBS. However, my only option would be to re-take the exam before April 15. Not only does this involve another $250 investment, but I also have to ask myself how likely it is that I will be able to get a better score in just a few days. Additionally, I would then be forced to pretty much submit my application the day of the deadline. On the other hand, perhaps it is worth it to try - if there's even a small chance that I could improve my score, wouldn't this be better than submitting my very below-average 630?

What are your thoughts?

[johnnycapps]

i would recommend waiting until the first round of next year for a couple of reasons. first, you are only allowed to write the gmat once every 31 calendar days. thus, you will not be able to actually write it again until may (well passed the deadline for CBS). also, given the very few spots available, it is highly unlikely that you will be accepted this late in the admission period with an official score of 630 (not entirely impossible, but very unlikely). if you were to apply now and were subsequently rejected, i know that most top business schools do not allow you to resubmit an entirely new application package next time around. they simply ask you to write a 500 word essay about what has changed since the last time when they rejected you.

if it truly is your dream to attend CBS, then prepare rigorously for the GMAT over the next 2-3 months and rewrite it this summer. once you achieve a score that is truly reflective of your best abilities, then apply first round next year. if you believe that you deserve to be there, give yourself the best shot to get there. don't rush through it.

[ca117]

Thanks for your reply. I had forgotten about the 31 day rule, as I wasn't planning on needing to take the GMAT again... I definitely understand the reality of the situation in terms of the likelihood of being accepted with a 630 score. Concerning reapplication - yes, if you reapply to CBS within one year, you generally do not submit another complete application - just the additional essay. However, you are also able to submit updated GMAT scores. So I would have thought reapplication would demonstrate that I have a strong interest in the school. Or would it be viewed as a negative to be rejected (with a score like mine) and then reapply?

[logitech]

Someone with V40 will beat the gmat sooner or later. Keep hitting hard!

[mjjking]

Totally agree with Logitech. The math part is way easier to improve than the verbal one. 40 means you are on 89% there, which is great!
Improving math takes a lot of practice and study, give yourself at least a couple of months and I'm pretty sure you'll improve dramatically!
Good luck!

[johnnycapps]

from what i understand, the gmat is a good indicator of business school success. whether reapplication shows a strong affinity for the school, or an unprepared applicant, is entirely up to the admissions committee based on the overall strength of your application. i also have aspirations to attend either cbs or hbs, but i would not risk being labeled as a previous rejection upon reapplication if i knew that i would definitely be able to bolster my app within a few months. honestly, you have a great verbal subscore. if you study diligently over the next couple of months to bring up your quant (given that most schools want applicants that score at minimum 80% in both quant and verbal), you will significantly increase your chances of success. you do not want to come across as unprepared to the admission committees.

[canada_sms]

Don't rush your application. Study hard, re-write the gmat and apply early decision for the 2010 app cycle.

[ca117]

logitech and mjjking - thanks for your encouragement!

johnnycapps - thanks for the candid advice. Any tips on how to tell my recommenders that I'll be submitting my application later - without humiliating myself due to the low score?