560 on 2nd attempt ! Should i try again?

[mba_mom]

hi all.

I got 560 on GMAT on my second attempt with self study. first attempt was 430. Now I am planning to take a prep course and try again. I need to get into Ross. I need help to find out which prep course is worth the money or should I try to write the best essays I possibly can and apply to Ross anyways. I read a blog on you site the other day about how a person got in to Ross with a similar score but with the help of an admissions consultant. Is that $250 better spent on the application for Ross or retaking the GMAT?

Appreciate your comments also since applications have to be in by 15th of May.

Thanks!!

[osamakhan]

Gmat score is one portion of admission criteria. If you have a solid work experience, GPA, excellent essays and recommendations then its worth it. However, if your qunat score was low then retake would a better option.

I also did some research and acceptance rate of Ross for a full time MBA program is just 20% and they take gmat seriously.

Check this out:

https://www.businessweek.com/bschools/ra ... higan.html

Thanks
-Sam

[mba_mom]

Thanks Sam!

I am interested in the evening MBA program and have 11 years of full time work exp. My quant score was 35. Will that help me?

[wgrau]

I recommend talking to an admissions rep there. I found found in my experiences, most will try to be helpful. Explain your situation, your score, and your work experience, and ask them if they recommend a retake. If they have concerns, they will let you know.

It is also very important to do serious research on the programs you want to apply to. This may not be the case, but it seems as if you aren't even aware of what their admissions criteria are (i.e. importance of GMAT vs. experience/GPA/recommendations/interview). Dig deep into the program and find out what the program sees as the important aspects of your candidacy and whether or not you even come close with them. They should also publish their mid 80 percentile GMAT scores for both their full time and part time programs, this should give you a very good idea of whether you should retake.

[osamakhan]

I think evening programs are competitive enough but i believe that you would be fine with a 560. I have a 530 (44Q, 20V) and i am currently placed on waitlist of Univ. of Maryland Smith Business part time program (It is considered a ranking school in the region). After GMAT, i worked really hard on my essays and other pieces of application. I am constantly in contact with the admission office, which shows them my interest in their business school. Since, last year 25 out of 57 candidate from waitlist were offered admission, so that's a big motivator for me.

I think its best that you apply and write an additional essay about what you have to offer to the Ross business school. Try to find, avg. GMAT score for part time students and what is the acceptance rate. I would suggest to personally meet with someone in the admission office.

Good luck.