Please Evaluate!

[jms]

Hi Stacy,

I have weak quantitative skills on paper. My question is whether taking a statistics course this Fall at NYU (and getting an A) will be sufficient. I could take 2 course but I'm afraid that might interfere with my applications and volunteer time. I don't really want to take the GMAT again. Let me know if you think this is risky.

27 year old female looking to get MBA, concentration in Marketing
- 3.3, Boston College 2003, English
- 680 (Q- 39, V- 42) AWA - 6
- Associate for real estate developer in NYC for 2 years. Involved in everything from keeping track of sales (communicating to investors) to meeting with marketing team.
-Prior to current real estate gig, first year out of college was an assistant media planner/buyer for Kraft, & Coke clients.
- Tutor inner city kid 2x weekly during school year for non-profit city program
Top Junior tennis player. Conducted tennis lessons for youth in summers during college in NJ and Martha's Vineyard.
Target Schools- Columbia, NYU, Duke, Cornell, Yale, UVA, Georgetown

Thank you!

[Amy]

Hi jms,

I'm assuming you didn't take any business/quant courses in college? Therefore I think it would be helpful to take a class. Have you taken college level calculus? I would advise taking calculus before statistics if not. If so, taking statistics could help.

Good luck!

Amy

[jms]

Thanks Amy. I only took Pre-calculus in high school. I am planning on taking statistics for business at NYU. I just want to make sure that this quantitative score alone will not keep me out of school, if I demonstrate that I can handle advanced math, otherwise. I believe I will do fine in business school finance/accounting courses, but it doesn't come quick to me in stressful timed circumstances (GMAT).

[Amy]

Hi jms,

Is there a reason you don't want to take the GMAT again? The admissions process is holistic, even when it comes to the numbers. Therefore, the answer is that no, your current GMAT score will not keep you out of business school. However, you will be more competitive with stronger academics.

My general advice on retaking the GMAT after one try is that if you think you can improve the score, and it's below the mean for your target schools, it's worth retaking it. At the very least it shows that you are persistent and serious about your goals.

My advice would be to take a calculus class instead of statistics and then try the GMAT again. I think you will see a huge quant improvement after refreshing your math skills.

Good luck!

Amy