Frustrated with my 680 score. Everyone tells me to retake.

[absolut_frui2233]

My FIRST attempt at GMAT: Feb 2007

I was still in my junior year of college and due to bad timing, had to take the GMAT amidst my final exams (a few schools I wanted to get in required GMAT and it was my fault I should have prepared earlier). As I hardly had time to properly prepare for it, it was no surprise that I ended up with only a 620. I ended up not applying for those schools as I knew my score was too low.


My SECOND attempt at GMAT: Jan 2009
I decided to take it again, this time with a totally new strategy and approach. I had about 1.5 months of free time during Dec 2008 - Jan 2009. During those months, I spent almost everyday at home, doing practice questions and mock exams on the computer. I did every questions on the OG11 twice, went on all GMAT forums to tackle difficult questions and learned different people's methods in approaching them. During the last few weeks of prep, I was scoring between 700-730 on the practice tests and was confident I was on my way to a 700+.

On the exam date, I was more than ready. I had a good sleep the night before, I knew all the maths formulas, and I found myself very calm. FOR SOME REASON THOUGH, I FOUND THE QUESTIONS ON THE REAL DAY TO BE MUCH MORE TRICKY. I ended up with a 680 (Q47, V36)

For the past few months I tried to tell myself that I have done my very best and should be satisfied with a 680. Combined with my 1.5 year work exp and my unique experiences abroad, I thought I had some chance (though not a strong chance) for the Top 5 MBA programs.

I aim to apply this October 2009 for the 2010 entry.

However, a few weeks ago everyone I have been asking MBA advice from says 680 is def. not good enough. It is a good score that passes everyone school's safety net, but isn't good enough to compensate my rather short work experience.

Now I don't what to say but that I really gave it my best shot in my 2nd attempt, I really did. I put in 120% of my concentration. The thought of retaking it is just EXHAUSTING.

So here I am back to my beloved forum, asking you guys for precious advice. My dream schools are HBS, Kellogg, Wharton, Stanford etc. will my 680 score make it? Short work experience and low GMAT score aside, I guarantee that my undergrad GPA and other activities are outstanding.

Do you think I should retake it? and if so, what new strategies can I employ that's different from the 2nd time I took it?

Pls help me out, I'm really frustrated right now

[skang357]

Up to you. 680 is decent score. They won't be wowed by it if that's your goal. But they won't be concerned about it that's for sure. I think an A is 700, 680 is A-, 750 is A+.

Think interview, and work experience, and gpa more important once you pass the bar, and think you just passed the bar with 680. Apply early, that help.

[DanaJ]

Guys, I was just browsing the HBS homepage yesterday and their score range is... 550-800! I was kind of shocked: 550?! Then the GMAT is not, after all, as essential as some make it out to be! I'd say that if you have such an unique experience, then the GMAT won't stand in your way of getting into a Top 5. Best of luck!

[Vitalina]

^^ I have heard a lot of 'rumours' that the lowest scores are 'reserved' for international applicants.

[DanaJ]

Yeah, but still: maybe they'd go for a 550 for some one from let's say, Haiti, but I don't think they'd discriminate that much against fellow Americans, so to speak... My guess is that with a 650 even a tenth-generation American can get in....

[absolut_frui2233]

Up to you. 680 is decent score. They won't be wowed by it if that's your goal. But they won't be concerned about it that's for sure. I think an A is 700, 680 is A-, 750 is A+.

Think interview, and work experience, and gpa more important once you pass the bar, and think you just passed the bar with 680. Apply early, that help.

Thanks for your replies guys.

Skang357, I plan to apply to around 10 MBA programs this year and want to send apps in as early as round 1, or latest round 2. Hopefully that would help.

But you guys do think that 680 isn't THAT bad IF I try to portray a unique profile right? I do have a 3.9/4.0 GPA from a top uni in my country, several internships from big shot firms, and experiences in ~5 different countries (although i'm currently very young and out of their age range).

Also..based on my GMAT strategies last time, do you think I can change anything/do anything better if I retake? cuz i thought i did my best...maybe I should try a prep course by Kaplan or Princeton? hmm

[Arsene Lupin]

You have a good shot at all these schools mate. You are almost guaranteed a spot in top 10 schools mate.

Any leadership experience? Top 5 schools would be a bit picky about this, especially HBS.

I think the GMAT balances a low GPA. It shows the college that you got the brains to go through their materials. But your GPA is crazily high, so no big deal there.

[4score20]

If the thought of retaking the GMAT is "exhausting" then don't do it. You'll be defeated before you start. Schools look at your entire application, not just the GMAT score.

[aim-wsc]

I dont think you need to retake the test...

[VP_Jim]

I agree with everyone above. If you're mentally done with the GMAT, don't bother to take it again. 680 is plenty good for any MBA program as long as the rest of your application is up to par. I've had students with lower scores get into Harvard, Stanford, Michigan, etc. At this point, focus on the rest of your application, especially your resume, essays, and references.