710 GMAT, Low Quant

[wisebrain]

I am applying to HBS, Wharton, Stanford, NYU, Kellogg, and Columbia this year. I got a 710 (92%), v.41 (92%) q.47 (79%). I am nervous that my quantitative score is below the magic 80% mark that top schools look for.

At the same time I am not planning to take the GMAT again since I've already taken it twice and don't feel like my score will improve dramatically.

I studied accounting and finance from a state university and graduated with a 3.9. I work in financial management consulting.

WHAT CAN I DO TO PUT MY QUANTITATIVE ABILITIES IN THE BEST POSSIBLE LIGHT?

[AppReview]

Hi,

Your overall GMAT is good, so we don't think the Quant should play too much of a spoilsport. Yes, these schools would have liked to see you past the 90 percentile mark, especially since your major was Accounting and Finance. Also, the fact that you have taken the GMAT twice (both scores will be reported as you know) but haven't been able to significantly improve your Quant score should be something that could work against you.

In order to offset this, you should substantiate the quality of your work exp. in the firm you work at through the kind of commendations/awards you received there. In other words, you would need to show how solid you are in Quantitative areas in the real world, that would offset your low Quant in the GMAT and erase any doubts the adcom has regarding your abilities. However, do this in a subtle manner without stressing too much on defending your score. Because then, this could come across as a desperate ditch effort, hell bent on justifying weaknesses instead of concentrating on the positives.

Hope this helps. All The Best.

Regards,
Team AppReview