Thoughts, opinions? (730)

[coacheyg]

I've been lurking these forums for a couple of weeks, so hello with my first post.

I took the exam today and I know I shouldn't be disappointed with the results, but am asking for an honest opinion on whether I should consider retaking.

My breakdown is 47Q (79th percentile), 42V (95th), 730 (96th)

I'm aiming for either HBS or Stanford, so that's why I'm still apprehensive about my score. I also factor that my undergrad GPA was 3.5, from an ivy. I will hopefully have a couple/few decent years of financial services work experience by the time I apply for b-school. the reason I took the gmat so early was because I thought I wouldn't have the time or motivation to study once working full-time.

So, taking these pieces into account, can you give some recommendations? I scored 770, 740, 770, 740 on tests 1 and 2 of Powerprep and GMATPrep. I just thought that a 99th percentile score would help balance out my low gpa, or am I misinformed? I know a lot of things factor into an application, but would an adcom just look at my stats and reject? (also how will my SAT factor into consideration? I had 99th percentile in that, with perfect math, and this score is a little contrary to that)

thanks in advance

[aj5105]

730 is a great score. Just go out and party!

[coacheyg]

thanks for your kind words, i really appreciate it. i also understand that's the sentiment i'd receive from most of this board.

still, i scoured other parts of the forums, reading tens of threads and it really seems like the 79 quant isn't good enough. i never knew there was an "80% mark," but it makes sense to me and has been referenced in numerous mba consultant posts.

i don't want to come off as whiny, but it seems like being an asian-american male, with a business undergrad background and fin. services work experience means i'm the most common of the pack. it's sad to think that i'm marginalized like that, but true. add on a middle-of-the-line gpa and i felt/feel like it's home run the GMAT or bust.

right now i understand i'm in a downer mood, and if an adcom read this i'd be rejected on the spot, but (and i cringe at the thought) i actually think i'll retake the exam. on the positive side, though, i can breathe a little easier and look towards improving other parts of my potential application.

thanks again

[VP_Jim]

I'm not an admissions consultant, by here's my two cents:

1. Your GPA is fine. Have a look at the average GMAT scores at the top schools; if I remember correctly, they are right around the mid 3s. Particularly since you went to an Ivy, I really can't fathom that GPA harming your application.

2. I've had students get into top programs with scores far below yours. The 730 would likely be fine, and I can't imagine that tacking 10-20 more points onto that would really make a difference (and if you retake, in my experience, you're just as likely to go down). You've crossed the hurdle (700) - now focus on the rest of your application.

3. Speaking of, your work experience will be a huge factor in your application. Your numbers are good enough to get your application looked at; after that, the adcomms will look at the other stuff. Work on getting references, getting accomplishments/promotions, and spotting possible essay topics from day one on the job.

I hope this helps!

[mike22629]

Buddy a 3.5 from an Ivy is VERY strong in my opinion (this isnt law school). Schools will love to take you just because of your undergrad degree. To put it plainly, your stats are quite strong and as long as the rest of your application (work experience, letters of reccommendations, etc.) is strong, you have a shot anywhere.

P.S.
It never hurts to contact your prospective programs and ask them for their opinions.

[GMAT_KING]

Believe in yourself!

Your GMAT score and profile is decent, don't hesitate, move on GMAT is just the one factor in app process. Now concentrate on areas like SOP, Resume etc..

Wishing you good luck...

Satish, :arrow:

[coacheyg]

thanks everyone for your kind words and advice

@ mike, can i actually contact admissions offices and ask "what are my chances/what do you think?" the thought to never crossed my mind..

[indir0ver]

Congratulations matey! Dont look back now, and never think once about your GPA. That's done and you can't change it. What you can do further is, the couple of years experience that you are looking forward to should be excellent one. Give best shot to it doing it parallely with extra curricular activities. This should prove your development by the time you submit your application.

@730, this is another example i have found here that a good verbal score takes you all time high compared to only excellent quant and average verbal.

[sunnyd283]

I've got a similar story to you. I scored lower on the GMAT (710, q48,v40), have worked 2 years in IBD in M&A, got a 3.30 GPA (equivalent translated) from Oxford, a 4.0 GPA in a master's from the London School of Economics and A's in some post-grad business classes from an ivey's summer school classes.

I'm left debating whether I need to resit as well. Though I'm told by many that GMAT is simply a hurdle and that unless you score above 750/760, the GMAT cannot add anything to your application if it's between 700-750. Though I'm not sure how much I believe that it wouldn't make a marginal improvement to your file if you scored a 730 vs. a 710.

I plan on working for for a large international NGO now though for 1 year before hopefully attending one of these programs and hopefully that, blended with my IBD work experience should help things out. My only concern was whether the low undergrad GPA of 3.3 has been successfully countered by the master's and GMAT score.