Retake for HBS?

[david2008]

Hi,

Would love some advice. I just took the GMAT and ended with a 710 (78th on math, 89th verbal, 92nd total). Realize the math is below the 80th mark and the overall would be towards the bottom of the mid 50% for HBS last year. Any advice on whether it is work retaking?

From my transcript, the adcom would see a few math courses: Calculus 1A B+, Calculus 1B A-, Statistics A-, Discrete Math B- (no relevance to my business degree, took it for a comp sci degree that I didn't end up doing).

Any adivce? Looking at HBS and Columbia primarily,

Thanks!

[johnnycapps]

I'm looking to apply to the same schools you are, and I understand your concern about the quant mark on your GMAT. If you feel that you can pull your score up with a few more weeks of studying, I would definitely recommend it. My suggestion to retake is based on the following two points:

1. I read a post on here from a guy that applied to Wharton with a 730 GMAT (quant was 78th percentile), and he was instructed by the Wharton adcomm to rewrite the GMAT to upgrade his score. Essentially, top programs want top people. If you feel that you can improve your score, it will be to your benefit.

2. Depending on the type of job you are looking to get coming out of b-school, employers may be interested in your GMAT score. I know that consulting firms and i-banking firms will not interview prospective employees with a GMAT score outside of the 700s, and they prefer candidates with mid- to high-700s (I confirmed this with a good friend of mine who is a consultant at Bain).

I hope this post was useful to you. Good luck with apps next year!

[Lisa Anderson]

Dear david2008,

If you have only taken the GMAT once and think you can do better, then it might be worth a retake to raise your total score. The percentiles do fluctuate as they are calculated based on a moving aggregate of tests. So, it is possible that you would have hit the 80th percentile had you taken it at a different time. I do think you should apply with your current score if you choose not to take the GMAT again or do not increase your total score. Since you performed well in your quantitative coursework, that is further evidence of your aptitude.

Good luck,
Lisa