Can I get into Wharton or Booth with low Quant Score?

[mahesh7]

hi Stacy

I am interested in applying to Wharton and Booth.
Any thoughts how the low Quant will impact my admission?

Here are my scores:
Quant 47 (78 percentile)
Verbal 38 (83 percentile)
Total 700 (90 percentile)

AWA will be mailed in less than 20 days

Not sure if I have beaten the GMAT. I believe that my Quant score is a bit low especially for schools that have 80/80 rule. I don't know how the low Quant score will impact my admission to the top schools. I scored 49 or 50 in GMAT prep tests, but could not replicate that in the actual test. Don't know why.

What are my chances of getting into Wharton or Booth with a low quant score?


Thanks
Mahesh

[Lisa Anderson]

Dear Mahesh,

First, your quant score is not low; it is actually a good, solid score. The percentiles fluctuate based on your test date as the sample of scores used in calculating percentiles is always moving. So, on another day, your 47 might be right at the 80th percentile. Second, your 700 is competitive for these programs even though it is just under their average. You can certainly take the GMAT again to try to score a 49+ on the quant, but know that you still have a shot with your current score.

Decisions are made on more than a GMAT and you will not be automatically rejected with a 700. Your essays, recommendations, interviews, and transcripts are also important parts of your application. Use these to make a case for your admission and to stand out from applicants with similar profiles.

Good luck,
Lisa

[mahesh7]

Thanks Lisa for the encouraging words. If I try in another month or so, I may be able to get 49 in Quant and about 40 in verbal and possibly boost my score to 730 or so. But not sure if it is worth spending time on getting additional 30 points or focus on writing the essays etc.

Any advice?

Thanks
Mahesh

[david2008]

So in somewhat similar shoes.

First time I took the GMAT got a 710 w/ 78th in Q, 89th in verbal

Took it again and got a 750 but still 78th in Q but 99th in verbal. I didn't really spend anytime practicing for the second try ... my big problem the first time around was that I got nervous in math so I just wanted to retake under more calm conditions. Unfortunately I didn't do any better in math (though i was noticeably less nervous this time around)but def. happy w/ the overall score jump.

I'd say sign up to take it again but focus most of your efforts on essays, etc. You will always only report your higher score anyways

Good luck!

[Lisa Anderson]

Dear Mahesh,

At this point with the deadlines looming, I think you need to give the appropriate amount of attention to other parts of your application, namely your essays. If you can prep for the GMAT without sacrificing the quality of your essays, then you should. However, if you think you will sacrifice the quality of your essays, then I'm not sure it is the best idea.

Good luck,
Lisa