Dealing w/ Low GMAT Score in the application essays

[farfouri]

How do you address a low gmat score in ur application essays after 4 attempts? I took the exam 4 times with the following scores: (not reported, 560 (V28 Q42), not reported, and 610 (V30 Q44)).

I am extremely disappointed with my GMAT experience, I prepared for couple of months and took 8 practice exams for my last attempts (6 Manhattan CATs and the 3 GMATPrep) and was scoring between 670 and 720. So I really don't have a good excuse of scoring only a 610 in the real thing.

My question is: How do I address this in the application. I have an engineering degree from one of the U.S. big school (+3.3 GPA) but I'm not sure sure how to tackle the low gmat score..........(especially after 4 attempts)....any thoughts? Should I ignore the low score and not address it?

[hk]

It actually depends on the schools you apply. If the schools' avg. score is significantly higher than your score then its probably in your best interest to justify your low score. If your score falls within the avg. 80% intake range, then you are fine.

Having said that, there are several ways to tackle a low score. Coming from an Engineering background you could highlight the quantitative courses that you've taken in your undergrads (with good score ideally) or you could may be address this issue by taking a calculus or an accounting course at a community college. The optional essay is solely to address such issues - weaknesses in your candidacy.

What ever way you choose DON'T give them excuses for a low score. This pi$$es them off!!

ATB