Q: Address low GMAT in additional info?

[thankyouinadvance]

Lisa and Stacy -

I am an older (hopeful) career switcher. Currently work in non-quantitative field. Interested in transitioning to quantitative field.

I am applying to Top 5 schools.

Unfortunately, I did not score as high on the quantitative section of the GMAT as I would have hoped. Still, I scored above 80%. I scored much higher on the verbal section and have a very high GPA from a Top 25 undergrad school.

My undergraduate coursework included numerous classes - in which I did very well - with significant quantitative work.

My question: Should I include a note in the additional info section of applications calling attention to my undergrad quantitive coursework and success? Or trust Admissions Committees to review my transcript?

I ask because in CNN article a couple years back, Stacy advised applicants to address weaknesses head-on.

Thanks!

[Lisa Anderson]

Dear thankyouinadvance,

Yes, you do want to address weaknesses head on. However, I am not seeing how you are weak quantitatively based on your post. You scored above the 80% on the quant section of the GMAT which is awesome and quite hard to do. You have a high GPA from a top school with a significant number of quant classes, and yes, the admissions committee does scrutinize transcripts. So, from what I gather, you are strong quantitatively and therefore should be emphasizing that as a strength you would like to utilize/leverage more in the future. From my perspective, there is no need to write an optional essay or anything in the additional information section based on what you posted.

Good luck,
Lisa