profile evaluation

[bussy123]

Hi I just took the GMAT again and scored a 710 with a breakdown of 83% quant and 87% verbal.

I had a 3.44 GPA from Boston University majoring in International Business.

I have worked at a boutique real estate investment firm for 3 years and have gained more and more responsibility throughout my time here-working directly with our partners and traveling throughout the US to look at new potential acquisitions. I also oversee 6 properties and oversee about 1 million square feet--managing staffs in each of the buildings. My concerns are that it is not a name brand company and that, although my responsibilities and pay have increased throughout the years, there are no titles here so I guess I have not received an official "Promotion".

I have also become a "team leader" in a local community service organization, volunteering fairly regularly.

Anyway-my target schools are:

Duke
Cornell
Dartmouth
Georgetown
Columia
NYU

Other info: Caucasian

Age (at matriculation): 26

Negative: Little to no EC's in college-but since have signed up for a few professional organizations and volunteer fairly regularly in the community service organization in which i have become a team leader.

Thanks-

[Lisa Anderson]

Dear bussy123,

Congratulations on your 710! That is a great score! When combined with your exceptional GPA and successful track record in your career, you have a competitive profile for your target schools. It is not the name of your firm that matters or that your title changed; it is that you can demonstrate that you progressed in responsibility by your tasks, accomplishments and scope of your work during your tenure--that you positively impacted your firm. I also think your "team leader" role in the community service organization will be an asset for you as it shows your involvement at a dedicated level with a little more responsibility than just showing up. Now, you just need a great set of essays, excellent recommendations, and positive interviews.

Best of luck,
Lisa

[bussy123]

Lisa-thanks for the response. One last question-would you recommend re-taking the GMAT to try and boost my score another 30 points? Do you think that would make a difference in my chances of being accepted to top schools?

Thanks-

[Lisa Anderson]

The GMAT is not more important than the other parts of the application, so if you would sacrifice your essays to study for a retake, then it is not worth the retake. You have a competitive profile now; whether or not 30 points would really make a difference is up for debate. I would argue probably not if you have a great set of essays and recommendations. If you don't feel your essays will be outstanding or that you can make a compelling case for admission, then a higher GMAT score might be helpful. Please understand: the higher your GMAT score to begin with, the less difference an increase in your score will make since decisions are made on more than a GMAT. If you are looking to apply for R2 now, then I would say you don't have time to retake the GMAT at this point.

Regards,
Lisa

[bussy123]

Hi Lisa,

I was wondering what you think the negatives are in retaking the GMAT. I am leaning towards retaking mostly because I think it could make a difference in whether or not I am offered a scholarship at some of my less competitive options. Realistically I would say it is most likely that I will score within 30-40 points + or - of my current score. Is it worth the gamble and is it actually a gamble to take a THIRD time? Can it have a negative impact on me?

Thank you

[Lisa Anderson]

Taking the GMAT multiple times, in and of itself, is not a negative and will not impact your chances in any way. If you believe you can increase your score at least 20 points, then it might be worthwhile. You could always wait to send the score until after you know it went up--it might cost you some extra money, but it is an option.

Regards,
Lisa