Skewed GMAT score

[manianarvind]

Hello Stacy

I just wrote my GMAT and I got a 690. I got a 49 in my Quant and a disappointing 34 in my Verbal. I am targeting top 10 schools, would you suggest that I write my GMAT again.

Thanks

Arvind

[Lisa Anderson]

Dear Arvind,

It depends on what the rest of your application package looks like. A 690 is not a score to feel bad about though--it is a great score! If you have only taken the GMAT once, feel you can do better, and have the resources to take it again, then it might be worth retaking. If you don't do as well, you still have a 690 and that is a great score to have in your pocket.

Good luck,
Lisa

[manianarvind]

Thanks Lisa,

I think I have a very competitive application package. Good acads, graduated from a really good school (Wisconsin, Madison) and I also have 4 years of work experience. I came through a Management Program at my company, so I can show growth towards being a manager.

I just do not know want to lose out due to my GMAT. Is the Quant more important than the verbal? I think the Quant is a fair reflection of how I prepared and I think I could have prepared far better for my Verbal. My mocks were consistently better than 720, so I am confident I can improve on 690.

Also do most schools take the higher of two or do they average it? Some schools do not have clear directions on their websites.

Thanks again for your help,

Regards

Arvind

[Lisa Anderson]

Most schools use your highest total score when evaluating you. They do not take scores from multiple attempts. I would not say the quant is necessarily more important than the verbal. However, if you did not take many quant courses in college or have much in terms of analytical/quant work in your professional career, then the quant score does take greater significance overall. However, applicants are not usually admitted nor rejected based on only their GMAT score. There will be other reasons to admit or reject in the application. So, if you are presenting a stellar, strong application package, then your 690 might be enough. However, a higher score will never hurt you and you should retake if you feel you can do better. Most applicants take the GMAT at least twice.

Best of luck,
Lisa