640 - Feeling proud but disappointed (at the same time!)

[Mo_Star]

I have been studying for the GMAT since June (I took a Manhattan course).

My scores were as follows:
Kaplan Test - 550
Kaplan Test - 550
Manhattan GMAT - 660
Manhattan GMAT - 680
Manhattan GMAT - 650
MBA.com Test - 540
MBA.com Test - 660
MBA.com Test - 680

GMAT Score: 640

I'm proud of myself for working so hard and feel my score is probably reflective of the scores I have been getting. I wanted to get all of your thoughts regarding my application. I graduated with a 3.89 with a degree in Finance and worked as a consultant for three and a half years. I am now working as a Senior Accountant at a public university.

I would like to get into a top 10 full-time MBA program (Stanford, Booth, Kellogg, Michigan (Ross))...but I am worried my GMAT score is too low. I considered applying for first rounds and then retaking the GMAT if I don't get in.


Any thoughts??

[beatthegmatinsept]

I have been studying for the GMAT since June (I took a Manhattan course).

My scores were as follows:
Kaplan Test - 550
Kaplan Test - 550
Manhattan GMAT - 660
Manhattan GMAT - 680
Manhattan GMAT - 650
MBA.com Test - 540
MBA.com Test - 660
MBA.com Test - 680

GMAT Score: 640

I'm proud of myself for working so hard and feel my score is probably reflective of the scores I have been getting. I wanted to get all of your thoughts regarding my application. I graduated with a 3.89 with a degree in Finance and worked as a consultant for three and a half years. I am now working as a Senior Accountant at a public university.

I would like to get into a top 10 full-time MBA program (Stanford, Booth, Kellogg, Michigan (Ross))...but I am worried my GMAT score is too low. I considered applying for first rounds and then retaking the GMAT if I don't get in.


Any thoughts??

Hi Monica - Your background is very similar to mine, so are your target schools. I hate to say this but the GMAT score might be a little bit on the lower side. (And this would obv apply to me as well, since I am also in the 630-650 range right now).
The median 80% gmat score at most TOP 10 schools ranges from 680-740 (for the most part), which puts you on the lower end.
But again, your work experience, coupled with your recommendations and essays could compensate for the slightly lower than the median score at these top schools.
Hope this helps

[Mo_Star]

I concur. I think I'm going to take a week off and then start studying so I can try again. I've noticed a trend of people who scored in the 700s on their practice tests seem to get 700s on the actual test, so I think practice scores are pretty reflective.

Sounds like you have already taken the GMAT once and you are set take it again next month - how much study time did you give yourself in between?

[beatthegmatinsept]

I concur. I think I'm going to take a week off and then start studying so I can try again. I've noticed a trend of people who scored in the 700s on their practice tests seem to get 700s on the actual test, so I think practice scores are pretty reflective.

Sounds like you have already taken the GMAT once and you are set take it again next month - how much study time did you give yourself in between?

Oh no I haven't taken it yet. But based on my practice tests so far, I am in the 630-650 range Mine is scheduled for the 25th of this coming month.. and im freaking out already!

[uwhusky]

Btw guys, I don't want to pour any cold water on you guys, but the score in GMAT prep is somewhere around 10-20 points higher than the actual GMAT score with the same split. I had 20 point difference with the same split.

[beatthegmatinsept]

Btw guys, I don't want to pour any cold water on you guys, but the score in GMAT prep is somewhere around 10-20 points higher than the actual GMAT score with the same split. I had 20 point difference with the same split.

@Uwhusky - Good to know that. I havent taken GMAT Prep tests yet, I am saving them for the 2 weeks before my actual test. My 630-650 is based off of the MGMAT tests. Ive heard those have a Std deviation of 50 points, whats your take on that?

[uwhusky]

I have not touched any MGMAT CATs since my first GMAT, so I do not have any baseline for MGMAT CATs to answer your question. GMAT prep is definitely the most accurate representation, unless you just keep on taking it non-stop to the point where you have seen just about every question.

[Mo_Star]

Yes, definitely - I agree that GMAT prep is a better representation. As you see above on the scores I posted, I scored higher on all my MGMAT tests.

Also, just a suggestion - I'd go ahead and take one GMAT test sooner. If you notice you are struggling with an area then you'll have time to fix it. And I would take it like an actual exam - I always had 10 minutes extra on my verbal for every single practice test, yet on the actual exam I only had 30 seconds to finish my last question! Endurance and timing are definitely important factors on the test.