First GMAT Attempt - Advice Requested

[braggpd]

I just took my first GMAT test yesterday and scored a 670 (Q 40, V41). I am a little disappointed as I must have missed a ton of questions in Quant which I thought I knew. I had scored as high as 46 on the GMATPrep in Quant prior to the test which leads me to believe I left a number of points on the table. I had been shooting for a 700 as I had scored 660, 680, 690, and 670 on GMATPrep and Kaplan Tests.

I am thinking of applying to start my MBA in Fall 2012. At this point, I am looking at Georgia Tech, Goizueta, Kenan Flager, Darden, and Owen. Since I live in Atlanta, I would prefer to stay at GaTech or Emory due to family and friends.

As some background, I graduated with a 4.0 in Computer Science with minors in Spanish and Information Assurance from a large state university in the Southeast. I have been working for a large professional services firm in the IT Security/Privacy practice where I have helped some of the largest companies in the US with their IT and compliance needs.

With that in mind, is it worth it to re-take the test especially since the average GMAT at these institutions (GA Tech and Emory) is ~680? Would moving up 10-30 points really make a difference in admittance to these schools? If so, Do I need to re-take the essays if I've already done well on them (hoping so at least)? How long should I wait to re-take? Should I only concentrate on math since that is obviously a problem area for me on this test (which is weird I have traditionally done well on Math tests throughout college and on other standardized tests)?

Also, who would you suggest in terms of MBA Consulting firms which help with the application process?

I know its a lot of information but would love to hear everyone's opinions.

Thanks!

[costarica]

I honestly would not waste my time in retaking the GMAT if you already scored a 670 and the GMAT average for your target schools is at or around 680. You seem to have a very well rounded curriculum with good work experience, a solid GMAT score and a fantastic GPA from an accredited University. Therefore, I would instead focus my efforts on the other parts of your application requirements such as your essays, references, application, interviews and your curriculum. Remember that the admissions committees for business schools look more than at your GMAT score, so you have a fantastic shot at making it into Georgia Tech or Emory with the quality of your profile.

During my application process for an MBA, I did not use an MBA Consulting firm. Nonetheless, I have heard that they can help you out a lot with your essays. I don't know how much they cost, but if you want to invest in that I guess it will also help you.

My other advice is to try to make it to any campus events geared towards potential MBA applicants for the Fall 2012 intake at Emory and GT and to contact ASAP the person in charge of admissions. The more you express interest and get involved with the school, the more you will stand out among the pool of candidates. You have the advantage over other international or out of state students of being able to attend an interview in person and to schedule a campus visit, so take advantage of that!

Good luck and great job with the GMAT!

[braggpd]

Thanks for your response.

The major worry for me is the relatively low percentile score in Quantitative. Would it make sense to re-take just to even out my scores?

[Toddius]

That score seems pretty consistent with your practice tests. I took the GMAT twice - 700 first attempt (44 Q 42 V) and 720 second attempt (last Sat) (46 Q 44 V). Based on my experience, I think it's worth it to take it again if you underperform your practice tests. Most of my practice tests were b/w 710-740 (one 750 - an outlier, one 690 - an outlier). I thought I could do a little better but wanted to be finished with it. I actually still think I could do better, but I'm stopping (I'm not applying to Harvard, Stanford or Wharton - so I think I should be competitive at my target schools).

In the end, it's up to you. What is the personal cost of studying more? Do you think you're likely to improve? How valuable is your time? Can you commit another month to study?

Btw, did you take a prep course? May help. I think your target schools are within your range with the scores you've got. A Computer Science 4.0 is impressive, imo. I have a 3.1 in a less challenging major (probably from a less impressive school, too).

[braggpd]

Well I do believe I can hit 700-710 with a month more of study or even a different set of Quant questions. However, I have a number of work/personal obligations over the next month which will prevent me from dedicating the kind of time I would like prior to a 2nd attempt.

I did not take a prep course since I travel Monday through Thursday/Friday of every week.

[Toddius]

I gotcha. The travel does make it difficult. The one I took was online at night. That may be an option. I honestly didn't study much b/w my first and second attempts. Probably two strong weekend days of studying. My score went up. Obviously it isn't an exact science. There's a little luck involved.

[prodizy]

Go for it. Your quant score is way too low. They might ask you in the interview why you didn't try to improve your GMAT score.You don't have to do anything extra. Just try to reduce your silly mistakes.

[braggpd]

Go for it. Your quant score is way too low. They might ask you in the interview why you didn't try to improve your GMAT score.You don't have to do anything extra. Just try to reduce your silly mistakes.

Are you saying it is too low in general or for the schools to which I am applying? Just wanted to understand your frame of reference.

Thanks for the response.

[prodizy]

Generally, quant score is considered important as it proves that one has enough quant skills to be successful in a rigorous MBA. But on second thoughts, I feel that your 4.0 undergrad GPA might compensate for the low quant score.

Specifically I am not sure whether the schools you are applying look for quant score or not. But generally, most schools do.