Need to Retake GMAT?

[ds17]

Hello,

I took the GMAT in June and scored a 710 (Q44, V44). Normally I would be pleased with that score, although I had been scoring in the 720-740 range on practice tests. I am, however, rather disappointed with the raw quantitative score. A score of 44 places me in the 68th percentile.

How detrimental is this low quant score to my overall application? My upper-end in practice tests was 47/48, but I think test-day nerves got to me on a handful of the quantitative questions.

I am aiming at the top-tier B-schools (London Business School, Harvard, Stanford, UChicago, Wharton) but probably will not be applying for another few years. I graduated from a top-20 university with a 3.75 GPA in economics. Currently working in finance at a leading global tech company.

I realize my quant score is on the low end, but perhaps I can devote additional effort to other areas of my application (work experience, recommendations, leadership) if they can somehow overshadow this low score? Also, I am hoping the admissions officers can see a my undergrad GPA and work experience in finance as a sign that I am reasonably competent in real-world numerical applications (most likely had a bit of an off day on the GMAT).

What advice would you give me? Should I accept the 710 and not risk a lower score, or re-take in an attempt to boost the math portion?

Also, are the schools I mentioned above within reach? Thanks much!

[Stacey Oyler]

Hi,

Thanks for your post. I can certainly understand your frustration with your GMAT score. From my years in MBA admissions, I can tell you that is quite common to score 10-30 points higher on a practice test than on the real thing. While extremely frustrating, it is not at all unusual.

As for your particular situation, adcoms do look at the big picture when it comes to academics. In addition to GMAT score, adcoms review GPA, additional coursework as well as the quantitative aspect of an applicant's job. You certainly can and do make up for your lower quant score with your undergraduate performance and your work experience.

Given you aren't applying this year you certainly can consider retaking the GMAT. Your overall score is a bit below average for top programs, and while it isn't the only factor in the decision making process, it does indeed factor into the final decision. At the end of the day, you should be happy with your score. Ask yourself this - if you apply down the road with your current score and don't get in, will you be upset that you didn't retake the exam?

Best,

Stacey