Profile Eval/Advice: 39Q, 42V - Should I retake?

[lsteele86]

I took the GMAT about a year ago and got a 670 - 39Q, 42V, 6.0 AWA. I graduated with a 3.6 in a liberal arts degree from UCLA and I've been working in advertising/marketing for the past 2-3 years at a boutique digital/social media shop with big name clients. My career goals with an MBA are to go into the high tech industry and work on a marketing and branding team.

My weakness is certainly on the quantitative side as I am very out of practice, however I'm certain I can improve that score. I realize that the schools on my list below will probably scrutinize the rest of my application because of my low quant score.

My question is, with apps due in about 1.5-2 months for the 1st round, is it worth it to retake the test and focus on improving my quantitative score, or take a quantitative course to show I'm preparing for B school? Or, is there a door number 3?

My dream schools right now are:

NYU
Columbia
UCLA
Carnegie Mellon
Notre Dame


I appreciate as much feedback as you have!

[Jon@Admissionado]

Well actually you have four week to two months, so time is even shorter, and if your intention is to apply R1, it's a good idea to get started now. Your score may not put you on the higher edge of things, but if your other elements are strong (leadership experience, promotions, community service) you probably should just go for it, and spend your time and energy on your applications.

As for the quantitative thing, there may be other ways to show the Adcom that your quantitative skills are there (although a 39 is not all that bad, so you know)

Best!

[lsteele86]

Jon, Thank you so much for your advice. After weighing my options and visiting a few schools this weekend, I'm going to apply to my top 3-5 schools and if things don't work out I'll most likely re-take the test.

Lindsay

Well actually you have four week to two months, so time is even shorter, and if your intention is to apply R1, it's a good idea to get started now. Your score may not put you on the higher edge of things, but if your other elements are strong (leadership experience, promotions, community service) you probably should just go for it, and spend your time and energy on your applications.

As for the quantitative thing, there may be other ways to show the Adcom that your quantitative skills are there (although a 39 is not all that bad, so you know)

Best!

[Jon@Admissionado]

Great to hear Lindsay,
If you need any help or advice with anything, just drop us a line.