Advice on retaking the GMAT and general application

[araymond45]

Hello out there!

This is an incredible forum. I was hoping someone could give me a general sense of what I can improve on before applying to B-school.

I recently took the GMAT and scored a 690 ( Q44-66th percentile and V40-89th percentile). These are not official yet so I don't have my AWA score.

I took the MGMAT prep course which was helpful. In practice tests I never scored above a 650 so I was really shocked to have gotten such a serious bump on test day, though I am usually much better under pressure. I am not a Quant person, and when I took the diagnostic test for the first time I was only in the 34th percentile ( based on my memory of high school so many years ago!). Never scored as high on quant until test day.

My first question is this-should I retake the GMAT? I am aiming for top 20 schools, and I know although my score is high, my quant percent is low. I am at least in the middle 80% of most average gmats. BUT I am scared if I retake the test my quant might be even lower. Do schools truly disregard a terrible score ( 650 ish with Quant around 50th percentile)? Or does that potential low score taint my 690. The last thing I would want is to not do well the second time in Quant and for that quant it to call into question my first ( fluke) score. I am curious if I could do better, as perhaps the 700 club is actually in reach after I had assumed it wouldn't be, but don't want to take the risk if it will jeopardize my first score.

Secondly, I know I will need to do some leg work to boost my profile. I am a nontraditional candidate ( woman, liberal arts undergrad, international politics major, no math since AP calc in high school, international non-profit and large firm technology background). I am mulling over the dual degree options with either an MBA/MA ( international politics) or MBA/MPP focus. I am interested in CSR and social entrepreneurship and have strong work experience. I figure I should take stats or calculus before applying to school. Any other tips to boost my app as stronger in the Quant dept-especially if I don't retake?

I have some time, not looking to enroll until Fall 2013, so I'm in the next year of apps cycles.

Thanks all!

[FutureWorks]

Hi,


Since you have time use it in your advantage. As you are aiming for top schools then a score above 700 is desirable. Juggling between work and studies is tough so you need to define a significant time for your GMAT preparation. Sometimes taking few days off work for preparing for the GMAT can help a person tremendously. If you have time this may not be a bad idea. Take practice GMAT tests to see how you are doing. If you cannot do that don't worry. What might work instead is to set aside 1-2 hours at night on weekdays and major part of your weekend to study and prepare for GMAT- in this case we will suggest a good 2-3 months preparation. However we recommend you to keep taking practise tests to gauge your performance. It will help you in identifying your weak areas and you can focus on them accordingly. You might be able to study more than the given hours and that would take you less than 2-3 months. It all depends on your potential really.
However GMAT alone won't determine your chances of admission; beyond the academics will also help you in determining your candidature and your work experience plays a vital role as well. Beyond academics plays an equally important role so make sure you showcase it well. Generally most of the applicants have a good 4-5 years of work experience. Although it is not just the work experience that counts but also what you did there like-what were your achievements, what initiative you took, what changes you drove in your workplace etc. So to leverage this if you can show that in 4 years you have demonstrated the skills business schools are looking for you could put in a strong set of essays. Hence the quality of your work, your academics and beyond academics will play an important role in determining your candidature.
Start thinking what makes you unique and what's that 'hook' that will be key to your application.