HELP - GMAT 710 (Q50 V 36 AWA 5.0) - Should I retake?

[strongtoad]

Hello everybody,

I'm really confused right now. I took the GMAT last week and got 710 (Q50 V36 AWA 5.0).
I got better scores when doing practice tests, especially on the verbal part. While taking the test, I thought many questions were tricky but I did not expect this 36.
I'm planning to apply next fall so I have time to retake the GMAT. Should I do so? I know I can do better but at the same time I'm afraid of scoring less (pretty obvious I know...)
To give you some additional background, I'm French, 26 and planning to apply in the following schools : Harvard, Columbia, Stanford and Wharton.
I'm afraid that my score is too unbalanced (92% for Q, 79% for V and 57% for AWA).

So should I retake to maximize my chances?

Thanks in advance for your advice.

[Bschool2013]

Go ahead and take another stab at it since you have the time. Be assured though that your 710 is a competitive score and you can do no worse than that. If you improve the 2nd time, great, if you don't, you've probably got better things to do with your life than take it a third time.

You're not all that unbalanced. The preferred split is 80%/80% and I would say your 92%/79% is a lot better, especially since your quant score is very strong. Disregard the 57% for the AWA. The AWA is basically a pass/fail portion of the test. If you're 4.5 and above it's a pass. Your score wouldn't be any more competitive if you had a 6.0 instead of a 5.0.

[strongtoad]

Do you think a better score will improve my chances?

[kevincanspain]

A 30 point improvement would marginally improve your chances at some schools. If you have the time, go for it!

[kevincanspain]

A 30 point improvement would marginally improve your chances at some schools. If you have the time, go for it!

[strongtoad]

Guys, I'm glad I retook the test.
I got 750 (Q 49 V 44), AWA 5.5

Thanks for the advice

[Bschool2013]

CONGRATS!