Advice please!! 640 on MBA.com practice test

[ccivilla]

I'm looking for a little advice/insight into B-school, GMAT scores, etc. I'll try to be brief

I'm taking my first two MBA classes at the moment, registered as a non-degree student as I haven't taken the GMAT yet (Univ. of Colorado-Denver...NOT an elite school). Last night I took one of the practice tests from mba.com, I had not studied at all previously, scored a 640. q=36, v=40, IR=5 (I didn't get to answer 2 of the IR questions, ran out of time). I take the test for real in 6 weeks and feel like I could improve quite a bit...seems like 700 or even much higher is not out of reach, but I would have to study! I'm 39, work full time, 2 MBA classes, a pregnant wife, and already enrolled in an MBA.

My question is: is there any reason for me to try to do really well on the GMAT? Even if I crushed it and could get into an elite school I'd still have to pay for it right? My guess is you'd pretty much have to ace it to get a good scholarship to a great school. And what do you get after graduating from a program like that? Potential for huge salary, but work 80+ hours/wk?

These questions are sincere, I really don't know what a great score and possibly an lite school would get me...any insight/opinion would be really helpful.

Thanks!

[Jim@StratusPrep]

The first exam I took without opening a book, I scored a 650. Ended with a 770...

[ccivilla]

The first exam I took without opening a book, I scored a 650. Ended with a 770...

Thanks Jim, good to know what the reange of possible improvement could be! Any insight as to the second part of the question...i.e. what does a 770 get you? I know it's a pretty wide open question with tons of variables, but anything would help at this point.

Thanks again!

[Bschool2013]

My question is: is there any reason for me to try to do really well on the GMAT? Even if I crushed it and could get into an elite school I'd still have to pay for it right? My guess is you'd pretty much have to ace it to get a good scholarship to a great school. And what do you get after graduating from a program like that? Potential for huge salary, but work 80+ hours/wk?

These questions are sincere, I really don't know what a great score and possibly an lite school would get me...any insight/opinion would be really helpful.

Thanks!

Getting into an elite school gives you access to the top companies and has become a way for many to switch career fields at a management level. In your case, since you've already started an MBA program, I question if you need to do well on the GMAT. I guess it comes down to: what is your goal? If you want to get a part time MBA at your current school, getting a score in the 600s would probably be fine. If you have your sights set on a top-tier school, I'd recommend dropping the two MBA classes you're taking now to focus on the GMAT - reason I say this is top MBA programs don't allow transfer credits, so other than building an alternative transcript for admissions programs, those classes won't get you closer to an MBA at another school.

It all goes back to your personal/professional situation. Does your current company want you to get an MBA to move up? Do you desire a switch to something else? Yes, a lot of people view a top MBA as a ticket to a six figure salary, but that's the result - people need to be aware of the process, why you are doing it and what you'll be doing to get there are more imporant.

Hope this clears things up.

[ccivilla]

@Bschool2013 Awesome, thanks for the input, it's very helpful! For instance, I did not know that top schools would not allow transfer credits, I'm not surprised, but didn't know. I think your response has helped clarify my thinking a little bit and reinforced the direction I was leaning toward already. You're absolutely right about my current school...a score in the 500's even, would actually be sufficient (depending on other application factors).

Thanks again for the reply.