710/3.8 West Point

[Gweeto33]

Quick profile evaluation, my planned schools that I will be applying to round 1 next fall (for entry to class of '17) are: HBS, Wharton, Stanford, Columbia and HAAS.

Education:
Graduated with a BS in Economics from West Point in 2010. Cumulative GPA of 3.81 with A's in Econometrics, Macro/micro economics (calculus based), statistics, calculus, calculus 2.

GMAT:

Current score is a 710 (47Q/41V), 7 IR. That was attempt #1. Going to retake early January in hopes of a 49Q/42V (around 740).

Professional:

Commissioned officer in the US Army for 5 years. Served as a combat leader in Afghanistan of a 15 man team. Led teams geographically separated around the world simultaneously.

Volunteer:

2 year LDS mission in Asia from 2006-2008. Active in local church congregation.

Really I am looking for feedback on my prospects for my top schools and how much benefit my application will see with a 730/740 GMAT added.

Thanks!

- G

[MBAApply]

Quick profile evaluation, my planned schools that I will be applying to round 1 next fall (for entry to class of '17) are: HBS, Wharton, Stanford, Columbia and HAAS.

Education:
Graduated with a BS in Economics from West Point in 2010. Cumulative GPA of 3.81 with A's in Econometrics, Macro/micro economics (calculus based), statistics, calculus, calculus 2.

GMAT:

Current score is a 710 (47Q/41V), 7 IR. That was attempt #1. Going to retake early January in hopes of a 49Q/42V (around 740).

Professional:

Commissioned officer in the US Army for 5 years. Served as a combat leader in Afghanistan of a 15 man team. Led teams geographically separated around the world simultaneously.

Volunteer:

2 year LDS mission in Asia from 2006-2008. Active in local church congregation.

Really I am looking for feedback on my prospects for my top schools and how much benefit my application will see with a 730/740 GMAT added.

Thanks!

- G

The benefit of a 740 vs 710 is marginal at best. If you have the time and money, go for it, but it's not really going to make much of a difference. The GMAT is about being "good enough" - a low score can keep you out, but a high score won't get you in, and your score right now is good enough. Overall, you're a strong candidate for the schools you listed, and what will drive your admissions decision will be anything but the GMAT. It just comes down to doing a great job on the written applications and interview - and you should have a reasonable shot of getting into a few of the school (no one can count on getting into every school they apply to, but again you're in range for these schools).

[CriticalSquareMBA]

I agree with Alex, while a 740 would be great, the marginal benefit isn't as great as you might think. That said, however, you have plenty of time between now and July of 2014 to retake it even though you're targeting January. Have you signed up for the date or are you just targeting it?

Alex is spot on - it comes down to your application at this point and finding not only the stories that are impactful, but also those that differentiate you from other veterans. I think you're in a good spot and you should definitely be targeting top 10 programs. Which you choose to apply to will come down to what you're looking to do after you graduate.

Bhavik

[Gweeto33]

Thanks Alex and Bhavik.

REF: Bhavik's question, I have not yet set a test date. Should I decide to retake I am going to wait to book the appointment until I take another GMAC CAT, if I actually do.

Argh, the mere thought of taking another GMAT at this point hurts my heart!

Thank you both for your insight, it is much appreciated!

[CriticalSquareMBA]

I'd say take your time. Figure out if you're ready - if that means taking a mock test then do that. The dates for the GMAT should open up significantly going into the first quarter of next year so that'll give you plenty of options. Good luck and let us know how it goes!

Bhavik

[MBAPrepAdvantage]

That is an amazing GPA from West Point given the difficulty of the grading curve as West Point and the other Service Academies are known to have some of the lowest average GPAs.

The GMAT score is evaluated in conjunction with you undergraduate institution, GPA, major, etc. Given your West Point/GPA combo a higher GMAT is not essential for you to gain acceptance to your target schools. But, on the other hand, if you are able to obtain the 740 you are shooting for, then all the better.

Good luck,