Setting gmat goals

[allechat]

Hi,
I will be taking the gmat in one month and hope to apply to some top schools (Yale, MI, Berkeley, perhaps HBS). Based on my profile (and assuming that I'll have reasonably compelling essays, recommendations, etc) at what low score should I retake the gmat? What is my "safe" range? Perhaps anything below 680 would need a retake? I'm hoping for a 700 to be safe.

Brief profile:
Female, 26, white
Undergrad 3.5 from top school
2 1/2 years nonprofit experience
1 1/2 years in the corporate world prior to nonprofit work

Your thoughts are very much appreciated!

[Lisa Anderson]

Dear allechat,

You want to be in the mid-50% range for your target schools. If you are below that range, then I would encourage you to retake the test. If you are in that range, but below the average, that is not dire but your essays, resume, recommendations and interview become more critical. I would probably use 670-680 as your threshold to cross to be in a good position.

Good luck,
Lisa

[allechat]

Hi Stacy,
Thank you again for your help here--today was GMAT day and I had an OK showing of 650. It's not stellar, but I truly don't think that I can score much higher than perhaps 670 (based on practice tests) unless I put a lot more time into it. However, for schools I'm looking at (Yale, MI, Berkeley), I'm definitely on the low side. I think that I have unique experience, but am I being unrealistic?

Thanks again!

[Lisa Anderson]

I think you should apply to those schools but also add 1-2 schools to your list with GMAT averages in the 630-680 range. I think it is possible you will be at one of your top 3 but also think you should have a backup plan.

Good luck,
Lisa

[allechat]

Two more questions (thank you!!):
1) If I think I can score perhaps 10-20 points higher (660-670), how much of a difference will this make in my application? If I do worse, will this leave a bad impression? I think on this attempt I would aim to increase my verbal score, as realistically, quant is most likely not getting any higher.
2) UVA and Duke...can these be my "back up plan"?

THANK YOU!!!

[Lisa Anderson]

If you have only taken the GMAT once, then you should probably take it again with adequate time and effort on preparation. With the expected increase in applications, 20 points could make a difference. If you do not increase your score, that will not necessarily hurt you but you might consider addressing your GMAT score in the optional essay.

I do not think of UVA and Duke as safety schools for anyone. They are just as competitive as any top 10 for admission. I would suggest looking at schools in the top 20-40 as your back up options, ideally schools with a GMAT average at or below a 660.

Good luck,
Lisa

[allechat]

Dear Lisa,
I wanted to just give you a quick update and say thank you for encouraging me to retake the GMAT. I had previously scored a 650 and was hoping to apply to some top programs. Well, I just retook the exam and scored a 720! I am very happy (and actually with much less time spent preparing for the second test). Although my quant score is still not stellar, I now feel more confident about my application.

Thanks again, and all the best.

[Lisa Anderson]

Congratulations! Good for you! Now get busy on those applications and look forward to starting business school next year.