I got 700 - should I retake?

[Eat&MBA]

Hi all,

I'm a long-time reader, first time poster. I took the GMAT yesterday afternoon and I got a 700 (Q:43, 68%, and V:42, 95%).

I'm wondering if anyone has thoughts on whether I should take it again... I'd been studying for about 6 weeks total, although unable to seriously study for the last 2 weeks (just started a new job/project).

I've been doing a lot of math practice, using mainly OG11 and Kaplan 800., but nothing ever seemed particularly difficult... I've been able to get through it. Also, on the test, I was on the last problem and didn't hit "confirm" in time... would that greatly affect my Q score?

I took the two GMAT practice tests available through the MBA site, both with Quant. scores around what I actually got, even with practice. My verbal was better than both of my previous.

In terms of my overall application, my undergrad GPA was 3.7 and I'm on a "non-traditional" career path (I'm a wine consultant). I want to apply 2nd round for this coming year! I don't know if a better score will help me, or if I should just concentrate on putting together my apps.

Any thoughts would be helpful! Thanks!

[VP_Jim]

It's a tough choice - obviously, you want the highest score you can get, but at the same time, it's a risk to take it again.

My opinion is that you should hold with the 700, unless you're going into finance or accounting (which it doesn't sound like you are) since the quant score is a little low. The 700 is definitely good enough to get in anywhere - in other words, if you get rejected, I doubt it will be because you got a 700 vs. 720.

Since the quant score was accurate and the verbal was higher than you've ever scored, I think it's just as likely that you might go down on a second attempt. I don't think it's worth the risk.

Get working on those essays now!

[Eat&MBA]

Thanks for the advice!

I had been inclined to keep it, except after reading things about how bad quant scores can hurt the application process, I was worried.