Which score should I use?!

Expert replies

notenoughtheta: Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts; Posts: 3; Joined: Sun Feb 12, 2012 6:29 am

by notenoughtheta » Thu Jul 19, 2012 7:34 am

Hey everyone,

I took the GMAT twice. Here are my scores

Exam 1: 720 (94%, 44V (97%), 46Q (71%)) AWA - 5.5 (77%), IR - NA
Exam 2: 720 (94%, 39V (88%), 49Q (83%)) AWA - 5.0 (57%), IR - 7 (85%)

So my question is, which score do I use? They are roughly the same. The second is more balanced and has a decent IR score, but the first has a 97th percentile in verbal and a higher AWA. Is it better to show a more balanced score or a more impressive subject score? For background, I have a very strong quant background as I am an analyst for an investment management firm and have taken many math classes all with good grades. I also use to be a journalist, so I'm not too worried about the AWA scores. Any insights would be appreciated!

Source: Beat The GMAT — GMAT Strategy | Thu Jul 19, 2012 7:34 am

Bschool2013: Master | Next Rank: 500 Posts; Posts: 105; Joined: Sat Sep 24, 2011 6:16 amFollowed by: 3 members; Thanked: 21 times; GMAT Score:700

by Bschool2013 » Thu Jul 19, 2012 7:40 am

Congrats on two great test scores!

The second score is better for two reasons: It's balanced and it has a higher quant score. When it comes down to it, Adcom's like to see a good quant score to give them the warm fuzzy that you can handle the curriculum.

Don't worry about the AWAs, there's no real difference between a 5 and a 5.5.

Now, if you had a 90%+ quant score the first time, then there might be more of a debate. Either way, you're in good shape!

Jim@StratusPrep: MBA Admissions Consultant; Posts: 2279; Joined: Fri Nov 11, 2011 7:51 amFollowed by: 266 members; Location: New York; Thanked: 660 times; GMAT Score:770

by Jim@StratusPrep » Fri Jul 20, 2012 5:19 am

100% the second score. You want you quant score to be above 80% at the top schools.

GMAT Answers provides a world class adaptive learning platform.
-- Push button course navigation to simplify planning
-- Daily assignments to fit your exam timeline
-- Organized review that is tailored based on your abiility
-- 1,000s of unique GMAT questions
-- 100s of handwritten 'digital flip books' for OG questions
-- 100% Free Trial and less than $20 per month after.
-- Free GMAT Quantitative Review

notenoughtheta: Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts; Posts: 3; Joined: Sun Feb 12, 2012 6:29 am

by notenoughtheta » Fri Jul 20, 2012 8:32 am

Thanks a lot for the responses! The second it is!

GMAT Course Reviews

563 reviews

1168 reviews

431 reviews

359 reviews

147 reviews

5/5

5 Star (563 Reviews)

"Target Test Prep is the closest to the official version of the GMAT exam, about 99% accuracy in terms of the quality and quantity of information. The course has excellently created singular sets of focused lessons and tests for every possible topic that one could come across in the official GMAT exam."

"The TTP course maximizes the efficiency of the time you spend studying. It will take time and effort but I could almost guarantee that if you complete the course exactly as it is laid out you will get an amazing score. They also have a very responsive team willing to help with any questions you might have."

"TTP has two things that I think no other test prep company offers: A teaching approach that reinforces understanding and an attitude that will give you the mental preparedness needed to succeed on the test. TTP gives you a deep understanding of the concept you need to know while teaching you how to think."

Write a Review