cs77 wrote:
Hi Linda,
I was wondering if I could get your imput. I just took the GMAT and got a 680 (Q43 - 71% / V40 - 91%) for a 90 percentile overall. I am relatively content with my overall score but am debating re-taking the test due to my low 71 percentile quant score. I am leaning towards not taking it because I want to apply Round 1 and focus myself on the rest of my app and I am not sure if I would do any better on the test. However, I will take it over if it would seriously hurt my chances. I am applying to Columbia, Cornell, Duke, Kellogg, and Yale. Can you tell me if my low quant score will hurt me even if I have a relatively proven quant track history and also considering my demographic?
Stats:
25 years old, Asian-American, female, 3.41 GPA at top 10 liberal arts school, econ major (significant quant coursework with all A's and B's), 2 years i-banking analyst at BB (again, quant focus), currently working in business development at major Fortune 100 company. I have always had significant quantitative exposure at work and academics, so I am not sure how my quant GMAT score will be looked at or weighed. Or if they will look at my low score and nix me.
Can you please advise me if you think I should retake it? Thank you!
The top schools use 80% for each section of the GMAT as a comfort level. It is not a line drawn in the sand where if you are over 80%, you're fine; under 80% and you flunk. While I can't guarantee you that the schools won't look twice at your quant score, I am inclined to agree with you that you should focus on school research and the essays now. (Columbia's and Duke's applications are online already.) BEtween your undergrad record and your professional experience the schools should realize that you are comfortable with numbers. You are also still relatively young, and if you don't get in this year, you can retake the GMAT and reapply next year. But if you submit good essays and recs, and interview well, I don't think you will need to reapply.
Good luck!
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Linda Abraham
Accepted.com
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