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Improved GMAT by 100 points - supplemental essay needed?

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Senior Manager
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Joined: 12 Oct 2011
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Concentration: General Management, Strategy
Schools: Dartmouth (Tuck) - Class of 2014
GMAT 1: 740 Q48 V44
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Improved GMAT by 100 points - supplemental essay needed? [#permalink] New post 05 Dec 2011, 18:30
Hi all,
I've taken the GMAT twice - first time was in October and second time today. First go around I was really upset about my 640 (31Q 44V 6 AWA) as I'd been practice-testing in the 690-710 range consistently.
I refocused my efforts, realized I'd been prepping the quant in the wrong ways, and retested today at 740 (48Q, 44V AWA TBD). As you can imagine I am THRILLED with my new score. I believe that my first quant score was somewhat of an anomaly due to preparing incorrectly and getting a question set that played to my weaknesses.

Question: How, if at all, do I need to address a 100 point GMAT improvement (all in quant) on my applications?
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Re: Improved GMAT by 100 points - supplemental essay needed? [#permalink] New post 05 Dec 2011, 23:31
I personally believe that there is no reason to address this in an essay. The more attention you bring to it, the more it can be dwelled on. I generally believe that schools and adcoms will see your 740 and move right past it. You got the checkmark for "excellent GMAT" and they will move onto the next areas of your application with no reserves. You also run the risk in an essay of sounding like you're making excuses for the first test instead of giving yourself credit for an excellent change in study habits, and strong drive. You really did turn it around, and didn't let the GMAT beat you. It will be easy to see that when they see your top score, and the first test will be attributed to a bad day. I'm not a professional, but its my personal opinion that you shouldn't bring attention to potential weaknesses unless there is nothing you can do to change it (for example an F on transcript). You killed the GMAT, and that is the score you'll report. Your 640 should get little to no attention. If you get asked about it in an interview, explain that a course correction in quant study really made all the difference.

If you do choose to write an essay, make sure to give yourself credit. Don't blame the first test on bad circumstances. It was a challange that you overcame with hard work and effort, and thats how it should be portrayed. Congrats on your killer score.
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Re: Improved GMAT by 100 points - supplemental essay needed? [#permalink] New post 06 Dec 2011, 08:04
I'm by no means an expert either, but I completely agree with GMATLA. I think a 100-point GMAT improvement (congrats, btw) completely stands on its own and shows that you're not one to let adversity stop you.
Senior Manager
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Status: Decision Week!
Joined: 12 Oct 2011
Posts: 255
Concentration: General Management, Strategy
Schools: Dartmouth (Tuck) - Class of 2014
GMAT 1: 740 Q48 V44
GMAT 2: Q V0
GPA: 3.66
WE: Management Consulting (Consulting)
Followers: 10

Kudos [?]: 68 [0], given: 50

GMAT Tests User
Re: Improved GMAT by 100 points - supplemental essay needed? [#permalink] New post 06 Dec 2011, 17:21
Thanks, guys. This is where my gut was as well. If someone asks I will be prepared to discuss the improvement. If not, I will leave well enough alone.
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Re: Improved GMAT by 100 points - supplemental essay needed?   [#permalink] 06 Dec 2011, 17:21
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