I posted a thread a little while back about wanting to retake the GMAT. Last year (July '11) I took the GMAT and got a 700, Q48 V38 AWA5.5. I wasn't upset with the score but I wasn't happy. I applied to a number of schools last year (all top programs) and didn't have much luck. I got 1 interview, which resulted in a waitlist, and 6 dings w/o interview. I know this is not purely because of my GMAT, and my GPA was a 3.5, so I think it was more to do with the essays and just entire application. Either way, I felt a higher GMAT wouldn't hurt.
In a bit of a cram, I began studying again and booked a test ~3 weeks out, as it was the last date I could make before the test change. I worked through the
Manhattan books, and took the two GMAT practice tests last Saturday and Sunday. I scored a 730 and 740, respectively, with Q50 V40 both times. I expected similar at the rest test this past Thursday.
Unfortunately, it just wasn't a great day or test for me. My timing was off and I wasn't feeling particularly confident. I ended up with a 700 again, but with a Q50 V35 breakdown. I was stunned at how poorly I did in verbal. I always ranged bw 38-40. So, I'm not really sure how to feel. I'm a finance guy (back office hedge fund, 4.5 yrs exp) with a Math degree, looking to go into IBanking and pitching myself as a strong quant guy. Therefore, obviously the Q50 is great. I'm just worried that the V35 will look low. My main question is that if I don't decide to take the test again, would it be better to go with the latter score with the stronger quant but larger gap as opposed to the former, more balanced but lower quant score? I'm leaning toward the new score, feeling that a Q50 is much more impressive than the V35 is negative (compared to a V38). Also, my top programs are Columbia, Wharton, Booth and Stern, all of which I've heard are a bit more quant friendly.
I'd really appreciate some input on this. I do plan to hire a consultant this time around for some of the applications and will eventually discuss this with them, however I'm still in the processes of researching and picking the company to go with.
Thanks in advance.
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21 May 2012, 07:42
