4 Years WE, Prior Declined Applicant - retake holding a 680?

Question

Hi All,

Reapplying to business school and wanted to know your opinion on whether I should retake the GMAT.

Brief history to help... Two years ago, coming fresh off the investment banking analyst program, I applied with a 680 and was promptly dinged from Darden, Anderson, and McCombs (wait listed) while accepted to McDonough (obviously I declined after receiving a tremendous work offer). Two years have past since then so I've had a wealth of more work experience - I left the bank and helped build a pretty sizable small business.

Question for the group, if I'm still shooting for top tier - Darden, Anderson, Columbia - am I destined for the same fate with that 680 or does the two extra years of WE really push things forward and differentiate my application?

I'm a realist and figured if I wanted comfort with my application I'd probably need to re-take and hope for 720+. I think and hope my undergrad and essays are up to par to really just concerned about being auto-filtered into the fence pile with a sub-700. Also, any thoughts about receiving scholarship for non-tier 1 schools?

thanks in advance,

Mr. Kathmandu

KarishmaB · Answer

Forget about what happened two yrs ago. Focus on today and analyze your candidature accordingly. A 680 is a little below avg for top tier but of course many people with that score do get in. A 720+ will give you more comfort and confidence but it will probably not add a whole lot (but it will a bit) to your candidacy directly. A sub-700 does not mean the fence pile automatically. If you write your essays really well and convince the adcom that you are the right guy for their program, they will not think twice about the 680. It's well within their class range. They will certainly have some 760+ people and hence will easily be able to get the desired class average.

Kathmandu2013 · Answer

Thanks very much for the insight. I guess i'm a little gun shy given the results or lack there of from two years ago. I'll let the group know what I decide to do. It's a little unnerving rolling the dice with the 680 but i'm not sure spending 100+ hours to maybe get a better score is worth while. However, i'm a firm believer that the opportunity cost of business school is tremendously undervalued by most so I might try to receive some scholarship aid.

thanks for your answer and time.

-Mr. Kathmandu

thanks for your answer and time.

-Mr. Kathmandu

Kathmandu2013 · Answer

On that note, any insight on the value of re-applicants to the same program? Do committees frown upon that, i've heard it's actually a net positive because it shows your commitment and drive but unsure.

thanks

thanks

KarishmaB · Answer

I think the scenario is all positive for you. Since you made some major changes in the last two years, your application will be almost new to them. But since you will apply back after being dinged and after gaining more experience and making yourself more suitable to their program, they will give you points for your commitment to the program. I don't see any reason you should feel less confident of your app.

4 Years WE, Prior Declined Applicant - retake holding a 680?

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