Last visit was: 19 Nov 2025, 17:42 It is currently 19 Nov 2025, 17:42
Home
GMAT
Messages
Tests
Schools
Events
Rewards
Chat
My Profile
Close
GMAT Club Daily Prep
Thank you for using the timer - this advanced tool can estimate your performance and suggest more practice questions. We have subscribed you to Daily Prep Questions via email.

Customized
for You

we will pick new questions that match your level based on your Timer History

Track
Your Progress

every week, we’ll send you an estimated GMAT score based on your performance

Practice
Pays

we will pick new questions that match your level based on your Timer History
Not interested in getting valuable practice questions and articles delivered to your email? No problem, unsubscribe here.
Go to My Error Log Learn more
Close
Request Expert Reply
Confirm Cancel
avatar
bluepulaski1
avatar
Joined: 23 May 2015
Last visit: 17 Nov 2015
Posts: 17
Own Kudos:
1
Given Kudos: 44
Posts: 17
Kudos: 1
480-->580-->680. Re-take for T14 school? 23 May 2015, 13:58
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Please help!

I just took the GMAT for the second time yesterday and scored a 680 (Q46,V38). I started out during the first week of January. My diagnostic score was a 480, and similar to most people, my goal was to score 700. I knew I had a on of work to do. Since I had a job locked up after school, I decided to commit most of my time to studying for the GMAT. I studied for 10 weeks and put an absurd amount of time in (3-6 hrs/day). I was scoring mid-600s and took the test anyway. I think test day got to me as I needed to take random guesses on the last 6 questions of quant and the last 5 questions on Verbal in the last minute of each. Anyway, I scored a 590 (Q37,V32). I knew I could do better so I sured up some weaknesses and retook the test yesterday (about 8 weeks later) and got a 680. The difference was 100% due to a different mentality on test day. I wasn't nervous. I didn't spend too much energy on the IR and AWA. I stayed positive. And I guessed when I needed to.

I know this is a very good score shows a ton of improvement, but I am worried I am just outside the bubble for top 14 schools. I was wondering if someone could provide some input in terms of whether I should take the test again. Also, if I were to take the test again, I would take the next 3 weeks off until graduation, and then re-study for 3 weeks before I start work. I missed out on a lot since I studied for 4.5 months of school. Below is some information that may help. If you need additional information, let me know.

Goal: Investment Banking or MBB

*Assuming I need to wait a couple years before applying.

Demographic: White Male
Undergraduate Info: Top Liberal Arts School / Economics Major / 3.5 GPA / Varsity Athlete
Work Info: Incoming Operations Analyst bb (GS, JPM, MS) -- NYC
Activities: Fraternity / Term Abroad

Practice scores on GMAT:

Feb 28: 570 (Q35/V34) -Veritas
Mar 3: 620 (Q39/V37) -Veritas
Mar 6: 640 (Q43/Q35) -Veritas
Mar 16: 640 (Q43/V35) -Veritas

***OFFICIAL GMAT*** 580

Apr 12: 650 (Q43/V36)
Apr 17: 630 (Q45/V32)
Apr 26: 590 (Q41/V31)
May 1: 630 (Q42/V34) -GMAT PREP #2
May 10: 600 (Q42/V30) - GMAT PREP #3
May 15: 710 (Q49/V38) - GMAT PREP #3 (Many Repeat Q's)
May 18: 640 (Q46/V32) - GMAT PREP #4

****OFFICIAL GMAT**** 680
User avatar
fxMBAconsulting
User avatar
Admission Consultant
Joined: 17 Apr 2013
Last visit: 08 Nov 2015
Posts: 181
Own Kudos:
46
 [1]
Given Kudos: 2
Location: United States
Expert
Expert reply
Posts: 181
Kudos: 46
 [1]
480-->580-->680. Re-take for T14 school? 24 May 2015, 11:35
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Hi - So you're just graduating from a top liberal arts college and you have a first year analyst job at a large IB in NYC. Assuming that you won't be applying to business school for at least another two years...you shouldn't feel hugely pressured on your next GMAT sitting - yes you need to take the test again IMHO. Your profile is exceptional in the general population but somewhat common among MBA applicants. Having a higher GMAT score isn't going to differentiate you - its just going to put you in the running. I'd like to see you with a 720+ if possible.

To round out your profile: I'd look into getting involved in any sort of non work related project/activity now that you're in the working world (maybe that's already the case though...). I know it's tough with IB hours but try.

Best of luck with your new job and the GMAT
Leah
avatar
bluepulaski1
avatar
Joined: 23 May 2015
Last visit: 17 Nov 2015
Posts: 17
Own Kudos:
1
Given Kudos: 44
Posts: 17
Kudos: 1
480-->580-->680. Re-take for T14 school? 24 May 2015, 13:29
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
fxMBAconsulting
Hi - So you're just graduating from a top liberal arts college and you have a first year analyst job at a large IB in NYC. Assuming that you won't be applying to business school for at least another two years...you shouldn't feel hugely pressured on your next GMAT sitting - yes you need to take the test again IMHO. Your profile is exceptional in the general population but somewhat common among MBA applicants. Having a higher GMAT score isn't going to differentiate you - its just going to put you in the running. I'd like to see you with a 720+ if possible.

To round out your profile: I'd look into getting involved in any sort of non work related project/activity now that you're in the working world (maybe that's already the case though...). I know it's tough with IB hours but try.

Best of luck with your new job and the GMAT
Leah
Show more

Hi Leah,

Thanks for the input, I really appreciate it. I'm actually not working IB hours as I am in the Operations division. I am assuming this will be another knock on my profile? So in that case, more of a reason to take the GMAT again. Two quick questions.

1. Which schools are good bets for me with the 680 GMAT and which schools would be good bets with the 700?
2. Is there any risk in taking the GMAT a third time (Scoring lower)? Or am I playing with house money.

Thanks a lot.
User avatar
fxMBAconsulting
User avatar
Admission Consultant
Joined: 17 Apr 2013
Last visit: 08 Nov 2015
Posts: 181
Own Kudos:
46
Given Kudos: 2
Location: United States
Expert
Expert reply
Posts: 181
Kudos: 46
480-->580-->680. Re-take for T14 school? 24 May 2015, 14:19
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
There is no issue in taking the GMAT 3 times. After 3 times I'll advise people on a case by case basis though.
If I just consider a profile from the GMAT angle then the only criteria in choosing a school would be average GMAT. If you look at schools where the average is around 680 then we start getting into top 15/20+ ranked schools (US News rankings). With the 700 we start getting closer to 10+ ranked schools. A good (or at least a better) bet is one where the candidate's GMAT is 20+ points ABOVE the average GMAT at that school - but that would be just a generalization and I wouldn't let it totally dictate your school selection.

I missed the line about being in operations in your original post. I think the operations analyst program is a smidge less advantageous than another analyst program - but that might only really apply at M7 schools. I think having GS (or whatever bank you're at) on the resume is going to carry a lot of cachet no matter the division.

You could get into a top 14 school but if you are a Caucasian male (that's just an assumption) coming from a top bank, with 3.5+ GPA, I would still really like to see you with a 720. What was your undergrad major - more history/philo or more science orientated?
avatar
bluepulaski1
avatar
Joined: 23 May 2015
Last visit: 17 Nov 2015
Posts: 17
Own Kudos:
1
Given Kudos: 44
Posts: 17
Kudos: 1
480-->580-->680. Re-take for T14 school? 24 May 2015, 14:52
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
fxMBAconsulting
There is no issue in taking the GMAT 3 times. After 3 times I'll advise people on a case by case basis though.
If I just consider a profile from the GMAT angle then the only criteria in choosing a school would be average GMAT. If you look at schools where the average is around 680 then we start getting into top 15/20+ ranked schools (US News rankings). With the 700 we start getting closer to 10+ ranked schools. A good (or at least a better) bet is one where the candidate's GMAT is 20+ points ABOVE the average GMAT at that school - but that would be just a generalization and I wouldn't let it totally dictate your school selection.

I missed the line about being in operations in your original post. I think the operations analyst program is a smidge less advantageous than another analyst program - but that might only really apply at M7 schools. I think having GS (or whatever bank you're at) on the resume is going to carry a lot of cachet no matter the division.

You could get into a top 14 school but if you are a Caucasian male (that's just an assumption) coming from a top bank, with 3.5+ GPA, I would still really like to see you with a 720. What was your undergrad major - more history/philo or more science orientated?
Show more

Thanks for the feedback! Sent you a PM.