690 (Q44 V41)

Question

I took the GMAT yesterday and am very happy with the verbal score but was disappointed by the quantitative score.

The break down was:
Q44 70% 
V41 92%
690 88%

My first GMATPrep score was a Q46, by the end of my prep the second GMATPrep score was Q50. I know that I can do better in the Quant section. I think I was just a little anxious/nervous when the quant section started and I needed to settle down a bit.

I decided that I am going to retake the gmat in roughly a month to try and improve that quant score. The 70 percentile is what really worries me because I know schools like to see a better balance.

topher · Answer

Good luck I'm sure you can get a better score if you were averaging upper 40's or 50 by the end.

I believe a lot of schools actually like a balanced split not in terms of the percentile, but the actual # score. So your 44/41 is considered more balanced than say 47/38.

bb · Answer

Fully support your decision to go for retake in a month. Sounds like your issue may have been with stress and falling for some traps.

You can try GMATClub tests if you want to explore those - test 25 is free - give it a shot. These tests were designed specifically for those aiming for Q50

Also, keep taking full length tests once a week or so to keep your mind fresh. You wont' believe how easy it is to forget all the "fun" GMAT stuff.

Great verbal score by the way! Contrats!!!

aichdee · Answer

Thanks for the replies guys.

I think I will give the GMAT Club test 25 a chance and see how it is. I definitely agree that I need to keep up doing 1 full length test a week.

AceofSpades · Answer

I would support your decision to retake as well. Given your your practice test scores, it's quite clear that you're capable of scoring a higher quant score.

maliyeci · Answer

I think you can do better in quant. If your verbal score will be in the same percentiles. You can take 720-730. It will be a good point.

waiwai · Answer

I have a different opinion. 690 is a very good score. GMAT score is not the only criteria b-schools see.
Take some time and improve your extra curricular activities, get a good recommendation, and apply wisely. you will get a good admit. I have seen ppl with scores of around 640 getting admits in top 20 b-schools.

aichdee · Answer

Thanks for all of the opinions.

I agree that 690 is a good score and shouldn't hold me back. However, I didn't score a 44 on ANY practice test I took. The lowest I ever got was 46 and that was my first practice test. I have decided to retake.

I took a MGMAT practice test yesterday just to keep up with my prep and my Q was 48. I am convinced I will score in the range of 46 - 49 in Q and 39 - 42 in verbal on my next GMAT.

Pathfinder · Answer

Go for retake. If your practce scores are between 46 and 50, it would be shame to end up with 44. If you keep your Verbal on current level, you'll have somwhere around 720-730 with better Quant, which is much more competitive score. Difference between 690 and 700 is purely psychological - nothing could be concluded of difference between future academic performance of two candidates with such scores - but 700+ score could be self-confidence booster for you.

If you don't retake, you will ask yourself untill the end of your life had you been denied on some schools just because of that "6" in your score. On the other hand, if you retake and score 720-730, you will know that you have done everything you could and that, if denied, you have to blame some other weaknesses in your profile.

aichdee · Answer

I couldn't have said it any better.

Pathfinder · Answer

I'm glad you found my post helpful. However, I forgot one thing - don't take a long break between your two attempts. For math improvement, if you need any improvement at all, and for keeping your Verbal at current level you shouldn't study for more than a month.

aichdee · Answer

I actually created a 1-month study plan for the 2nd GMAT attempt.

I will review specific material each day (both verbal and quant) just to keep everything fresh in my mind. Also, I am taking 1 practice test each weekend just to make sure I keep up my stamina for the actual test.

I took the test on June 26th, so I will try to take the test at the end of July or the beginning of August at the very latest.

Thanks for the advice!

mokri · Answer

congrats!

whatthehell · Answer

good luck with the 2nd attempt.

Ibodullo · Answer

I see you got 710 on your second attempt. Congrats, dude!

gmac25 · Answer

great post

whatthehell · Answer

Congratulations on your second attempt's score.

aichdee · Answer

Thanks everyone. Don't give up if you don't get the score you want the first time!

AceofSpades · Answer

Congrats on the 710!

sagarkokare · Answer

Good Luck

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