710 (Q49 V38) - Questions/What to think?

Question

I just got home from the test. I'm kind of beating myself up because my last GMAT I scored a 41 (92%) on the verbal. In addition, I scored a 41 on both the practice tests I took after that. I had pegged my verbal at the 90th percentile or higher. Quant was my big issue. I worked hard to get it up and that shows in my new score, but I just underperformed on the verbal. It's bugging me that I know after hitting the big score I wanted on quant, I should've had a 720 or 730 overall by "playing" at my level on verbal. I just didn't though.

So my questions are:

1) Given the schools I am targeting does it matter that I'm a 710? I guess I do have above 700 and the 80/80 split.

2) Is there an issue that there are 4 scores on my report?

A little context: the first one was taken almost 4 years ago to get into a Masters program. I needed a 600+ studied a couple weeks and got it. It was however, not part of my efforts related to MBA admissions. The time gap between my 1st and 2nd score is almost 3 years. If somebody lined up my scores' dates and my education, I would think that would be clear.

3) My undergrad GPA was low at a 2.97 cumulative. Had a 3.07 in my major (Business Admin). I was thinking a GMAT at or above my target schools' averages would help compensate, but I didn't hit it. Does this really matter? Say I hit a 720 or 730 would it have made a difference given my undergrad GPA? I'll add a note that I did go back to school to get a MS in Accounting and achieved a 4.0 GPA for all my classes. (I was much more mature and developed a sense of priority). Will that help compensate, taking pressure of my GMAT results to compensate?

I know this overlaps with a candidacy eval, but I figured I'd post here b/c I took it today.

Would really appreciate all and any feedback/thoughts from those who have knowledge on the matter. This has been almost 8 months going (with a couple small breaks) and I have worked exceptionally hard to get this score. So I am somewhat proud to be done and in the 92% even though it is a bit short of where I'm capable.

Thanks!

roboas · Answer

Congrats on breaking the 700 level. I had a similiar verbal let down. Do any of your prior GMATs expire approaching the end of the five year score reportable window?

highwyre237 · Answer

welcome to the multiple tries to get over 700 and hitting 710 but not being satisfied club (I think there are few members because the name is a bit too long to remember.)

I think you're fine! Great job improving your quant level, I wish I was as successful. 700+ 80/80 split = no reason to bother with that test again, especially since it would be attempt number 5. Put this chapter of the process to bed.

Also, that 4.0 in your masters program will go much further then 10-20 more points on the gmat.

Be proud of your effort and what you achieved. Good luck on your apps

hookemhorns612 · Answer

The first score on my report (620) will not drop off until July 18th of next year.

Thanks I appreciate the support. Glad to know I'm in the same boat as others. I am not going to take again, but am just looking to see what the community thinks.

Any other thoughts would be great too.

Thanks again.

hookemhorns612 · Answer

Anybody else have pearls of wisdom to share on my questions/concerns?

Thank you again to those who have already commented!

gmatsaga · Answer

You're done with the GMAT.

Focus more on the rest of your application. If there's an optional essay use it to address your low GPA.

How are your extra-curricular?

I like the upward trend on the GMAT score.

hookemhorns612 · Answer

Thanks for the support. Nice to hear. I definitely plan to write to my GPA in optional essays.

As far as extra-curriculars go, I believe I am somewhat solid. Most of them are community service related, but this is what I can speak to:

- I was philanthropy co-chairman of my fraternity in college (planned community service events for the whole org)
- Contribute to planning of annual Project Thanksgiving (at employer) to provide meals to over 850 homeless families in the D.C. area - received “Hearty Helpers Award” in 2011
- On the Operations Committee for Taste of the Nation annual fundraising event in D.C. supporting Share our Strength
- Co-founder of seasonal event Karaoke for Kids benefiting the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital fundraising
- Asian Pacific Islander American Scholarship Fund – Annual scholarship application reader
- member of the "On Demand" community relations/service group at my current employer (fortune 20)
- serve as mentor in a the mentor program for new hires in my service area current employer

Thoughts?

macjas · Answer

Congrats on a great score! Don't beat yourself up too much about it. You have a very nice looking split and the upward trend in your scores demonstrates commitment. It's been a while since your first GMAT so I don't think this would be an issue with adcom. As others have suggested, you need to now focus on essays (which IMO are just as important if not more, than the GMAT) Your score tells the adcom that you're ready for the academic rigours of their program but your essay will convince them that you will make a fine addition to their student body. Time to burn all those gmat books now and head to the local bar to destroy some brain cells!... :thumbup:

rajareena · Answer

I know couple of friends at US universities who are on the other side of the table i.e. teaching and evaluating. I understand from them that although it depends on particular school, a higher score or lower score does not guarantee you an admission. An above average or below average score does not make or break a situation. Of course, if you have 90th percentile score, you have crossed the first hurdle as your application will be looked at seriously. That's it. Beyond that application, individual school will focus on different aspects. Like for example, cornell or a wharton would like you to be in higher 90th percentile category. A 750 score guy can also expect to be dinged if his undergraduate scores are not good enough giving impression that a score of 750 was an exception.

Having said that, since you have already moved into an area where they have to look at you seriously come what may, you should focus on other aspects of your application. A good essay focusing on your corporate experience, team building, learning, anything exceptional achieved and even a good score in your masters will all contribute to your final standing.

Keep faith in yourself and go ahead.

mrinal2100 · Answer

Hi Neil,
it doesn't matter if you are giving GMAT less than 5 times.They take your highest score.You have also addressed your GPA issue by scoring 4.0 in masters.I just think you should concentrate on your application. I had one question how differently you prepared for GMAT this time and from where did you take the practice test.Didn't you remember the questions from the GMAPTPREP the last you took it.I gave GMAT last week but scored 630.

OldFritz · Answer

A high GMAT score is only one piece of the jigsaw puzzle that is getting to a respectable B-school. Approach the process holistically and you could find yourself matriculating at a top institution. All the best.

Cheers,
Der alte Fritz.

Cheers,
Der alte Fritz.

AbhiJ · Answer

A 750 guy can be dinged and are indeed such people are getting dinged every year. 
However, the reason is different from the one you have mentioned.
The chances of getting a high score in GMAT by fluke is very very low.
The whole purpose of GMAT is to provide a platform to compare students from different backgrounds.

Ivan91 · Answer

How do you know your GMAT score just after getting back home ? Doesnt it take 2-3 weeks (as the SAT) to receive your score ?

hookemhorns612 · Answer

So I am yet again alarmed as I just received my score report.

Firstly, I have NO IDEA how, but i got a 5.5/6 (77%) on the AWA. I got a 6/6 on the last two official GMATS i took (these were under the old testing format). I guess I was hoping to reinforce my test score with a 6/6 showing top level writing from the test taking pool.

The thing that is in my head way more than AWA is that I scored a 5/8 (54%). I know the gmat world seems to agree not to worry about the IR at all b/c adcoms won't know what to do with it for a while. Honestly, I was so focused with such a long journey to get up into the 700s that I directed very little attention towards it and hammered home on the quant practice. I really thought (all speculation of course without actual percentiles) that a 5 or above would be decent enough to not have a gaping hole on my score report. Thought it might fall in the 70% or above if I got a 5. I am however really worried to have a score that is in the 54th percentile. What am I to think of this? Should I worry?

Any further thoughts on this stuff would be helpful.

Answers to questions are below:

They provide you with an unofficial score report after the test.

I really didn't see too many recycled ?s. Especially on the quant side. I think this was because I was performing at a higher level and therefore, seeing more difficult questions that I had never seen before. Also, I'll say that any questions I saw that were recycled were legit questions because I did not remember any question well enough to have an advantage - I still had to work the question from scratch.

Thanks to everyone who has responded so far with advice/feedback.

macjas · Answer

@neilferriri: have you read this  article  about IR by the MGMAT folks?

hookemhorns612 · Answer

I did see this post by MGMAT. I guess I'm in the clear. Do you think this should be enough to comfort me about the 54% result?

macjas · Answer

I would go by what the MGMAT experts say. You made a 5 so if you're applying this year then don't sweat it. After all, the adcom folks won't be able to interpret the IR data as yet anyways. So now I think it's time for you to focus on the essays and apps. Good luck!

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