740 GMAT, but low quant score (62nd percentile)

Question

Hi,

I just took the GMAT today and scored a 740 (45Q, 47V). I'm really happy with the overall score as it's a big improvement over the one from my previous attempt (700).

However, I am a bit worried about my low quant percentile. I've heard that top programs prefer balanced scores. Can the fact that I'm a CFA charterholder and that I have done serious financial analysis and modeling work in the past 5 years offset this anomaly on my application? My recommenders can testify for my analytical ability - I am an analyst covering the banking sector by profession.

Edit: I forgot to add that I have really high scores in quant oriented subjects like international finance and stats on my undergrad transcript.

PaulBodine · Answer

urval87,
Your CFA, high quant grades, and quant skills track record will compensate for your lowish subscore. Schools will conclude that the subscore is an anomaly. So don't let it hold you back from applying where you want to apply.
--Paul Bodine, Great Applications for Business School

urval87 · Answer

Thank you for replying Paul. I'm hoping to narrow down my target programs soon.

MG4MBACrystalBall · Answer

Urval,

Congrats on the fantastic score. While 62 is low, but given your other accomplishments, I would agree with Paul here. Just make sure that you do highlight these aspects in some ways into your application rather than them being passively present. The recommenders bit is another great way.

So go for it. You may find our  MBA MAP  useful in school selection btw.

AugustAcademy · Answer

urval87,

You should be fine. First of all, 45 isn't bad - it's just 5 notches below what most schools consider exceptional ability level. That the associated percentile ranking is low simply indicates that Math is easy to train for.

Given your finance background, I wouldn't worry about your quant score at all. Shoot for the moon!

Regards,
Karthik

PrepMBA · Answer

I'm going to take a slightly different point of view here than what has been offered. The critical question is not whether it is good enough, but whether you can do materially better. This process has become so competitive these last few years, and I advise my clients who are shooting high to leave nothing on the table. If your practice tests were in line with this quant percentile and you don't feel you can do better than fine--go forward and don't look back. But if you feel you could do better and have the time, then yes, why not work even harder and go for the 760-770! It may just help you inch out some other folks from your demographic/professional segment.

So yes, 740 is a great overall score, but taking it again depends on what more you can achieve, and if you want to submit yourself again the GMAT:)

Alex

740 GMAT, but low quant score (62nd percentile)

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