Advice
[#permalink]
14 Nov 2010, 16:47
Scott and team,
Thanks for the help you provide in this forum.
I wanted to get your advice on whether or not I should retake the GMAT and your general view on my profile. Please see overview below:
I just took my test this past week and scored a 680 (48Q / 82%, 35V / 73%). I was disappointed with the score as I scored up to 700 and 760 in the 2 official GMAT prep CATs. The official quant score was higher than any other previous quant score I had during my prep (usually scored in the 60th percentile during practice CATs), however, the verbal score was lower than any other previous verbal score I had during my prep (usually scored in the 80-90th percentiles during practice CATs).
I am applying to Stanford and HBS during Round 2 of this year. All else being equal, I am debating whether retaking the test, conservatively assuming a higher score of 700-710, will make a significant difference in my application.
Questions in my mind:
1. Is it worth retaking the test? Should time and efforts be focused on the rest of the application instead?
2. Will adcomm’s assign any value to an improvement of 680 to 700-720 area?
3. Will adcomm’s negatively view the GMAT retake since 680 is already within the 80% range of the school’s scores?
4. Risk and impact of overall lower score and lower quant score during the retake given the usual emphasis on quant scores and 31-day waiting period until the retake
5. Do I apply with my current score and, if it doesn’t go well this year, retake the GMAT and reapply next year?
6. General view on my candidacy
Other background info:
Male
Mexican
Married
26 years old at matriculation
UG: 3.70 (SCL), Business Admin major
EC: club sports, worked throughout undergrad career
WE: 1) BB IB for 2.5 years, 2) Strategy at Fortune 500 for 1 year
Many thanks in advance for your help and time!