Another Disappointment - 690 (44Q 41V)

Question

I just scored 690 on the GMAT.

It is not a bad score, but I am extremely disappointed because A) it is not over 700 and B) I scored a 700 and a 740 on the GMATPrep. I am quixotic by nature and was envisioning elite-tier b-schools, but now I don't have much confidence in that. Should I retake? Should I still go top tier?

I have a great GPA 3.9+ for my English major and 4.0 for my Business minor, but it is from a small-time school.
I have less than a year experience in web development, a internship from a large bank, and a two-year Mormon mission (some times it can be counted towards work experience)
I do have a pretty good amount of service.

Your input is appreciated.

jfals82
https://www.jaredmalan.com

uphillclimb · Answer

jfals - sorry that you are unhappy with your score. I assume you are applying next year? If so, there's plenty of time to alter your study plan and try again. Lots of good threads on this site about how to go about that. In terms of your experience, you are quite young, but the Mormon mission would be something interesting and different to write about in your essays. Schools are definitely skewing younger; that said, generally the very young people I've seen get in to the elites/ultra elites had near perfect profiles, all across the board. If I asked you the classic question of why business school, and why now, how would you reply?

Tarmac · Answer

I don't think you should be disappointed with a 690. That's better than 1/3 of the entering class of almost every top 7 school.

GMATBLACKBELT · Answer

I agree 690 is a great score!!!

alphabyrd84 · Answer

I third that...you scored 300 more points than me. I wouldn't be disappointed with a 690! According to GMAT For Dummies, the average score for most US b-school applicants (didn't specify if they were elite schools or not) is slightly above 500.

Having a great GPA should hold more weight than the GMAT score alone. I think you have a good chance of getting into a good b-school. As for elite ones I don't know, I can't afford anything more than CUNY. And I go to the most jobbing school in that system!

MBA0007 · Answer

This is just a hunch, but, you reported score may end up being adjusted upward.

I had 44Q, 42V and my score was 710. I don't see how one point on a Verbal can bring one's overall score down 20 points.

If it does not get adjusted, I would contact GMAC.

solaris1 · Answer

There have been several instances of test takers receiving identical scaled scores on verbal and quant but different total scores.

I don't know of anyone whose unofficial reported score has been adjusted upward or downward on the official score report.

alphabyrd84 · Answer

As per the last few replies regarding score adjustment:

I read in GMAT For Dummies that the computer DOES evaluate how much time you spend on questions. Your raw score you get as soon as the test ends is based on how many questions you got right/wrong.

The adjusted score is based on your timing.

Makes you miss the pencil and paper of the SATs huh?

dominion · Answer

WT..............!!!! :shock:

alphabyrd84 · Answer

I SWEAR, it's in the beginning of the book somewhere...Chapter 1 or 2 I think. The "For Dummies" series for testing/study guides always gives you some kind of preface as to what to bring to the exam and what to expect.

Obviously there's a section on scoring. It used the SAT as a comparison, pointing it the many similarities and differences. One similarity is that though you are timed, you do not get a "time credit" towards another section if you finish one early.

However...the biggest difference is that you are able to page back and forth in your test booklet with the SAT. The prime test-taking skill thus recommended for the SAT is to simply finish the questions you have an easier time with and come back to the harder ones later that you need to spend more time on.

The GMAT being all computerized has NONE, NADA, ZIP, of that. It's answer it or get off the page!

Have a decent sense of when one minute to 90 seconds have passed. Seriously. That's about all they want you to spend on a question. You spend too little, it looks like you breezed through it even if you got it right. You spend too long? You must be too slow according to these inhuman automatons who make this test up.

So yeah. Timing counts to these heartless b*stards!

Tarmac · Answer

i doubt it.

this has been covered.

giving you more credit for answering fast is flawed. why? because the questions which are answered fastest of all are those which you have no idea how to answer - guesses.

alphabyrd84 · Answer

Check the book if you don't believe me...it says that in there in chapter 2! It claims that the computer doesn't give you more points for answering fast: but that scores tend to be up if you spend 50-90 seconds per question.

The timing principle doesn't apply to the writing section as some people would prefer to plan out their essays on the dry-erase pad first, or others would rather start typing then fix it up later.

I see it as damned if you damned if you don't. And yep I finished the math section quick. Because I had NO idea what I was doing for the most part. Just when I thought I could run and hide from algebra for good, never having to see its useless face ever again!

Ok, I think I should back to sleep.

robbin · Answer

Congratulations on your score. 690 is a great score.

as per the time issue: I think they are talking about an average time spent on correct questions. If GMAT scored people on time spent, I think they would have been very clear about it.

jfals82 · Answer

If it helps... My official score did not change. jfals82 https://www.jaredmalan.com

miketal20 · Answer

i agree 690 is a good score...

jfals82 · Answer

I also agree that a 690 is a good score. My problem/disappointment is I have very little work experience so I need my score to fill in for my weaknesses. Therefore, I am retaking the test at the end of the month.

jfals82
https://www.jaredmalan.com

Rubashov1 · Answer

No harm in trying (except the $250 and headache involved). At the very worst you have a great score. Good luck!

junkbondswap · Answer

JFals,

From a personal and career growth perspective I think you would benefit significantly by working for another year our two. With 2-3 solid years of W/E you will be in a much better position to adequately address "why b-school and why." Right now I think it will be difficult to craft a viable essay answering the aforementioned question. Your high GPA and strong GMAT more than demonstrate your strong academic ability but Adcomms need to see demonstrated leadership and employment growth. Good luck.

kidderek · Answer

690 + your high gpa + 2 yr mormon exp (hello, unique to say the least) will give you a shot at all the top schools. Trust me, gmat is not that important. Once you meet a threshold, it won't help you much to have an extremely high gmat.

jfals82 · Answer

Very kind of you to say kidderek. I'll give it a shot. -jfals https://www.jaredmalan.com

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Another Disappointment - 690 (44Q 41V)

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