Apply now vs wait for higher GMAT score?

Question

Hi all,

I'm looking to apply for the CBS MBA, starting 2020, and recently took my first GMAT test. Unfortunately, I was sick on test day and had been in bed in the days leading up to the test. The verbal section was a bit of a blur but managed to get away with a 680 score (V35, Q47).

Given that Columbia works with a rolling admission schedule, I am not sure whether to apply now with my 680-score, or wait 1-2 months and apply when my next GMAT score is ready (I feel confident that I can improve my score when not sick). 
Any thoughts on strategy? Does anyone know how quickly spots usually fill out through the fall?

Thanks!

/Karl

ns89 · Answer

Wait to apply with a better score. You’re better off competing for one of, say, 375 seats with a good score than competing for one of 500 seats with a mediocre (by CBS’s standards) score.

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MBAPrepCoach · Answer

This depends upon how under or overrepresented you are. Your GMAT is not competitive if you are overrepresented or average, however the quant is good so so no major red flags. If you are from Somalia or whatever you might go for it. You do want to apply as early as possible, but if you are confident you have a much better score inside you maybe wait 4 weeks. Really best to apply by end of the year; do not neglect the application. Apply when your application is stellar. CV, essays, recs, application short answers. If you do not need an internship, go for J term.

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rosereeb · Answer

I have been to many CBS admissions events and they  always  recommend submitting a good application over an early application. I'm sorry you were sick on test day and I'm sure you'll do much better with this experience under your belt and a healthier body/mind. You can retake the test after 16 days, which doesn't really push you back too far. Also let me know if you're looking for a tutor - I really loved mine.

MBAPrepCoach · Answer

Hi Rose, can you please post or PM me the details for your tutor? I am looking for a good resource for my clients in this area.

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CareerGeek · Answer

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rosereeb · Answer

Hi all,

Not sure what the rules are, but at the request of MBAPrepCoach, I'm happy to pass along the information of my GMAT tutor, Ben Resnick. His website is https://www.gmatcoach.com/ and you can find my and other reviews here: https://g.page/GMATCoach (hopefully that link works). MBAPrepCoach, I know you asked for someone local and he's virtual (out of Seattle). I though virtual tutoring would be cumbersome and inconvenient, but Ben was really great and I attribute my giant leap in score to him!

Best of luck and happy to provide advice/insight.

Rose

bb · Answer

You are about 50 points below average for the CBS.... your profile will need to compensate for the score defficiency. I think if you are from a unique background with a strong application, then absolutely. Otherwise, since you mostly missed the wave of R1 or early applications, I think it may be worth getting the best package put together... that's assuming you can pull off the GMAT

classof2021mba · Answer

Current Student. I can tell you that there ARE students at CBS with GMATs like that. But, that said, when we go through resume workshops they won't even let anyone under 740 put their GMAT score on their resumes. To me, that speaks for how the school views GMAT scores, and (almost more importantly) how future employers will too. CBS is a non-grade disclosure school, so most employers will ask for your GMAT, which will be lower than the standard here. I think it's worth getting at least 700+ if you have the ability (which it sounds like you think you do).

As to when to apply: yes, rolling admissions are different, but I applied on January 4th and was admitted with money. YMMV.

As to when to apply: yes, rolling admissions are different, but I applied on January 4th and was admitted with money. YMMV.

bb · Answer

Thank you @classof20210mba! That's helpful feedback!

I have looked up on the decision tracker the number of people who have been admitted to CBS with sub-700 GMAT over the last 3 years and it is very few: https://gmatclub.com/forum/decision-tra ... program=15

5 to be exact for the FT program.... so unless you are truly amazing, I would get up there in terms of the score. Sorry, I know it is annoying to have to deal with the GMAT again.... but many courses offer GMAT score guarantee of 40-50 points. I would look into one of those. If you can pull off 50 points then it is worth it; otherwise, you get your money back and the only investment is your time. Here is the list of courses: https://gmatclub.com/marketplace/courses and here is an overview of score guarantees: https://gmatclub.com/forum/best-gmat-co ... 69396.html (just search for the word guarantee on the page and make sure to read it on the company's site as things change)

karldm · Answer

Hi all, thank you so much for the input! Really appreciate it. 
I have booked another GMAT test in a few weeks and will prioritize to strengthen my application rather than submit it a bit quicker.

Thanks again!

bb · Answer

Apply now vs wait for higher GMAT score?

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