First GMAT score 690 (Q48 V37) should I take it again ?

Question

Hello everyone,

This is my first post on the forum. I have taken the GMAT this morning for the first time and have ended up with a score of 690 (Q:48 and V:37).

I would like to apply to these schools : 
- INSEAD
- HEC Paris
- LBS

And I would also like to try my luck with Harvard, Wharton and Princeton.

Do you think that I should sit the GMAT again in order to better my score ?

I know that the GMAT is not the only parameter taken into account for an application. Aside from my GMAT, I'm currently working towards a better profile (moving abroad for work, taking leadership responsibilities...). I also come from a Business School background, having achieved a Business School Masters diploma.

Thank you very much for any tips and advice you might have for me.

Have a lovely day,

Emilie

Posted from my mobile device

shameekv1989 · Answer

I believe it would help more if you post your query to the admission consultants here :- 
 https://gmatclub.com/forum/ask-admission-consultants-124/?fl=menu

I will just add a few cents as a fellow applicant myself. 690 is a stretch but all the schools you mention have accepted and will continue to give admits to candidates with 690 GMAT score. A lot of it depends on the country you come from, the industry you work in, and other such parameters. Basically, if someone with a 750 score has a profile equivalent to yours then they would choose him instead of you. So in a nut-shell its profile selling. With a 690, you need a stellar profile to be able to get into the top schools.

DisciplinedPrep · Answer

Emival - Congratulations on scoring a 690 on the GMAT. Please check the below thread to find all answers related to GMAT retakes; the topic provides great insights into situations when a retake is advisable. I hope this information helps.

https://gmatclub.com/forum/should-i-ret ... 83339.html

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi Emilie,

First off, a 690/Q48 is a fantastic Score, so it could be enough to get you into your first-choice School. As such, a retest might not be necessary. You're ultimately asking Admissions questions though, so you would likely find it beneficial to speak with an Admissions Expert about your overall profile and plans. Those Experts should be able to answer your Admissions questions and help define the specific areas of your profile that could use some improvement. There's a Forum full of those Experts here:

https://gmatclub.com/forum/ask-admissio ... tants-124/

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich

GmatKnightTutor · Answer

Insead states the percentiles they look for in Verbal and Quant on their website last I knew. You might want to check the websites of your intended uni(s) for more insight as to whether to re-take.

If money and time is not an issue, why not do another Online?

Emival · Answer

Hello everyone, thank you very much for your answers, it helps a lot. About the GMAT online, are there any real differences with the regular GMAT in terms of how it is taken into account by schools ?

Do you know if the 16 day period between the GMAT appointments also applies to the GMAT online ? Aside from taking the GMAT at home, do you know what the real differences are ?

What makes me wonder about taking the GMAT again is that in most of my mock tests, my results reflected my Quant score (48), but my Verbal scores were usually more around 40 (so a bit better than how I performed in the real test).

I think I'm definitely going to take it again, just to be sure the results reflect the best that I can offer.

Thank you again !

Posted from my mobile device

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi Emilie,

The Scheduling options for the At-home GMAT and the traditional Test Center GMAT do NOT impact one another (meaning that you could take one of each on back-to-back days - or even on the same day - if you really wanted to, although I would NOT recommend that you take either of those options). However, each attempt does count towards your 8-Test lifetime 'limit' and you do have to wait 16 days between attempts in the same format.

The At-home GMAT is a bit more 'palatable' of an option at this point because you are now allowed to use a physical notepad. However, many GMATers have reported technical issues with their Exams and the 'format' of the Test is "fixed" (Quant, then Verbal - with no break in-between, then an optional 5-minute break, then IR). Having to take Quant and Verbal in one sitting is challenging for most GMATers (especially if you've been taking your CATs with an 8-minute break between sections). If you want to take the At-home GMAT, then you will have to be really rigorous about how you take your CATs going forward (and take them in the exact same fashion in which you will have to take the At-home GMAT).

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

Hi Emival,

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