smp5000 wrote:
I just took the GMAT for the second time. My first attempt I got a 670 (42Q/40V). I studied for about 6 weeks and took it again and got 700 (44Q/41V).
I am happy with the overall score, but a bit concerned about the Q split. I don't have the desired 80%.
I have a civil engineering degree, but only a 3.0 GPA (For certain reasons, and my GPA trends upwards in my last 2 years). I also have a very non-traditional application profile in major project construction and consulting. (I'm a white, American male, 27yrs old)
I am debating taking the GMAT for a third time before the end of August. I typically score 46+ (with some 48s) in Quant on my CATs, and just think I had a poor test day on the 2nd GMAT.
I have the following questions:
- Given my low GPA, do you recommend I take the GMAT again? (Assume that I will have very good applications, essays, and recommendations)
- If I were to score lower on the 3rd GMAT, would I absolutely kill my chances?
- Would I be better off focusing on applications and getting everything in for Round 1?
- Would taking the GMAT again by end of August put me in a serious time crunch?
I'm shooting for top 15 schools. (A few top 7)
Thanks so much. Look forward to hearing back.
For the top 10 schools, the average GMAT score is somewhere around 710. Your score is slightly below average which is not much to worry about. The school wouldn't focus very much on it since they will have enough 720s to make up the deficit if they do like your application. Though a GPA of 3 is a little on the lower side. Some of the top schools may not be convinced of your capability to handle the rigor, some may be e.g. for Booth, your Quant score may be a little low. But you will also face a time crunch now since first round is around the corner.
- Given my low GPA, do you recommend I take the GMAT again? (Assume that I will have very good applications, essays, and recommendations)
Well, a 750 will be great to put the doubts of adcom at rest. You can use one of the essays to maturely discuss your 2.5 avg in first two years.
- If I were to score lower on the 3rd GMAT, would I absolutely kill my chances?
Most schools focus on your best score though they will get to see all the scores. But, 670-700-690 is certainly worse than 670-700. So if you plan to take it again, you must ensure that you work hard and see results on prep tests before you go out to take the actual test.
- Would I be better off focusing on applications and getting everything in for Round 1?
Your applications will certainly take time and effort. Even if you plan to start working for GMAT again, you will need to start working on apps simulatenously.
- Would taking the GMAT again by end of August put me in a serious time crunch?
As I said before, start working on your apps simultaneously.
All in all, I know I haven't given you proper direct answers and the reason for that is that your case is on the border. Some schools may choose to ignore 'average academics' (with respect to the top schools... otherwise, your acads are good) if they really like your essays. Others may fixate on them if your essays don't impress them much since they will have plenty of people with similar or better academics. So it will be a call you will need to take on your own.
Are you sure you can sweep them off their feet with your essays? If yes, forget GMAT and move on to your application. Some schools will definitely show interest. If you are not so sure about your essays, you might want to get a higher GMAT score (750+ for it to make sense) and then go on to your application. This also means, you might have to move your app to second round. The point is - present the best case that you can - round 1 or round 2 will not matter.
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Karishma
Veritas Prep GMAT Instructor
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