Is 690 good enough for Wharton MBA

Question

I just took my GMAT and received a 690. Previously, I was a professional athlete and then worked full-time while I put myself through undergrad (3.5 GPA, BA in Econ). I’ve been working for the past 4 years in investment banking at a BB firm. I’m concerned that my score is not sufficient enough for Wharton. Any thoughts on whether I should take it again would be appreciated. I was able to raise my score to 690 from 610 the second time
I took it but no sure how feasible an additional 30-40 points would be. Thanks!

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spence07 · Answer

I thought about applying with a 690 a couple of years ago. I was told by an admissions lady, "we take a holistic view of our applicants... as long as you make over a 700." she also acknowledged I had a better than average resume.

I took the GMAT again, made a 700 and was rejected.

I had a 3.6 GPA (BA Econ and Chemistry), division 1 college athlete, product manager at a fortune 500 medical device company (post-mba level job), masters degree from Johns Hopkins.

Now keep in mind, I am a sample size of 1 and maybe I wrote something they didnt like in my essay... I also didnt go to a prestigious undergrad. who knows, it's all a crap shoot.

But based on admission's comment to me, I would unfortunately say yes.

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hanamana · Answer

If you're a professionally athlete, you already stand out amongst all your peers. If you have the time to raise it, then do it. If not, I'd go ahead and apply to see where you stand.

cnweke · Answer

Hi Chris973, 
From your profile, you already stand out. Personally, I'd say yes but I don't where you are from - whether over-represented or under-represented. I think the admissions team try to make the class as diverse as possible. 
Also, good job on your GMAT from 610 to 690. If you can make such improvement then I'm sure you can get over 700. Just a matter of strategy. I can give you tips to try in practice tests and see how you get on if you'd want to try it again.

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MBAPrepCoach · Answer

I would definitely put in the effort to get yourself over the 700 mark, this is kind of an important threshold. For consulting firms they need you to have a 700 for a top 10 School 720 for a top 20 School) at least MBB and Deloitte among others. It's kind of the same situation for investment banking esp for most bulge brackets. https://mbaprepcoach.com

BeenThere · Answer

Wharton unfortunately seems to care about the GMAT the most of maybe any of the top tier programs. I've personally heard 700 is a really important threshold, so I'd encourage trying to break through. Have you looked at Magoosh and their improvement guarantee?

That said, it's not impossible that you could get through. The differentiated background could lend to a top tier story for essays. What are you thinking post-school?

bb · Answer

Is 690 good enough for Wharton MBA

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