Just got a 710...should I retake?

Question

Hey everyone,

I just took the GMAT exam for the second time (first time 680) and got a 710 with the following breakdown:

Quant: 44 (68th)
Verbal: 44 (97th)
Total: 710 (92nd)

On the previous test, I got:

Q: 42 (62nd)
V: 41 (92nd)
AWA: 6.0
Total: 680 (85th)

I know a 710 is not a bad score, but I am worried about the breakdown between quant and verbal. I am only going to go full-time if I get into a top-10 program. Should I retake the exam again to get my quant up, or can I get into HBS, Tuck, Kellogg, Wharton, etc despite the 710? Some other info that I hope might make up for the 710:

Undergrad GPA: 3.99 (top 25 undergrad business school)
Work: Blue-chip multinational company

Any help is greatly appreciated. Best of luck to everyone still looking to take this demanding exam!

mainhoon · Answer

u r just fine... good on verbal 44! how high can you get 750?

gautrang · Answer

Your title was 99% exactly like mine 3 months ago.

I got 710 as well but with a different combi 51/35. Your verbal is awesome.

About whether to retake or not, in my exp, I ask myself:
- Can I improve my score further (750+)?
- Are there any regrets during the last test?
- Do I feel uneasy, if I don't retake I won't be able to sleep well?

Basically, mine were yes, so I decided to plan for a retake.

ihatetests · Answer

Thank you, Gautrang. Glad I am not the only one feeling the pressure of making that decision. The problem is, I want to apply for next fall. I work crazy hours, and I'm not even sure I can bang out a higher score (the highest on my practice exams was a 730). I think I will just go for it with this score. If I end up going part-time because I cannot get into HBS, etc, so be it. I majored in Finance/Int'l business, and I work in Banking, so I hope the schools can look past the low score given my success in analytical classes and jobs. After all, which post-MBA job really focuses on the characteristics of prime numbers and circles?? Certainly none I want! :lol:

Good luck to you with the retake.

Good luck to you with the retake.

ihatetests · Answer

Thanks Mainhoon...appreciate the vote of confidence.

I never got more than a 730 on a practice test (I always seem to go back and forth on the sections and never do really well in both in the same test). However, my highest verbal (48) coupled with my highest quant (49) would probably give me above 750. The problem is, I am a terrible test taker, so I think I would rather not risk messing up and scoring lower since schools see all score reports.

mainhoon · Answer

if gmac allowed one to exchange scores, you could have my Q50 and I could take yours V44...

willneverquit · Answer

Mainhoon, It is not necessarily a smart decision to exchange your scores. Top schools do look at quants score more closely than verbal. I have researched several big schools wharton, haas etc. It has been specifically called in several places that quants score is more important than verbal.

shadow · Answer

not sure what getting a higher score will do given your profile (GPA, school, work experience). if i were you i would just focus on writing coherent and inspiring essays, since that's what will more than likely put you into the "interview" pile

gurpreetsingh · Answer

Do you think high quant score can compensate for low verbal score even if it is 690 or 700?

supereco87 · Answer

A more balanced breakdown is for sure better. But your overall Gmat score is high enough for every top program. Furthermore you have an excellent UGPA. So i think your low quant Gmat score will not hurt you much. The only reason to retake the exam would be if you are planning to concentrate on finance.

believer · Answer

You're set, spend some time doing volunteer work on the side and YOU ARE ALL SET!

PadawanOfTheGMAT · Answer

I would not retake since it's your second attempt. 740 won't help you a lot, and scoring lower the third time will kill you.

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Just got a 710...should I retake?

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