Lower GMAT score than expected, should I still apply round 2?

Question

Hi everyone,

I have been on and off studying throughout the year, only really getting into it in August when I bought target test prep for several months. On practice tests I was reaching averages of 46-48 on Quant and 35-39 on Verbal and felt confident after reaching 700 and 710 on the official GMAT practice tests. However when taking the test on December 20th I panicked on the quant section and my score dropped to 640 (Q41 V36).

Thinking it was a fluke I registered for the GMAT online that weekend but got 620 then. It appears I needed further practice on my time management and strategy.

My dilemma now is, do I still submit for the round 2 deadline with this score, or take another month or two to study and apply round 3? Should I apply to some schools now and some in Round 3?

My choice schools are: NYU Stern, Chicago Booth, Columbia, Yale, and Berkeley Haas

Some background, my undergrad GPA is 3.76 from a state school where I was in multiple honors programs and many leadership roles. I graduated early, 3 years, and have been working in accounting/finance for three years. I spent a year and a half at a big four accounting firm and now work at one of the MBB firms as an accountant. I am confident in my essays and letters of recommendations. The GMAT is the main thing I feel most weak on my application.

Appreciate any advice or feedback!

TheIvyLeagueEdge · Answer

Hi  mraza ,

Given you have not mentioned your demographics, in the interests of time, I would answer your question assuming you are a male, with your profile showing above average representation in the class.

As rude as it may sound, it is better to get the answer here, than from the AdComs. The answer to your question really depends on whether you want the rejection letters sooner.

With your score, regardless of your ECs, I would not suggest applying to these schools until you have scored a MINIMUM of 700, but preferably 730 or more.

Hope that helps

Archit3110 · Answer

The thumb rule to determine your chances for any school unless your's is a a very different profile is to target gmat score atleast median of the class intake of the B school.
For the schools you have mentioned you need to target at least 720 to increase chances of an interview atleast..

dee1pug1 · Answer

My two pence worth of pointers:
- if you are an international applicant, R3 is ruled out for you
- regardless of whether you are a male or female, I'd say not to apply with your current score
- if you agree and push out to next year, then you have time to uplift to at least a 740+ (if you are a male from amongst the largest demographic groups) or to 700+ (if you are a female)
- age is on your side; so no reasons to rush

For anything more, feel free to DM.

Cheers.

Admissionado · Answer

mraza : You should actually hold off until R1 of next year. I realize that isn't one of the two answers to your question, but it's the right one. For the schools you are targeting, you will need a much stronger GMAT score. Secondly, these schools are really not big on Round 3. As noted in a previous post, we don't know your demographic, but even without that information I generally don't view you as an "exceptional" or "unconventional" candidate that would slip in for R3. This not a process or a decision that should be taken lightly. Where you end up for school has long lasting implications for your career and personal lives. Given that you are on the younger side for most applicants, I would postpone a year. Take your time on the GMAT, beef up your profile even more, and apply in R1. I suspect that will shift things much more favorably for you than either option you have listed. Please drop us a line or sign up for a free consultation if you think this is worth discussing further and live. https://admissionado.com/free-consultation/ -Admissionado

Lower GMAT score than expected, should I still apply round 2?

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