Need Advice For Retake GMAT

Question

Hi,

I would highly appreciate it if you could give me your thoughts on what new materials and study plan I could employ to boost my score. I have decided to allocate 1 month before retaking the exam, since I still want to apply either in round 1 or 2 max.

General Profile info: 
• Non-native, female, 33
• Graduate with a BA in English Language and Literature

GMAT Score: 
 650 (Q44, V37) AWA 5

I have been using the following materials: 
• OG 13, and Verbal and Quant Supplements 
• MGMAT Study Guides
• E-gmat verbal
• OptimusPrep On-Demand-Course

Note: I have taken the exam on August 8th and have not been studying since.

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi naeln,

First off, a 650 is a solid overall score (it's right around the 80th percentile overall), so it could be enough to get you into your first choice Business School (and a retest might not be necessary).

You didn't provide much information about your goals, so I'm hoping that you can answer a few questions:

1) What is your goal score?
2) What Business Schools are you planning to apply to?

If you do end up choosing to retake the GMAT, then it's worth noting that your Official Scores show that you have the potential to pick up some significant points in BOTH the Quant and Verbal sections (so you could potentially focus on one section, the other or both).

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

naeln · Answer

Thank you Rich for the prompt rely and sorry I have not been able to get back to you earlier. Had some internet problems. :oops:

To answer your questions: 1. My goal score is 700 2. I have been advised to cast a wider net since I want to get admitted this year. So my list includes, Fuqua, Ross, Darden, Kenan-Flagler, Rotman, Sauder, and Ivey. I am interested in schools that offer strong academics, a tight knit community and a friendly culture so Fuqua is my dream school. My score falls in the mid range of the Canadian school; it, however, is at the lower range of the US ones. For example, Fuqua's range last year was 640 - 740. Do you think I can get admitted to Fuqua with these scores? :!:

Waiting for your feedback

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi naeln,

One of the reasons why the application process includes so many 'pieces' is that Business Schools know that some applicants are not great Test Takers. Your score IS competitive, so you should apply to any Schools that interest you. However, you have to remember that the Admissions Committees are looking at your OVERALL application - so you have to be qualified AND you have to 'market yourself' correctly to each Program. The work that it takes to personalize each Application to each Program can take some time though.

That all having been said, with your current score, you have an opportunity to pick up some significant points in the Quant section (and you might be able to 'squeeze out' a few more points in the Verbal section). One month isn't that much study time, but there are some study options if you're certain that you plan to retest.

Before making that decision, you would likely find it beneficial to speak with an Admissions Expert about your overall profile. There's a Forum full of them here:

ask-admission-consultants-124/

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

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