Massively lopsided score, verbal side

Hey guys,

Well, today was a day to be bummed out for me on the GMAT. A little bit of background: During Spring 2009, while working part time and looking for a job (graduated from undergrad in spring 2008) I decided that I may as well try the GMAT since I had free time on my hands. No current aspirations for B-School as of that time, but I knew the scores are good for five years. So I bought the official guide, another book (Kaplan, I think), studied for a couple of months on my own, and took the test. I got a 640, which I honestly was happy with at the time. Only problem was, I had a 36Q/40V (that's in the 46th percentile for Q, and 89th in V, for those who don't have the percentile chart memorized yet). Big split, right! But I figured, ah, I'm not going to be applying to the ultra elite schools anyway, so what's the big deal. I'm shooting for more the top 50ish schools, so I should be A-OK.

Fast forward a year and a half (that is, to this past summer). I decide, yes! I do want to get my MBA! And yes, I will need a score higher than a 640! So let's get to it. I study, study, study this summer. Take a couple of GMAT practice tests before the real deal. I scored 690 the first time (44Q/40V) and 710 the second (44Q/42V). Great! Elite schools, here I come (or, I have a chance at least). Well, I took the GMAT today.... and got a 680 (39Q/44V!). Ugh! The quant score is disastrous! And until I saw the score on the screen through my tear stained eyes (kidding... sort of!), I thought I had done rather well on the Q questions. But it was not to be.

Now, I feel it's too late to retake the GMAT for this year. I'm shooting for schools between top 20-top 50.... I'm hoping that my background will help. I will have two years experience by matriculation in a rotational program for the federal government that has had, and will have me spending significant time rotating throughout Hawaii, the West Coast, the Midwest, and Washington D.C. Also, applying as an under-represented minority (Hispanic) will hopefully score a few points. Of course, like everyone else likely thinks, I hope to have great essays, though we'll see.

Anyway, a couple of questions to those who've made it this far through my story. Have you heard of a score this lopsided towards Verbal? I've seen scores on forums consisting of high Q and middling V, but for whatever reason, not as much the other way around. Further, what impact do you think that will have on my apps? I have an accounting degree, and went through a financial analyst training program in college, so I know my way around numbers and financial statements. The one school I brought it up with said that the combined score is more important to them than the breakdown... But I'm still leery.

Thanks!!