09stevent wrote:
Hello,
I'm looking for an overall profile evaluation and analysis of whether or not my current profile is sufficient for my target schools, or whether I should retake the GMAT. I intend on applying for business school this fall (R1) in order to matriculate at a program Fall 2017. By the time I matriculate, I will have had about 4.5 years of full-time employment. My interests long-term involve working in consulting with healthcare optimization from a business management perspective.
GMAT: 690 (Q48/V37)
Undergraduate Education: Biology (biotechnology and physiology), Sc.B with Honors & SIgma Xi (Brown University)
Undergraduate GPA: 3.6/4.0
Work Experience:
- I currently work as a senior project manager/full life-cycle implementation consultant for a healthcare IT consulting company (will be 2 years this September).
- I am also the Director of Business Development for a Concierge company (2 years so far)
- I worked for a Health Sciences R&D Consulting firm prior to my current job (1.5 years)
- During my undergraduate career, I started a company with a colleague in the payments/remittance industry. We ended up selling the company for profit 1.5 years after incorporation
Target Schools:
My target schools are effectively the top 10 programs as well as a couple other location-specific programs. See my list below.
- GSB
- HBS
- Kellogg
- Booth
- Sloan
- Haas
- Anderson
- Fuqua
- Darden
- Yale
- Columbia
- NYU Stern
- Wharton
- Tuck
- Ross
Current thoughts/dilemma:
My GMAT score is understandably a little bit below the average for the top 10 programs. That being said, I'm not sure whether or not I should attempt a retake. While a retake may increase my score, it also (1) may not and (2) requires a lot of prep on top of a full-time consulting position. I also understand that many top 10 programs prefer higher Quant scores, which is why many applicants who have a 690 (perhaps Q44/V41) opt in for retaking the exam; however, I have a feeling that my Q48 is at a pretty competitive position for my target schools.
Any tips/suggestions here would be greatly appreciated. Thank you very much.
The sweet and short answer is with A good GPA from Brown + a solid career, the stool has two legs. With a GMAT 30+ points higher, you'd be giving it a third leg at Top 10 programs. Without, it can be a shaky endeavor. We see lots of amazing people get turned away to top programs. Plus you have the time till end of June to study.
Maybe not what you wanted to hear, but probably, the best advice is retake till you get a better score. It's entirely worth it. Especially because since otherwise your profile seems quite strong,
Best,
Jon