Score Analysis -

Question

Hi Hjort,
 I recently took the GMAT and scored 730 (97th %ile). Q46(79%ile), V44(97%ile).

I intend to apply to top quant-intensive programs in the future but I fear my low quant score (79th percentile) will hinder my chances of getting in. I am pretty strong in quant, although I have no exceptional coursework in math to prove it. I panicked in the early stages of the quant section and missed some fairly easy questions.
I did my undergrad in Finance from a third-tier US school with a GPA of 4.0 (highest amongst my peers). I do not have much work experience. I just turned 21 and plan to work before I enroll into a program a few years from now.
Do you think I should take the GMAT again in attempt to boost my quant score. Although I am quite confident I can improve my quant score to a 49-50, I am not sure I will be able to replicate my performance on the verbal section. I am also considering taking the CFA level 1 exam. Will passing it help in proving my quantitative aptitude? Also, do you think applying right now is worth a shot? 

Your advice on this matter would be invaluable for me. Looking forward to a response from you.

Thanks a lot

Hjort · Answer

Considering the fact that you believe you can score significantly higher and the fact that you are interested in quant intensive programs, I would just retake it and clear the issue. Of course, most admissions officers would probably look at your GPA and GMAT and see that you have obvious quant skills. However, the risk averse path is to retake the test and eliminate any doubt regarding your skills. 

I support the idea of young candidates applying to business school if they feel they are ready to benefit from an MBA program. However, I truly think it is best for most candidates to work at least a few years to get a better sense of what type of work actually interests them before applying to business schools, public policy schools, law schools, or virtually any other type of graduate study. 

Hjort

yb · Answer

Thanks Hjort. I'm debating over scheduling another test. My only fear is that a high quant score may not be accompanied by a high verbal, thereby resulting in a score less than 730 (my previous score).

Thanks

Hjort · Answer

Even if you retake the exam and get a lower score, most program use the highest score for your application. Accordingly, you do not really lose any ground by retaking the test.

yb · Answer

Thanks again Hjort

yb · Answer

Hjort,
 Are there specific programs in the top tier that are likely to dismiss work experience considerations and focus more on a strong academic background? I've found many schools that "encourage" fresh graduates of undergrad programs to apply, but I am not able to filter the list. Are any schools "more accepting" of fresh grads than others? 

Thanks

Hjort · Answer

Among the ultra elites take a closer look at Penn, Stanford, Chicago, and Harvard.

Porscheboy16 · Answer

Could you rank the ultra-elite and elite cluster schools that are more accepting of younger applicants w/ fewer yrs of experience (3-4 yrs)?

Currently Researching:
-Harvard (Like the Management program)
-Wharton (Thinking about finance/management, close to my undergrad school)
-Columbia (Finance + NYC)
-Duke (Have visited Duke many times, love the atmosphere)
-Dartmouth (Atmosphere is great, may be too rural though)
-Stanford (West Coast could be a new experience)

Porscheboy16 · Answer

Just found your topic on the general board, thanks.

yb · Answer

Hjort, just a quick question. I am taking the test again on Friday in hopes of improving my quant score. I previously had 730 (Q46, Q44). My question is:
 Should I consider cancelling the score if I don't think I did too well or is there no way a bad score can adversely affect my application to most of the top schools?

Thanks

Hjort · Answer

Good question. 

Since you posed the question as an absolute, I cannot in good conscience say that there is NO way that a lower score could be used against you. However, for the vast majority of applicants and schools, a lower score should have no effect on your application. 

Accordingly, from my vantage point, I see little point in canceling your score. 

In addition, remember that you already have a good score so this is not really a "make or break" event for you. Instead, you are merely demonstrating an attribute that you already possess- outstanding quant skills - for the benefit of the admissions officers.

yb · Answer

Thanks Hjort for the quick reply and valuable advice. I will let you know how it goes.

yb · Answer

Hi Hjort,
 I just took the test for the second time and scored a 710(94%ile)...Q48(86), V40(91). 
 As you are aware, I scored a 730 Q46,V44, on my first attempt, and took it again in hopes of improving my quant score. Well, my quant score is higher, but the verbal is lower, resulting in a lower overall score.
 Since schools take only the highest score, is there a way I can prove my quant worth by asking them to also consider my other score? Should I just get started with my applications and rely on the higher score?

Thanks

Hjort · Answer

I would just get started on the applications and rely on the higher score. A few schools (e.g. Dartmouth) let you mix and match scores so you can use the higher Quant score at those schools.

What schools are you applying to?

yb · Answer

Thanks again for the quick reply.

I don't haven't finalized a list of schools yet, but here are some I'm interested in:

- Yale (which also lets you mix highest quant w/ highest verbal)
- UCLA
- Rice 
- University of Rochester

I've picked these schools b/c they seem more accepting of applicants without work experience than other schools. I would greatly appreciate if you could name some schools where you think I may have a decent chance of getting in.

Thanks

Hjort · Answer

Have you looked at Carnegie Mellon and Purdue?

yb · Answer

No I haven't... I will though. I'll let you know how it goes. Thanks

Score Analysis -

Prep Toolkit

Top 5 GMAT Debrief Videos

615 to 715 in 15 Days (Ria's Strategies)

More than Quant/Verbal Abilities: Speed vs. Accuracy

745 with Only Self-Prep and GMAT Club

From 555 to 765: 210-point Improvement

Perfect 805 Score Debrief by Julia

My Rewards