Hello, and thanks for reaching out! I'm sorry that the GMAT didn't go quite as you'd hoped.
To clarify - are you aiming for R3 this year, or next year? In any case (and esp. this year) a 640 will be a bit tough since it's below the average at these schools. A lower GMAT puts burden on the other parts of your application to be exceptionally strong. That said, you do seem to have some very strong aspects to your profile.
But the other thing to consider that age 30 puts you on the higher end for applicants, so you'll need to make a strong case for why you need an MBA now.
So I would consider taking the GMAT again or the GRE instead. On the GRE site, you can take a free diagnostic to see if you find that verbal section a bit easier. Schools weigh each test similarly. And, the fact that you have a strong GMAT quant score is great - it's somewhat easier to overcome a lower verbal score than a lower quant score, so that is on your side (especially since English is your second language). One advantage to taking the GRE is that schools don't have an average GRE score they're worried about preserving (since they started accepting the exam more recently) so they're a bit more open to a range of GRE scores.
I hope that helps! Feel free to let me know if you have any questions on the above/additional questions.
Abulsirr
Hello
mbaMissionI took the GMAT again last Monday. Below are my scores from my 1st and 2nd attempt. I'd like to know what my chances are at top 30 business schools such as UNC, Rice and UT Austin. I only sent scores before my 2nd attempt to these schools because I felt confident. Should I take GMAT one last time or try the GRE?
GMAT 1AWA 5.5
IR 5
Q 47
V 28
620 overall
GMAT 2AWA pending
IR 7
Q 48
V 29
640 overall
I was extremely disappointed with my score because I dedicated more time to the verbal section in my preparation than the quant. I am hoping that since I speak English as a second language and coming from an underrepresented country at US business schools that I might have a better chance.
A little bit about myself:
Age: 30
Middle-eastern nationality
Unique life experience (cancer survivor during my undergraduate years)
Engineering from top UK university
4 years WE in construction industry - mega projects
Volunteering at local hospital (ties in with own experience)
Likes travelling - been to 26 countries on 5 continents. Lived in 4 countries.