Should I retake GMAT with only 1 month of study time?

Question

Hi guys. I started studying for GMAT on 01/24/16 and took the test 03/03/16. I didn't want to spend much money on test preparation so went with a free online prep website and Kaplan GMAT Premier book. Money isn't an issue as I work full time but wasn't sure if I'd gain much from a $3,000 prep course. Anyway, I scored 660; Q:44 V:38 which should be enough to guarantee entrance to Baruch/Zicklin pat-time MBA. But now I wonder if I take the test again mid-April with one additional month of study if I can get 720 and possibly get into NYU/Stern.

My GPA from Baruch undergrad is only 2.78 and spend the last 7 years working for government doing accountant-type work so even with a 720 NYU might be long shot. Do you think I should bother taking the test again working on Quant? Thanks

My GPA from Baruch undergrad is only 2.78 and spend the last 7 years working for government doing accountant-type work so even with a 720 NYU might be long shot. Do you think I should bother taking the test again working on Quant? Thanks

bb · Answer

I can't comment on Baruch but with GPA and work experience like that Stern will be tough.

At the same time you can do better with quant based on your background.

You don't need to spend a whole lot but your approach could not be cheaper. Hence the result.

Peichen · Answer

Yeah, I got the feeling even if I got NYU/Stern's average GMAT of 720 my GPA and government background aren't good. I am actually going for a part-time MBA because I want to change career. I worked for a cost-consulting firm for a few months after college. Then the economy crashed and my position which was in a new department no longer existed so I signed up with the next job offer which is working for the government.

I was going to take GMAT and go back to school in 2011 and again in 2013 but life intervened both times and 2013 put me in a depression. Finally out of the hole but of course I have nothing to show for the years.

bb · Answer

Part time programs are easier but they are much less useful when it gets to changing your career. That is due to career services not really providing much help to part-time students. There are no recruiting events and all opportunities are usually funneled to the full-time students who will need a job after graduation. So if you're staying with in the same industry such as finance or accounting than getting a part-time MBA is probably fine but if you're hoping to switch and then you really should be looking into a full-time program. A summer internship, downtime during second-year, and desperation due to being unemployed for two years really help with recruiting :-)

Peichen · Answer

Easier as in easier to get in or easier school workload? I've heard about the full-time vs part-time thing at NYU. Friend and her fiancé were barred from attending recruitment events even though they paid the same and take the same class as full-time.

The thing is, unless it is a top 13(?) program, full-time wouldn't make sense as the increase in salary might not offset the 2 year income and tuition.

Posted from my mobile device

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi Peichen,

Since you specifically mentioned NYU/Stern, you would likely find it beneficial to speak with an Admissions Expert about your overall profile and plans. There's a Forum full of them here:

ask-admission-consultants-124/

With the proper materials and the willingness to learn/practice some new Tactics, you could absolutely improve your Quant Scaled Score in a month's time. Whether you want to commit that task or not is up to you though.

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

Peichen · Answer

After thinking it over today, I've decided since the goal is career change and I only need one good GMAT and one good MBA to do that, I might as well go all in. I got 660 from using free material while also interviewing for two jobs (also government) and training for a government physical test. I could do better if I have professional help and just focus on GMAT.

Is your company the one you'd suggest? I think I would take the test again in mid to late April. Thanks

Is your company the one you'd suggest? I think I would take the test again in mid to late April. Thanks

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi Peichen,

With a late-April Test Date, you have plenty of time to study and improve your Quant scores. With a Q44, you likely did really well on the 'math' questions that you faced on Test Day, but you missed out on lots of the 'strategy points' in the Quant section. However you choose to continue to study, you should plan to focus on Tactics, pattern-matching, etc. Based on everything that you've described, I think that you would find the EMPOWERgmat Quant Score Booster to be quite helpful. Most of our clients complete that Study Plan in under a month, so the time commitment wouldn't be too intense. We have a variety of free resources on our site (www.empowergmat.com), so you can 'test out' the Course before setting up an account.

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

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