urgent advice on whether to resit GMAT given my profile!!

Question

Hi!! Please review my profile, in particular I'm looking for advice on whether i should resit the GMAT

Admissionado 
Demographic: Canadian, Undergraduate degree in Finance and economics, female age 22. I just graduated from my undergraduate studies last month. 
Education: Bachelor's in economics and finance from McGill University, GPA 3.77/4.0
GMAT: 680 
Workex: I have done two previous internships in wealth management as well as real estate investments at a prominent bank and pension fund. 
Int'l exposure: Prior to moving to canada i used to live in the middle east and have extensive exposure travelling, have done multiple study programs abroad as well
Extra Currics: Have been involved in federal youth political organizations, have my own podcast, was the director of operations at a non profit financial literacy club throughout mcgill, was a member of the investment club at mcgill.

IMPORTANT: please keep in mind i am applying for masters in finance programs and NOT MBA programs, therefore I'm looking for specific advice as to whether my GMAT, given my profile; will be good for the masters in finance programs at schools including LBS, HEC, Yale, Columbia and Booth. thank you!!

Admissionado · Answer

hihi_1220 :

You should definitely consider retaking the GMAT. A 680 is a great score but even for these top MiF programs, it would help a lot to have a 700+. In fact, for the same MBA programs, you really need like a 720+, so figure the MiF programs are about 20 points lower.

On the surface, your profile sounds very compelling but I would hate for the GMAT to weigh you down. If you have the time, energy and motivation, you should give it a shot. The school will take your highest score so at a minimum you have a 680 locked in.

Admissionado

hihi_1220 · Answer

Admissionado  thank you for your advice!! if i happen to retake and dont score 700+, assuming my highest score is a 680; what would you say my chances are at the mentioned schools?

Admissionado · Answer

hihi_1220 :

I would classify these schools as reach or "high" target. In other words, you'll have a shot at all of them but it's very possible you get swept out of all of them. That's not intended to put more pressure on the GMAT, but it's more of a factor than for MBA programs because there isn't as much of an emphasis on work experience.

If you don't get a 700+, you will need to really ace your essays, produce strong LORs, and publish a nice CV/resume. All of that sounds doable, but of course having those extra 20+ points would take a huge amount of pressure off of outperforming in all the other components.

Let us know if we can help,
Admissionado

hihi_1220 · Answer

hi again  Admissionado ,

I always thought emphasis on higher GMAT score was greater for MBA programs than the MIF's?

Admissionado · Answer

hihi_1220 :

Yes, but it still matters for MiF programs. Each graduate schools (and by extension undergraduate colleges) still have averages, and ranges for standardized test scores. The GMAT scores may be overall higher for MBA programs than MiF programs, but that doesn't mean it doesn't help to have a higher relative score on the GMAT for your MiF application.

urgent advice on whether to resit GMAT given my profile!!

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