Thoughts on a 655 with low quant score

Question

Hello,

I scored a 655 in the GMAT focus: V87 (99th percentile) Q79 (57th percentile) DI8 93rd percentile). I scored 635 before with Q84.

I’m planning to apply to M7 schools. I went to Berkeley and majored in Stats. I’m South American, so I don’t think I’m from a overrepresented background. I have worked in an MBB consulting company for the last 3 years.

What do you think of my score and chances? Will the quant be used heavily against me? I would take it again but I cant until January due to going over the 5 time limit. So at least for round 1 this is what I got.

Thanks in advance!

Posted from my mobile device

GmatKnightTutor · Answer

Consider writing a profile-review. You could include your scores, the schools you're targeting, and any queries you may have including the one regarding Quant. You could include/mention the retake situation as well.

bb · Answer

Hi. The quant itself is not going to be a problem especially if you write a short brief optional essay touching on it and hopefully that’s the only item you need to touch on your optional essays.

Schools are looking for overall GMAT score.

However, 655 is about 30 points below average for most M7’s - taking you, they will be taking a hit to their score. Granted, Latin American applicants usually have less competitive scores so you may be closer to their average but schools are still taking a hit if they’re admitting you.

You want to make sure you can bring in good value to the program.

Having sponsorship from the employer and M.BB. on your résumé are all positive. Having only three years of work experiences a little bit on the lower side...

I think you can give it a shot and perhaps try one or two M7 programs. But save a few for January just in case the applicant pool is very competitive. It’s just hard or rather impossible to predict unfortunately 😢

PS. Another option would be to take the GRE the quant on the jury is meaningfully easier and I’ve heard crazy stories from people who took Jerry cold and have gotten very high scores so your other option would be to take Jerry in three days or something like that and you can possibly walk away with More competitive score there

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

Hi rrc1996,

I agree that it could be helpful to contact one of the many admissions consultants on GMAT Club. Have you had a chance to do that yet?

rrc1996 · Answer

Thanks a lot bb! I know 655 is around ~20 points below average (730 for most M7s, 740 for HBS and GSB). However I find this MBA.com new report quite interesting, which for some reason says I ́m 65th and 70th percentile for 2 M7 schools. Perhaps it only takes into account GMAT Focus scores sent for last year and this year? https://gmatclub.com/forum/download/file.php?id=82907 Regarding the GRE, how could you do well in the verbal vocabulary section with no preparation? Or can you just send the quant score? Btw: I have 4 years of work experience (3 at BCG) and will have 5 by the time I would be enrolled for an MBA, which I believe is the statistic they care about. GMAT-Club-Forum-6dvvksy4.png

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Thoughts on a 655 with low quant score

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