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Retake GMAT?

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Total votes : 3
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danielhtgl
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Is 720 good enough for HBS, GSB and Wharton? 20 Jan 2022, 03:03
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Dear all,

I am planning to apply to HBS, GSB and Wharton for R1 2022.

Today (20 Jan ‘22) I just took my first GMAT exam, and I get a result of
Overall: 720
Q: 49
V: 39
IR: 8.0
Awa: still awaiting official score, will update later

Although this score is quite good, I believe this is still below HSW Median / average, but not sure for Indonesian nationality whether this is great enough (as I believe diversity hiring is a thing, right? And I think Indonesia is still under-represented in all schools)

My profile:
-I am 27 years old this year
-Indonesian nationality
-1.5 years in MBB (currently works here)
-2 years in Strategy& PwC
-GPA 3.55 from Indonesian top engineering school
-multiple leadership experience pre-work (during high school and uni)

should I retake my GMAT or should I focus my effort elsewhere, such as essay and recommendation letter?

Thanks in advance for all the input!

Best,
Daniel

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MBAAPP92
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Is 720 good enough for HBS, GSB and Wharton? 20 Jan 2022, 03:26
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I think it’s fine, great profile focus on the introspection part now

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MBAandBeyond
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Is 720 good enough for HBS, GSB and Wharton? 20 Jan 2022, 04:44
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Hi danielhtgl,

I suggest retaking your GMAT and trying to increase your score by 10-20 points to maximize your chances.

Cheers!
Neha Hadke
Profile Analyst & Channel Manager, MBA and Beyond
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danielhtgl
Dear all,

I am planning to apply to HBS, GSB and Wharton for R1 2022.

Today (20 Jan ‘22) I just took my first GMAT exam, and I get a result of
Overall: 720
Q: 49
V: 39
IR: 8.0
Awa: still awaiting official score, will update later

Although this score is quite good, I believe this is still below HSW Median / average, but not sure for Indonesian nationality whether this is great enough (as I believe diversity hiring is a thing, right? And I think Indonesia is still under-represented in all schools)

My profile:
-I am 27 years old this year
-Indonesian nationality
-1.5 years in MBB (currently works here)
-2 years in Strategy& PwC
-GPA 3.55 from Indonesian top engineering school
-multiple leadership experience pre-work (during high school and uni)

should I retake my GMAT or should I focus my effort elsewhere, such as essay and recommendation letter?

Thanks in advance for all the input!

Best,
Daniel

Posted from my mobile device
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Is 720 good enough for HBS, GSB and Wharton? 20 Jan 2022, 09:22
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danielhtgl:

Threading the needle here, I would suggest retaking it if it's just a matter of light preparation or sitting for another test date. You really have nothing to lose (besides some time and any affiliated costs) as the schools will take your highest score.

It's way too early to start working on your actual applications; however, I would look at improving your extracurricular activities post-work. I didn't see any listed, which would seem like a gap you must fill. You don't have a ton of time to have an impact in this domain and Covid-19 complicates things, but it's definitely possible and something you should address.

-Admissionado
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Is 720 good enough for HBS, GSB and Wharton? 20 Jan 2022, 12:16
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Hi danielhtgl,

When determining your target score, researching average scores is a great way to start (as you had mentioned doing). While those with a very strong profile, a unique background, or from an underrepresented applicant pool could gain admission with a below-average score, it is becoming less common to see large numbers of applicants with scores more than 20 to 30 points below average succeed.

In some cases, you may need to score 20 to 30 points above the average to even be on the same playing field as other applicants.

Naturally, Harvard, Stanford and Wharton are very competitive so maximizing your score could certainly increase your chances of acceptance. That said, admission to these schools is always a bit of a black box, so it's often difficult to pinpoint exact chances, since sometimes wonderful applicants get denied while weaker ones get accepted.

For this reason, Personal MBA Coach suggests targeting 5 to 8 schools. A lot will also come down to articulating a strong personal story, one of the key application components that Personal MBA Coach helps candidates perfect via our Comprehensive Services. We also offer individual GMAT tutoring should you decide to retake the exam. Personal MBA Coach's tutors have scored in the 99th+ percentile on the GMAT/GRE exams and are graduates of MIT, Harvard, UPenn, Yale, Columbia and more. Most tutors have 780+ and even perfect scores.

Do not hesitate to reach out to [email protected] if you are looking for guidance. We regularly help consultants get into H/S/W and all of the other top b-schools each year.

Best,
Personal MBA Coach

danielhtgl
Dear all,

I am planning to apply to HBS, GSB and Wharton for R1 2022.

Today (20 Jan ‘22) I just took my first GMAT exam, and I get a result of
Overall: 720
Q: 49
V: 39
IR: 8.0
Awa: still awaiting official score, will update later

Although this score is quite good, I believe this is still below HSW Median / average, but not sure for Indonesian nationality whether this is great enough (as I believe diversity hiring is a thing, right? And I think Indonesia is still under-represented in all schools)

My profile:
-I am 27 years old this year
-Indonesian nationality
-1.5 years in MBB (currently works here)
-2 years in Strategy& PwC
-GPA 3.55 from Indonesian top engineering school
-multiple leadership experience pre-work (during high school and uni)

should I retake my GMAT or should I focus my effort elsewhere, such as essay and recommendation letter?

Thanks in advance for all the input!

Best,
Daniel

Posted from my mobile device
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Is 720 good enough for HBS, GSB and Wharton? 01 Feb 2022, 06:26
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danielhtgl
Dear all,

I am planning to apply to HBS, GSB and Wharton for R1 2022.

Today (20 Jan ‘22) I just took my first GMAT exam, and I get a result of
Overall: 720
Q: 49
V: 39
IR: 8.0
Awa: still awaiting official score, will update later

Although this score is quite good, I believe this is still below HSW Median / average, but not sure for Indonesian nationality whether this is great enough (as I believe diversity hiring is a thing, right? And I think Indonesia is still under-represented in all schools)

My profile:
-I am 27 years old this year
-Indonesian nationality
-1.5 years in MBB (currently works here)
-2 years in Strategy& PwC
-GPA 3.55 from Indonesian top engineering school
-multiple leadership experience pre-work (during high school and uni)

should I retake my GMAT or should I focus my effort elsewhere, such as essay and recommendation letter?

Thanks in advance for all the input!

Best,
Daniel

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Hello danielhtgl,

You must look at improving your score if you think that is a possibility. Each component of the application stands for itself and a spike in this segment will definitely help.

All the best!