Use optional essay to address low GMAT quant score?

Question

Hi Team,

I am going back and forth on whether I should use my optional essays to address my lower GMAT quant score. Here are my stats:
1) Indian - American female (US citizen)
1) GMAT: 710 with Q45 (63%) and V42 (96%). 
2) Undergrad in natural sciences (biophysics) with a 3.8 GPA...one of my extracurriculars includes 3 years as a biochem research assistant
3) Masters in finance with 3.8 GPA
4) 2.5 years in finance then 1.5 years in Marketing Analytics at a top US technology company (hires a lot of MBA grads)

Given my analytics heavy degrees and career path, is my low GMAT quant score something that I should address? I recently got rejected from Harvard, but am applying to Berkeley, Columbia (about to submit in a few days), Wharton and Stanford for round 2.

Thanks!

PersonalMBACoach · Answer

It isn't worth addressing in the optional essay because from what I see here, there wouldn't be much to say. That said, you should emphasize your quantitative and analytical strength in other areas of the application. I'm sorry you didn't get the invite from HBS. Contact me if you would like help improving your application so you have a better shot at getting interview invites for round two. We can discuss the various ways you can show your analytical and quantitative abilities. scott@personalmbacoach.com

Noidea1234 · Answer

Thanks Scott! Should I be worried about expectations for a higher GMAT score since I have such a quantative background? i don't want it to look "iffy" that I have a quantitative job but did not get a massively high quant score.

VeritasPrepDozie · Answer

I think you are fine to avoid the explanation here int he optional essay. Also, I doubt it will be a red flag. The GMAT is one measure of your analytical skills, your work experience and academic track record is something they will also evaluate. I doubt your analytical skills will be an area of concern for admissions

Noidea1234 · Answer

Great! Thank you so much for your insights

Admissionado · Answer

But one thing you CAN do is emphasize your amazing quant skills through work and study throughout your essays and application. That might pre-empt the issue a bit.

Best,
Jon

PersonalMBACoach · Answer

You shouldn't worry too much if the rest of your application is strong. It's not perfect but it isn't the biggest deal given your background. Good luck and reach out if you want help putting your application together. There is a lot you can do to makeup for the low quant. Scott@personalmbacoach.com

CriticalSquare · Answer

Hi there,

The reason for your ding from Harvard was most likely not due to your quant score. The other parts of your application sort of elevate your analytical skills. It's hard to say exactly what your weak spots are from your prior application, but if you'd like to chat about what you can do for your upcoming R2 applications certainly let us know.  Here are some thoughts  on a contingency plan for R2 along with some  other free resources  you can consider for your R2 prep. Best of luck this season!

Use optional essay to address low GMAT quant score?

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