Scored 730 on GMAT, retake or not?

Question

Just walked out of the test with a score of 730 (Q: 49 V:42 IR:8) and cancelled. My hope was to get a really high GMAT score (750+) to offset my low GPA (2.96, due to one really bad year). Would it be worth it to spend the next 4 weeks grinding an extra 20-30 points to get above top school averages or hope that the optional essay explaining that one bad year will save me while working on other parts of my application? For context, without that year, my GPA would be closer to 3.5, not stellar, but certainly not <3.0.

I've shown good progress throughout my career from a finance analyst to associate to director, achieved 90th percentile on the CFA level 1 exam, was involved in some extra-curriculars in school and plan to start and finish a few non-work related projects before applying. Just want to know how much that 20-30 points may impact my application.

I was also thinking about going to an admissions councilor. Wondering if they would have additional insight into this.

I asked in the GMAT forum, but probably makes sense to ask here as well.

TheIvyLeagueEdge · Answer

Hi,
1: Do NOT cancel. Even if you get a 750+ score later, it only reflects improvement, and the schools take the highest score
2. With that GPA, it is unlikely that HWS will consider you, though your profile (and presentation of a compelling story in the application) can make a huge difference.

Hope it helps. Feel free to connect 1-2-1

lecremeglace · Answer

Thanks for the reply. I think point 2 is exactly my question. Spend time trying to offset a horrible GPA, which could be fruitless because 30 additional points on the GMAT won't change any admission officers's mind, or work on other, potentially more rewarding, aspects of the profile?

MG4MBACrystalBall · Answer

lecremeglace , typically, GMAT is one of the fastest ways to show impact on from an overall profile perspective and something that you and you alone control.

The only other thing you have mentioned from a profile enhancement perspective is starting and finishing non-work related projects. I am guessing those are in lieu of extracurriculars/volunteer efforts or along those lines. Typically, such things can take a lot longer than 1-2 months to have any real impact.

Without knowing the details, it is tough to say (feel free to reach out with more specific details directly), but GMAT seems to be something that you can certainly work on.

Hope this helps.

MBAGuide · Answer

lecremeglace I honestly think you are being too harsh on yourself regarding the GMAT, to the extent that you cancelled a decent score. I believe there are a few aspects that you may not be clear regarding how admissions committees perceive your GMAT score. Hope I can throw some light. Please understand that Business schools are often willing to consider the context surrounding a low GPA, and a well-crafted strategic explanation could work in your favor. Based on our experience, certain profiles may still have a chance at admission despite low GPAs (such as CFAs and Finance heavy profiles, because the schools then know you can cope with the rigorous MBA curriculum). Factors including GMAT scores and the prestige of your undergraduate institution, are also very often taken into consideration. Here are some valuable tips that can help you address a low GPA in your MBA application: 1. Explain the reasons for the low GPA: Often, applicants feel that if they do not address their low GPA in their applications, they can avoid bringing attention to this area altogether, especially if they have exceptional work experience. However, this is not true. B-schools value applicants who reflect on their shortcomings and are ready to take action in the right direction. Whether you have valid reasons for your low GPA, such as health issues or a difficult personal situation, or your GPA resulted from mere inattentiveness, it's important to explain these to the admissions committee honestly and provide relevant documentation to support your claims. However, we recommend that you put a fair bit of thought into how you present your case. 2. Take courses to demonstrate that you have overcome weak areas: If you're worried about a low GPA, consider taking some courses to show that you've overcome your weak areas. Heres an example Let's say you struggled with computer science engineering in college and ended up with a low GPA, but later in life, you decided to upskill yourself with the help of various courses and guidance from mentors. Now, you're a successful software engineer with a wealth of knowledge and experience under your belt. This is the perfect example of how you can turn a personal adversity into a growth opportunity and can show the admissions committee that you're capable of overcoming academic hurdles If you've been working in Finance but had a low GPA (in finance) during your undergrad, talk about how you've mastered analyzing financial reports and created high level budgets as part of your job. This will help demonstrate to the admissions committee that you have relevant skills and knowledge beyond your academic record. 3. Get a high GMAT/GRE: A high GMAT/GRE score can help offset a low GPA. But demonstrating incremental improvement over a series of improved GMAT scores is completely alright. It's also important to aim for a score that is above the average for the schools you are interested in. This can help to demonstrate your commitment to academic excellence and improve your chances of being admitted. You did not mention what schools you might be targeting. 4. Seek academic recommendations: Here's a real example I recently assisted an applicant on the LSE MSc Economics application, a very academically focused course. The applicant had a particularly low GPA during one semester, resulting in an overall GPA that fell short of LSE's very high academic standards. However, a recommendation from one of her professors, attesting to her dedication and consistent academically oriented efforts throughout the course, supported her case and she secured the LSE admit. For MiM or MSc applicants (specifically) with a low GPA, seeking a recommendation letter from a professor who can provide valuable context for your unexpectedly poor academic performance can help reinstate the school's belief in your academic capabilities. Similarly, if you are applying for an MBA program, you may want to consider asking former academic advisors, or mentors in a professional setting to provide a recommendation letter that speaks to your academic abilities and work ethic. 5. Consider a lower-ranked program: While it's natural to want to aim for the best business schools, a lower-ranked program may be more forgiving of a low GPA. Research schools with lower admission requirements and consider applying to them as a backup plan. 6. Seek feedback from admissions committees: If despite all the effort you get rejected from several MBA programs (maybe due to due to your low GPA), consider reaching out to the admissions committees to showcase your interest in their program and get a read on how you can further improve your profile despite your low GPA. They may be able to provide specific areas for improvement and advice on how to strengthen your application. For example, the admissions committee may recommend taking additional coursework or retaking the GMAT/GRE to improve your chances of being accepted. Furthermore, reaching out to admissions committees can be beneficial if you decide to reapply in the future, as they will already be familiar with you and your commitment to improving your application. 7. Demonstrate a passion for your goal Demonstrating true passion for your desired field can be one way to make up for a low GPA. For example, if you're focused on Finance after MBA and you've taken additional Finance courses outside of your degree or have worked in Finance-related roles, be sure to highlight these experiences in your application. This shows that you have a genuine interest in the field and have taken steps to develop your skills and knowledge. Additionally, if you've earned any relevant professional certifications or licenses, be sure to include them in your application materials as well. This can demonstrate to the admissions committee that you have relevant expertise beyond your academic record. Feel free to connect for a candid advice Best wishes Aanchal Sahni (INSEAD alum, ex admissions interviewer) MBAGuideConsulting LinkedIn |WEBSITE: https://mbaguideconsulting.com/ | Message: +91 9971200927| email- mbaguideconsulting@gmail.com

lecremeglace · Answer

Thanks  MG4MBACrystalBall . That makes sense. I can't change my GPA, but GMAT is something within my control that I can impact now. If my goal is to get into a T10 school, it seems like I would need an above average GMAT score to make up for a below average GPA. My goal is to work on my profile over the next year and apply next season, so I have some time to get things in order.

If it helps, I am a Canadian professional in finance (not banking, but directly adjacent) with some international experience (haven't travelled, but worked with international teams directly). I do have volunteer efforts, but I don't hold leadership positions within them.

lecremeglace · Answer

MBAGuide , I really appreciate the thought out response. Going into the test, I planned to cancel any score below 750, knowing I could always reinstate if it necessary. Your comment around building a compelling story helps greatly. My current occupation is quant-focused , so perhaps that can be used to convince an admissions officer that the year I did poorly is not an accurate reflection of my ability.

1. I definitely plan to write a supplementary essay and address the low GPA concern, this may be the most important part of my application as I know it is my greatest weak point.

2. Connecting my current work experience to weak areas in the transcript is helpful, but is it worth it to take 4 months+ to retake a course? It won't impact my GPA and may end up as just a line item in an essay, but perhaps you're saying that its worth the investment?

3. Shooting for T10. Others have recommended reinstating the score to show improvement, I may end up doing this.

4. This one is tough as I have been outside of school for a while and the professors that once knew me well probably could not write a recommendation. Perhaps it would be a good time to reconnect...

Overall, appreciate the time taken to write this response.

MG4MBACrystalBall · Answer

lecremeglace , the lack of international experience shouldn't be an issue unless targeting top European programs.

If you are giving yourself time, make sure you use it judiciously for   building the profile   and we do a dedicated intervention just for that.

TheIvyLeagueEdge · Answer

You are exactly right in your 2nd point, "or  work on other, potentially more rewarding, aspects of the profile ?"

Additionally, depending on your reasons for the fall in the grades (and resilience), a counsellor may be able to better guide you as to what schools may look at you as a prospect. It is still unlikely it could be HBS, but some profiles like yours may attract other M7 schools.

Feel free to schedule a 1 to 1 for a detailed discussion

ExpertsGlobal · Answer

Hello  lecremeglace ,

Thanks for your query.

Any improvement in your GMAT score will count as an improvement; therefore, it would make sense to retake the test (especially because you feel you have it in you to improve the score).

Good luck!

Businessconquerer · Answer

I'll give you the shortest response of all the people here-

Yes, it makes a big difference in your profile, especially looking at the list of schools you have mentioned in your profile.

Scored 730 on GMAT, retake or not?

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