650 GMAT - 3.92 GPA - Non-Traditional Student

Question

Hi,

I work full time as a financial analyst, but I never earned my undergraduate degree. After closing a major recapitalization with a private equity group (made up primarily of Wharton MBAs), I decided to go back to school at age 28 (now 31).

I graduate in May of 2015, and I have a 3.92 GPA at a selective school. I have majored in government, but have taken business stats (A-) and some accounting courses (A). At the time of graduation I'll have 7 years of relevant work experience.

I just took the GMAT and scored a very imbalanced 650, with a Q35 & V44. I know I'll need to retake it and seriously boost my quant scores, but I'm worried I won't be able to do that without taking a year off from school.

Does anyone have any advice on strategies for non-quants who want to boost their quant scores quickly? Also, I'm looking for advice on schools that may consider me despite a low quant score.

Thanks!

OptimusPrep · Answer

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KyleWiddison · Answer

No, you do not need to take a year off work and you aren't as far away as you might think, depending on your target schools. Some of the finance-focused schools (i.e. Wharton) like to see scores in the 80% percentile. Most other business programs just want to see a quant score over 50%.

Most test takers are doing this while working. Just spend a few hours a day working toward your goal and consider using a prep program. Also, don't be so focused on quant that you let your verbal score slip - you could even still improve that verbal score while you study up on the quant.

KW

manyatpr · Answer

Hi,

We would disagree with you on taking a year OFF. As you would have experienced, taking a GMAT is not just about working hard but working smart as well. And with 7 years of experience, you have a good GMAT score to make up for a good overall profile.

You are very close to your target GMAT score and just have to believe in yourself to be able to get there. For quant, we would suggest you to take up a few mock test and identify your strong and weak areas. If weaker areas require you to get back to some basics, open up your text books, spend some time and brush up your concepts. And then focus on giving as many practise tests as you can. Now, remember that more than taking the practise tests, what is important is how much time do you spend in evaluating the same. Typically, if you spend 2 hours on a mock test, spend atleast 4-5 hours in analysing the same. Make a note of all the points that can help you in improving your score. Make sure you apply these points in the next test.

Keep doing this repeatedly till you start minimising your mistakes and start hitting your target score more regularly.

Wish you the best.

650 GMAT - 3.92 GPA - Non-Traditional Student

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