From 690 to 650... don't know what to do.

Question

I just got my online GMAT score back. Got a 650 (Q43, V36, IR8). 3 weeks ago I got a 690 (Q47, V37, IR6). I don't know what to do. I really wanted to break 700 and I felt like my recent test I did better in quant, so I'm shocked I did 4 points worse. I am applying to round 1 and 2 this year so I don't have much time, I've already taken the in-person test 3 times. Any suggestions? Should I try ANOTHER retake, or should I apply with my 690?

Undergrad gpa is a 2.9, I have 5 years work experience.

Target schools are NYU, UCLA, USC, and I realize my GMAT is probably too low.

Undergrad gpa is a 2.9, I have 5 years work experience.

Target schools are NYU, UCLA, USC, and I realize my GMAT is probably too low.

MASTEROFMYSEA · Answer

1) Your verbal score has been consistent so I think you have been scoring >V36 in mocks aswell
2) In quant were your mocks scores in similar range?

Online quant seems to be difficult, however this is my personnel opinion, I felt that some questions were designed to make you spend lots of time. did you find any new topics and was not able to solve during test? did you face time crunch at the end of the test?

Q49 and V37 will get you 700, Q50 and V37 will get you 710.

tonyjyoo · Answer

I also thought the online was much more difficult than the mocks, granted the mocks are outdated now.

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

Hi tonyjyoo,

I know you have been speaking with Jeff, so I'd say to follow his advice (giving the GMAT one more shot) and let's see what you can do. Feel free to keep us updated and reach out with any questions.

Let's do this!!

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi Tony,

I'm sorry to hear that this recent attempt did not turn out better. Your prior 690/Q47 is still a fantastic Score, so it could be enough to get you into your first-choice School. You do bring up an important issue about your GPA, so you would likely find it beneficial to speak with an Admissions Expert about your overall profile and plans. Those Experts should be able to answer your Admissions questions and help define the specific areas of your profile that could use some improvement. There's a Forum full of those Experts here:

https://gmatclub.com/forum/ask-admissio ... tants-124/

There are other ways to potentially 'offset' your lower GPA (that do not involve retaking the GMAT), but they would take time to implement (and you might need to push back your applications). While I understand that that idea probably does not make you happy, it's important to remember your REAL Goal - to get into your first-choice School (not to 'rush in' an application if it's likely to just be rejected).

1) On what dates did you take each of your Official GMATs and how did you score on EACH (including the Quant and Verbal Scaled Scores for EACH)?

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich

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From 690 to 650... don't know what to do.

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