2nd try after 4 years .. Q45(77%) V41(93%) 710(93%) retake?

Question

4 years ago, I gave my first GMAT while still in school, and got Q49(91%) V36(81%) 690(92%). After being out of school for 2.5 years, I gave it a 2nd shot today. Having been consistently scoring Q49~50 in GMATPrep, I couldn't help but feel a little bit disappointed when I got my score. I improved my verbal score significantly but it makes me think that an imbalanced score like this will put me at a disadvantage. Now I know that my new score is indeed higher than the last one, but I feel that the last score that I got was more balanced, and each section was >80%. Do you guys think that I should apply using my higher but less balanced score or the lower but more balanced one? I know 20pt isn't a very big difference since most top-15 schools now have average GMAT of 700+. I am also debating on whether to retake or not. But it seems like even if I can push my Quant to 49 and Verbal stays at 41, this will only give me a 730, which is a mere 20 increase. Trying to decide whether it's worth the effort & time to do a retake

My demographics: GPA: 2.85 in Computer Science & statistics from top 1 school in Canada 26 y/o Taiwanese Canadian(lived in Canada since 14) 2.5 years experience in software development(at matriculation) 1 year tech consulting(international) I am quite worried about my low GPA that's why I am trying to get a higher GMAT to offset that. Being a major in statistics, I did quite well on my lower level stats courses(A's & B's). However, I didn't do as well in the upper level stats(B's & C's) as I put more emphasis on my Computer Science courses. I was hoping that a high quant mark such as the one I got in my first try would help me to mitigate this, but it did not work out that well this time. :evil:

What do you guys think?? retake or stick with it !!?

bsd_lover · Answer

Its a decent score. Dont bother. I am finding that GMAT is the easier part of MBA school application. The essays are far more time consuming and equally critical part of the application. Have a look at the essays.

CookieMonster · Answer

I have read everywhere that the GMAT is much more important than the essays, and in my opinion it should be. 

am i missing something?

kryzak · Answer

Cookiemonster, where is "everywhere?"

So far from reading this entire forum, a ton of blogs of people who made all the top schools, and all the different MBA admission books, they all discount the GMAT score as something that will only hurt you, but won't help you dramatically. They all point to the essays as the key (in addition to having the experience to back it up, of course).

riverripper · Answer

People with 800s get rejected by schools so obviously it can't be the most important thing. That said it definitely wont hurt you to take it again if you are confident you can improve your score...it would be worth not going up much if you can bump your Q up at the cost of a little V.

With a GPA that is going to fall towards the low end you do need a GMAT that is above the average to help balance that out. You are Asian and a computer guy...both go against you but you are a canadian citizen which might help a little. Honestly if I were in your shoes I may go for it again to bring the Q up but also since the higher you get it the more it will help to offset your GPA.

CookieMonster · Answer

Hmm, didn't know that. I guess I better really take these essays seriously.
Can you revcommend a mba admissions book?

kryzak · Answer

"How to get into the Top MBA Schools" - Richard Montauk

Check out the B-school application forum, lots of good recommendations.

bsd_lover · Answer

You are right, the GMAT is pretty important, BUT only to a certain extent. Once you get to the average score for your desired university (710 is good for most top universities) , your essays and how you present yourself take precedence.

braindancer · Answer

Bad GMAT can hurt.

Good GMAT is just a pre-requisite, no bonus at all.

Stellar GMAT can attract some attention; there is a small probability that the school will want to admit you to boost their GMAT score range (not the top school, of course.)

So, overall - once you have a 700+, stop digging the GMAT and switch to telling your story via essays, recs and resume. That is MUCH more important.

anonymousegmat · Answer

Being able to communicate (both in writing and speaking) your ideas effectively is critical to success in any profession. B-Schools want applicants who have at least some experience wordsmithing. Your GMAT score IS very important... but give them a 750 GMAT and a crappy essay and you won't get a second glance.

trahul4 · Answer

I do agree with riverripper here. You need an above average GMAT to offset your low GPA. A 740-750 is very handy in your case, ofcourse, along with good essays.

kidderek · Answer

A 710 and a 690 isn't too dissimilar. If you take it again and receive a 780. One can't help but think that the 780 is a fluke and your true abilities are that of your average of 700.

Another words, don't bother. In the past two years, I hope you spent your time getting a promotion, gaining valuable leadership responsibility, and joining some extra curricular activity.

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2nd try after 4 years .. Q45(77%) V41(93%) 710(93%) retake?

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