Waitlisted at Darden - retake the Gmat?

Question

Hi Linda,

I was waitlisted at Darden. I was wondering if I should retake the GMAT. In your experience is Darden open to requests for waitlist feedback?

My current score is 680 V 38 Q46. 
27, M. 
International student living in US.
5 years experience in consulting. Worked on some unique projects. Co-author on a congressional study of a major housing issue. 
Undergrad GPA 3.03 from University of Richmond. Majored in Economics and Finance, but the hold a degree in Business Admin.
Post MBA goals include transitioning to work in nontraditional finance in VC capacity.

Also applied to Wharton (Interview-D), NYU (r1), Booth(r2), Yale(r2). Still waiting to hear on the last three.
 
Thank you

Accepted.com · Answer

In our recent  Darden Q&A with Sara Neher , she indicated that Darden gives feedback to applicants who are rejected and want to reapply, but they do so in June. She said nothing about feedback to currently waitlisted applicants.

Best,
Linda

jenniferbloom · Answer

Hi, Fuji. I just wanted to add that there is no reason not to retake the GMAT to try to boost your score. The 680 is not differentiating you currently, so boosting the score will help in several ways:
1) you'll show that you're serious about getting in to Darden by making this effort (and of course, you can send the new score to the R2 programs as well)
2) you'll demonstrate that you have the innate cognitive ability to perform well in the program, and 
3) you'll be preparing for a re-application to Darden and other programs next year (if it comes to that) by boosting the GMAT score now. 
Regards,
Jennifer Bloom, CPRW
310-815-9553

fuji · Answer

Hello Linda and Jennifer,

I followed your advice and re-took the GMAT. I improved my score by 50 points - 730 (Q82%, V94%). I informed Darden and Stern, where I am waitlisted about my scores. How impactful do you think it will be this late in the game? Also, any other steps I can take to improve my odds to get off the waitlist? Finally, what else should I be doing to prepare as a re-applicant ?

Thanks

jenniferbloom · Answer

I think it will be very impactful. If they have a place for someone with your background, then you just pushed yourself up the list with the much stronger GMAT. If you do have to reapply, I recommend using your time now to visit the programs, speak with current students and alumni about the programs to get a good sense of what makes each special, and continue leading at work and in the community to generate more great content for the most important element of your application: the essays!

popper · Answer

I just thought that I'd add my experience. I applied last year with a sub-par GMAT and was waitlisted and eventually denied. I asked for a feedback session in the summer, and I was told that the ONLY weakness in my application was my GMAT. I retook it, reapplied and was admitted. I guess the moral of the story is that if you can "act" on the feedback given, it'll show that you really want to be at the particular school. PM me if you have any specific questions.

jenniferbloom · Answer

Thanks for sharing your success story, Popper! You are further evidence that there is hope after a waitlisting and denial!

Waitlisted at Darden - retake the Gmat?

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