Columbia/NYU Exec MBA GMAT requirements?

[Guest_9.27]

I scored a disappointing 620 (Q - 42, V - 34) on my second attempt at the GMAT (1st attempt was a dreadful 550...did not prepare well). This was after scoring significantly higher on my practice tests:

MGMAT CATs were: 1) 640 (Q - 43, V - 34) , 2) 670 (Q - 43, V - 38), 3) 600 (Q - 36, V - 35), and 4) 650 (Q - 44, V - 35). I took the GMAT Prep tests again, just before I took the exam. I only recognized about 2 questions per section (from when I took these practice tests back in May...in prep for my first go-around)...and for those, I would purposely get 1 wrong and 1 right to try to even out the scores. My scores were very good. Prep 1) 680 (Q - 47, V - 37); Prep 2) 700 (Q - 44, V - 42).

Not sure why I did so poorly on the real exam as compared to my practice tests. Not sure what I should do at this point. I am applying to the EMBA programs at Columbia and NYU (Jan. 2009 start), and wanted a score of at least a 630 (NYU EMBA median), and preferably a 650 (Columbia EMBA median). Both schools have 620 within the middle 80% of their acceptances, so I know there is a chance I can get in with this score. I feel like the rest of my application is strong, but I only have 8 years work experience...so that might be a slight disadvantage. I could take the exam one more time before final applications are due. I am leaning towards applying for the early deadline -- if they decline me..., I can then ask them if an improvement in my GMAT score would change their minds. This way I dont have to take it again unless I absolutely need to.

Based on my practice tests I feel like I should be able to score 650 or above..., but the two real exams are leaving me with doubts. Its really devastating to get a disappointing score, especially when you have prepared so much. Not sure I want to got through it all again :(

Can you provide any thoughts on my chances of acceptance with my current GMAT score? Is it worth it to take the exam again, to try to get a 650? Will that really make the difference?

Thanks.

[MBAApply]

Just give these programs a shot without a re-take. It's the tradeoff you're going to have to make. My hunch is that more study time may not necessarily yield a big enough jump to make a huge difference (i.e. you're much more likely to get a mid-600s score than anything) compared to simply focusing on the written application. As you said, the scores are in the middle 80% range for these EMBA programs, so focus on the more pressing issue which are the written applications and interview. And if the GMAT is really the only issue for them, they would likely waitlist you and suggest you try and retake it again.

Alex Chu
alex@mbaapply.com
www.mbaapply.com
http://mbaapply.blogspot.com

[Guest_9.27]

Thanks Alex. I appreciate the advice and agree that this is my best course of action at this point. As you said, if they are really stuck on the GMAT score...I will take it one more time and see if I can push it up.

Thanks again.