GMAT 740 but only 46Q - should I take again?

[j.william.bell]

I just took the GMAT and got a 740 46Q 46V. The quant score was a huge disappointment because my goal was 50, and I had scored 49 on both my GMATPrep exams and scored high 40s - 50 on my last few MGMAT CATs.

I'm planning to apply to INSEAD's January intake and Columbia's J-term. I was going to enter INSEAD's second round, which has a due date of June 15. So if I retake the GMAT, I'll have to push back to the September round, which I don't like because of the increased competition and because I currently don't have a job because I took a year off to travel and recently got back, and I feel like the lack of a job is easier to explain if I've been back for a shorter length of time.

I worked for 5 years in an investment bank and was promoted quickly, making VP by the age of 26. However, I'm worried that because my background is finance, I'll be judged harshly for the Q score even though the overall score is OK. I don't know how I screwed it up so badly, but I guess I can't worry about it now.

Should I take it again and push back my INSEAD application to the third round? Or does the tradeoff with the increased competition and my current job status make it a wash?

[j.william.bell]

Also, I graduated summa cum laude from an Ivy League university with a double major in Economics and History.

[messi10]

Congratulations, that's a great score!

[j.william.bell]

Congratulations, that's a great score!

Thanks, I'm happy with the overall score, so I don't want to sound like an ingrate, but I'd feel more comfortable with it if it meant a lower verbal score and a higher quant score. Because my professional background indicates I probably should have a higher quant score, I'm wary of being penalized by admissions.

[mbamission]

Hi J.Willam,

While I understand you were hoping for a higher Quant score, I do think you're overthinking the matter. A 740 is a tremendous score , and you have already demonstrated a competence in Quant skills through your college degree and banking work. Perhaps one of your recommenders can mention the strong Quant skills you bring to your work, to alleviate any concerns that may exist. But I do not recommend retaking the GMAT, especially if it throws off your application schedule.

Best of luck!
Daniel Richards
http://www.mbamission.com

Read the mbaMission Insider's Guides (14 individual school titles)

Visit the mbaMission Blog

Follow mbaMission on Twitter