GMAT score 710 but low quant score; retake test?

[aleksander_karlsen]

I got a 710 score, but the score on the quantitative section was weak (scaled score: 43, percentile: 68%) and significantly below my "trend level" (trend level appear to be approx 80% percentile on quant based on test exams). 710 may be a realistic indicator of my performance, even if it does not convey the truth of my quant vs verbal analytical abilites (performed above "trend" on one section and "below" trend on the other section).

My first-choice MBA-schools are Columbia and Wharton. Stanford, Harvard, and London Business School are my second choices.

Will the low quant score adversely affect my chances to gain attendance at Wharton or Columbia? Does these schools stick "hard" to the 700+ AND 80/80 "rule"? Does Columbia and Wharton look more at the quant score than the overall score?

I have tried to find information on the topic, but havent become much wiser; some sources seem to indicate that GMAT overall score is only a neccesity (if the score is ok they dont look much more at it anymore but instead focus on essays etc), whereas other sources indicate that getting a high score on both sections on the GMAT may indeed be decisive for application success.

Best regards Aleksander

[mbamission]

Hi Aleksander,

Your overall score is very respectable and meets the hurdle for your first choice schools. However, Admissions Committees will look at the percentiles on both verbal and math sections. With that said, not everyone in the admitted class will have a 700 80/80. Further, your professional and prior academic experience can offset weakness in the quantitative portion of the exam.

Does your work experience and/or undergraduate degree demonstrate that you have the necessary skills and aptitude to handle a quantitatively rigorous program
If so, you might consider using the optional essay question to address the GMAT score. i.e. despite a somewhat weak showing on the quantitative section of the GMAT, you are confident that based on your background, you are very capable of handling MBA level coursework. If not, then you might consider retaking the test if you believe that a higher quantitative score is realistically achievable.

I hope this helps.
Regards,
Erin

Erin Schuhmacher
MBA Mission
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