GMAT score is in

by **TFAApp** Fri Sep 12, 2008 4:40 pm

Hi Alex,

In reference to a conversation that was posted a few months ago, I had some follow up questions, but for some reason it wouldn't let me reply to the original post. Here it is:

http://www.manhattangmat.com/forums/tea ... t3855.html

So I wanted to give you an update. I've been moving along on my applications, but I came to a snag. I got a 660 on my GMAT (Q 43 (68%) V 39 (87%)). I'm already signed up to retake.

My concern is that my quant score isn't very high, which does little to reassure the adcoms that I can handle the finance courses when my experience is more on the "soft skills" side. How high should my quant be given my background? (or at what point does it stop being a liability?)

My next try is Oct 14, and if I get a solid score, I'm going to go ahead and submit my application for first round, but if it's not, I'll take another month or two and go for second round. My question is, where is that line? Should I go ahead and apply first round at 680 if I get it, or put it off another month for the 700? My essays are already in the draft stage, so I'm not worried about weakening the overall app...it's just the darn GMAT!

Also, at what score do the schools on my list stay firmly out of reach (and I should therefore save my money applying)?

For reference, I'm applying to: Wharton, Stanford, HBS, MIT, Chicago

by **MBAApply** Sat Sep 13, 2008 6:18 pm

Given your profile, I don't think you'll be out of the running of any of the top schools (again, they really like TFA folks plus you have an interesting enough background that they will seriously consider your app no matter what unless your score is like 500).

For the quant section, 80% is ideal, but even if you can get it past 70% that would help. As for overall score, the 660 is at the margins (meaning that if it's below 660, it will be a serious liability).

I suggest giving the GMAT another try, and then regardless of score, just plow ahead and apply to these schools for Round 2.

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