GMAT; which one to report?

[aleksander_karlsen]

Hi

I recently took the GMAT again. I got a 710 last time around but with a low quant score (68% percentile). Unfortunately, it did not go as I had expected this time around. 690 total score and 76% on quant and 87% on verbal is dissapointing but at least better on the quant part. Based on test exams on Manhattan Gmat I had expected more on both parts of the exam, I feel as if 690 is minimum attainable performance (I got a 99% percentile on quant on one test exam, cannot understand how managed the shit 76% percentile score). Still, I do not have time to retake it so have to choose between which GMAT score to report.

It is worth noting that the only two schools I will apply to is Columbia and London Business School (Masters in Finance). My intent is to take a finance focused MBA/MiF and then get a job in a long-only stock fund or a hedge fund. My goal is to get into buy-side equity.

Which one of the GMAT scores should I report?

It is possible for me to counteract the weak quant score I think; my employer sees quant analytical abilities as a strength of mine, I already have a Masters of Science in Finance with a quant focus (among 15% top students), and I am underway with the CFA.

It annoys the shit out of me that I could not manage at least 720 and 90% on verbal and 80% on quant, but guess I have to just let it go and focus on essays now. This standardised GMAT test...; will annoy me forever that were not able to get a top score.

Look forward to receving feedback:-)

Thanks in advance!

Kind regards Aleksander Karlsen

[mbamission]

Hi Aleksander -

My advice is to submit the higher score- that top line number tends to be the one they look at. But do write the optional essay as well, explaining the quantitative nature of the work that you do and your strong quantitative grades in school. I don't think with your background that they'll be concerned about that aspect of your application.

Good luck,

Jessica Shklar
mbaMission

our blog: www.mbamission.com/blog