GRE vs GMAT

[sorcererlfc]

Hello,

I'm a senior undergrad and wish to apply for the HBS 2+2 Program. I took my GMAT 10 days back and scored a disappointing 690 despite getting 720+ consistently on my practice tests. Not having the time to retake the test, I appeared for GRE without much preparation and scored 332. Now, I'm confused which score should I apply for HBS.

Score details:

GMAT:
690 overall
50Q (90th percentile)
31V (59th percentile)

GRE:
332 overall
169Q (99th percentile)
163V (93rd percentile) which translates to 800+650 = 1450

I know that GRE is considered to be easier than GMAT and top MBA schools might prefer the GMAT. But my Verbal percentile is way better in GRE and I don't know whether I should apply only with my GRE score or both GRE & GMAT.

I would greatly appreciate any recommendations on this matter.

Thank you

[mili]

Hi there,

Tough question! I'd probably recommend that you report your GMAT score and self report your GRE score. On the GMAT, they'll see a very strong quant score (which they weight more heavily than verbal), and you can write an optional statement explaining that you believe the low verbal score was a fluke (and reference your GRE score as evidence).

However, your safest bet would be to retake the GMAT and improve that verbal score if at all possible.

Good luck,
Mili

Mili Mittal
Senior Consultant
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[animesh.jay11]

Thanks a lot for your recommendation. Well, I cannot take the GMAT again before the application deadline as it would mean taking the test twice in less than 30 days. Would it do any harm to include both the scores in the application?

Also, can you let me know the difference between reporting and self-reporting the scores.

Thanks once again!

[mili]

Hi!

Great question. Official reports are the ones that get sent from the testing company (GMAT/GRE) - you actually tell them which schools to send your scores to. Self reporting means you list it in your application where they ask for your scores. Does that make sense?

It will not hurt to self-report both scores. It will give the full picture, so I think that's a good thing to do.

Good luck,
Mili

Mili Mittal
Senior Consultant
http://www.mbamission.com
 
Read the mbaMission Insider's Guides (16 individual school titles)
 
Download [url=http:// http://info.mbamission.com/MBA-Personal-Statement-Guide/]mbaMission’s Free Personal Statement Guide[/url]
 
Visit the mbaMission Blog
 
Follow mbaMission on Twitter