How worthwhile to retake / will it make a difference?

[myrrhicvictory]

Hello,

I took the GMAT today (first time) and received a 680. I had some issues during the quantitative section (break went on for longer than I intended by 2 min + slight ensuing panic) gave me a 60%. I received 92% on the verbal section, so my score was balanced a bit.

I am not sure how much better I could do if I took the test again. I am a new graduate from UC Berkeley, and looking to apply to Masters in Accountancy programs in a few months. The schools I am looking at list their average score around 650. However, I am a new graduate (very little work experience) and my GPA is around 3.4.

My questions are:

1. How worthwhile is it to retake the test? Will a few minutes longer on the quant. section make a difference ( I felt like I didn't know the answer anyways)?

2. Will it matter to the schools if my score were maybe 20 points higher? Will they dislike the low quant. score, or do they only look at the total? I understand MaCC programs evaluate candidates a bit differently than MBA programs.


Also I just wanted to say I really like the forum :). Thanks for your help!

[erin]

Hi -

Just to clarify, you are applying to MaCC programs and not MBA programs?
I won't claim to be an expert on MaCC as that is not our area of focus so I don't know much about what criteria are important to them...

With that said, if you had an issue with your break and it caused the poor score, it seems as though if you took it again and did not have this issue, chances are your score would increase?

Sorry for not being able to provide more assistance. If, in fact, I misunderstood your plan, please do let me know.

Erin

Erin Schuhmacher
Senior Consultant
mbaMission
www.mbamission.com

[myrrhicvictory]

Erin, thanks for your reply.

Yes, I am applying for MAcc, not MBA. ( I know I'm probably not qualified for MBA anyways since I just graduated.)

My main concern is whether a low percentile in one section will reflect badly regardless of the score?

I am not entirely certain how much I can improve, but I will study some more and take the test again because I have a bit of extra time :).

Thanks again.

[erin]

Hi - As a team, our expertise is in MBA programs so I am not sure I am in a position to comment. My suggestion may be to anonymously contact your targeted school's to get any input you can.

Best,
Erin