In need of advice...

[eellison85]

Hello,

I am a bit discouraged at the moment as I just took the GMAT a second time, and received the same score, 670. I studied for the first test for about 7 weeks, MGMAT and OG 12, and scored Q42 V40. I am interested in CFA Partner programs for my MBA; I'm considering: NYU, Boston College, Boston University, Berkeley, Cornell, USC, UC Irvine. To prepare for my second GMAT attempt I enrolled in Knewton b/c of their money-back guarantee. I studied for 5 weeks straight, completed the program, and scored Q40 V42. I was quite dismayed because I had focused on my quant skills and was very confident I would score at least a Q45 to get a score over 700. I literally took the test 1 hour ago, so here I am, debating whether I should try again in a month (3rd time!) or just accept the 670. I am really amazed that I scored only a Q40, I was a bit rushed at the end of quant though, and really didn't feel that confident upon completion. Thankfully Verbal was in the 95%, otherwise my score would have gone down. In hindsight, I think focusing on math for 5 weeks made me slower, as I wanted to (and felt able to) solve every problem.

I entered the Air Force right after college. This is all the work experience I have. I have a 3.2 undergrad GPA from a top 100 University, BS in Finance, glowing LORs, and solid essays (AWA 5.5). I need someone to tell me if this Quant score is the make/break part of my application. If I retake the test, am I just going to score the same, again? I would say BC and BU are the MBA programs I'm most interested in (Berkeley, which is my dream school, seems a bit far-fetched). I am looking to apply for the Fall of 2013.

Any advice would be appreciated at this point. Keep in mind I don't have endless financial resources and am working full time.

Thanks in advance!

Ethan

[eellison85]

Anyone?

[rachel]

Hi! Of course, it is frustrating to study hard for the GMAT and get the same score twice. If you think you have it in you, then it doesn't hurt to try again. Most schools accept your highest score, so it doesn't matter the number of times you take it. That being said, your 670 does put you within the range that both BC and BU tend to look for. It's not at the top of the range but it's also not at the bottom. If you feel like you are a strong candidate for these schools, then you could apply with the score you have.

Best of luck,

Rachel Beck

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