Math classes before applying

[Guest]

I have a 680 GMAT score (63% Quant, 92% Verbal) and want to stick with that score and not retake the GMAT for a 3rd time. I am planning to apply this fall for 2010 entry, hopefully to a top 15-20 school.

Next week I will start a continuing ed class (NYU) in Statistics for Management to boost my application in the quant area a little bit, and am happy to take another class (maybe accounting) as well as further proof that I can handle the quant side of school. The problem is that my job tends to be very busy and unpredictable in the summer months and into the early fall, so I am concerned that I will not have time to take the second class before my applications are sent in. Is it worth anything to the adcoms if I note that I plan to take a second quant class in the spring, even though that would technically be after my admissions decision is made? Or is it imperative that I take the 2nd class before my applications are turned in in order to really count for something? I only took one relatively easy math class in college, so my background is not that strong either (even though I did get an A in that class). I really don't want the quant stuff to get in the way of my admission - I know I'll be okay in the classroom!

Advice would be much appreciated! Thank you!

[MBA Mission]

Thank you for your inquiry.

I certainly would not discourage you from taking a second course and think that it will still add something to your candidacy. It won’t add as much as a strong A grade, but it will send a message that you are serious about building your strengths in this area.

While we can’t quantify the benefits of taking the class, because it is not a quantitative evaluation process, you are still better off, incrementally, with the class, especially if you did well in the first.

Sincerely,
Jeremy Shinewald
MBA Mission

646-485-8844

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I have a 680 GMAT score (63% Quant, 92% Verbal) and want to stick with that score and not retake the GMAT for a 3rd time. I am planning to apply this fall for 2010 entry, hopefully to a top 15-20 school.

Next week I will start a continuing ed class (NYU) in Statistics for Management to boost my application in the quant area a little bit, and am happy to take another class (maybe accounting) as well as further proof that I can handle the quant side of school. The problem is that my job tends to be very busy and unpredictable in the summer months and into the early fall, so I am concerned that I will not have time to take the second class before my applications are sent in. Is it worth anything to the adcoms if I note that I plan to take a second quant class in the spring, even though that would technically be after my admissions decision is made? Or is it imperative that I take the 2nd class before my applications are turned in in order to really count for something? I only took one relatively easy math class in college, so my background is not that strong either (even though I did get an A in that class). I really don't want the quant stuff to get in the way of my admission - I know I'll be okay in the classroom!

Advice would be much appreciated! Thank you!