Profile evaluation GMAT 700 -> Retake?

[kar.leung]

Hi there,

It's been a while since I was in school. I have about 8 years of working experience as a IT professional working on commodities (energy) trading applications at a global bank. I understand that large percentage of applicants have IT backgrounds, so besides being a woman in a male dominated industry, my tech background may not help much. The two MBA programs I am interested are the NYU part-time program and the Columbia Executive MBA program.

I receive a 700 (50Q / 34V) from the GMAT which I feel very uncertain about. My GPA from my university days were poor (3.0).

Do you think I should retake the GMAT or should I apply as it is? If I were to retake, what score should I be aiming for in order to put some weight on my application? Can you also recommend a third school in NYC with a part-time / executive program which I should consider apply to as well?

Many thanks for your help.

K

[mbamission]

Hi K,

Thanks for writing in. IT is definitely an overrepresented sector in MBA application pools but you are right that it is usually males from this sector, so you can at least differentiate yourself somewhat. The Columbia EMBA program is generally for people who are being sponsored by their employer, so it may not be the match you are looking for. I think NYU part-time would be a good option for your profile -- your GMAT is on par, although if you do retake it I would focus on trying to bring the Verbal score up a few points. Other part-time programs that might interest you are Fordham and Baruch.

Good luck!
Daniel Richards
http://www.mbamission.com

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[sameerdrana]

Is 700 like a cutoff score? I have read almost everywhere that the application is viewed holistically.
I have a 690 (Q48 V37) AWA 6.0 with GPA 3.2 in undergrad.
Come from IT background with 13+yrs work-ex.
What are my chances? My schedule will not permit me to re-take GMAT so I was wondering if 690 will be just turned down or I still have a good chance.

Regards,
Sameer

[mbamission]

Hi Sameer-

You are right that applications are viewed holistically; 700 is by no means a "cut-off score." It is however, a benchmark that applicants often reach for.

Best of luck,

Daniel Richards
http://www.mbamission.com

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[ankitagrawal079]

Hi,

I have a GMAT score of 700(50q 34v). I do not have any work experience and am applying to oxford MFE and HEC paris MSC finance. My undergrad score is only 60%. Should i retake GMAT?
And what should be the minimum score i aim for?

And is a good GRE score a substitute for GMAT(the institutes accept GRE but i have heard that GMAT is preferable over GRE)??