Profile evaluation: Should I retake GMAT?

[mayank.utexas]

Hi evaluators,

I'm aiming to apply next year to the top 5 MBA programs only. My GMAT was disappointing (720), I was scoring quite a bit higher in practice tests. Since the programs I plan to apply to are very prestigious, I feel a low GMAT score would be a disadvantage. Should I retake it, lest the low score become a disadvantage? My profile otherwise isn't very strong in the extra-curricular area either.

Indian male, 28yrs
Married

GMAT: 720

Education
The University of Texas at Austin
MS, Computer Engineering
GPA: 3.83

BE, Electronics
Delhi College of Engineering;
79.2%

Studied at the best high school in India

Work:
2007-2011
Software Engineer, Big chip company

Previously interned in the US and in India.

Extra Curriculars:
1) Volunteer work
- tutored 8th graders on Math for a few months
- tutoring 8th graders on Robotics this semester
- In college, created software for teaching illiterate people to read and write.

Why MBA:
Sound domain knowledge of the tech industry, now I want to be in a decision-making role in technology.

Thanks for your help

[mbamission]

Hi Mayank,

Thanks for writing in. From the cursory information I have, my inclination is that your biggest challenge will be differentiating yourself from the large pool of male Indian candidates with IT backgrounds. A 720 is a very good score and would be in range at top schools. The best way to differentiate yourself is through your essays -- I'd rather see you spend 20+ hours you would need to prep for the GMAT on writing clear, focused essays, as those will help you more than an incremental improvement in GMAT.

Best of luck,

Daniel Richards
http://www.mbamission.com

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