Retake GMAT or concentrate on other factors ?

[bikerguy.baj]

Could you kindly evaluate my profile :

I wrote my GMAT a few days back, and scored 680 (Q-48, V-35), and got an AWA score of 4.5 .

I am planning to apply for fall 2009, and will have a full time work experience of 2 years by next july 2009. My undergrad aggregate score is 79% (not sure how to convert this into GPA), and my extracurricular activities were average during undergrad. I am working for an automobile software MNC, and since it has been just 1.5 years in my organization, I do not have a strong managerial experience(or something like many people suggest you must have).

I have not started work on my essays or the reco letters yet. Now, considering the fact that some universities have their deadlines as early as oct 1st week, and most others by nov 1, do you think i shall go ahead with the application process, or look at improving my GMAT score. Many stalwarts say another 20-30 extra points will not make a huge difference, what is your take on this ?? And, based on my profile, what is the range of schools that i can apply to ?

I may have got a better score, but I dont really know if i have the time to prepare and improve on the present score.
Please help me out on this, since I am in a dilemma, and have to come to a decision quickly.

Thanks in advance.

Regards,
Bikerguy !!!

[MBA Mission]

As you consider retaking the GMAT, you should first consider whether you think you can improve your score and by how much. You seem to imply that you might only be able to improve by 20 points. I often tell candidates to divide GMAT scores by ten to gain some perspective and recognize how minimal the differences are. If the average is a 70 and you have a 68, is it really worth killing yourself for two points? I ask this question rhetorically, but the answer in my opinion is that if you have a substantial profile, then the 680 should be enough for a top-school. After all, not everyone can be above average and many candidates will be accepted with that score. Still, in your case, I am not sure what to write because I don’t have a strong grasp of your case. What do you do at this MNC?

Sincerely,
Jeremy Shinewald
MBA Mission

Sincerely,
Jeremy Shinewald
MBA Mission

Website: www.mbamission.com
Blog: www.mbamission.com/blog
MBA Mission Insider’s Guides: www.mbamission.com/store.php

Could you kindly evaluate my profile :

I wrote my GMAT a few days back, and scored 680 (Q-48, V-35), and got an AWA score of 4.5 .

I am planning to apply for fall 2009, and will have a full time work experience of 2 years by next july 2009. My undergrad aggregate score is 79% (not sure how to convert this into GPA), and my extracurricular activities were average during undergrad. I am working for an automobile software MNC, and since it has been just 1.5 years in my organization, I do not have a strong managerial experience(or something like many people suggest you must have).

I have not started work on my essays or the reco letters yet. Now, considering the fact that some universities have their deadlines as early as oct 1st week, and most others by nov 1, do you think i shall go ahead with the application process, or look at improving my GMAT score. Many stalwarts say another 20-30 extra points will not make a huge difference, what is your take on this ?? And, based on my profile, what is the range of schools that i can apply to ?

I may have got a better score, but I dont really know if i have the time to prepare and improve on the present score.
Please help me out on this, since I am in a dilemma, and have to come to a decision quickly.

Thanks in advance.

Regards,
Bikerguy !!!