Retake Gmat?

[What2Do]

I just got dinged for the NYU Stern Spring 09 Part-time program. My GMAT score was 660. I definitely want to reapply. My question is whether I should retake the GMAT again or try to improve in other areas. The problem is that they don't give you any feedback on your application.

[MBA Mission]

Thank you for your inquiry.

Considering the fact that you now, unfortunately, have some time, taking the GMAT would likely be a good idea. However, you should only take the GMAT again if you think that you can improve upon your score. There is obviously no point in taking the test again if you think that your existing score is your best possible performance.

Feel free to offer more details of your candidacy. There can be other ways for you to improve...

Sincerely,
Jessica Shklar
MBA Mission

646-485-8844

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

I just got dinged for the NYU Stern Spring 09 Part-time program. My GMAT score was 660. I definitely want to reapply. My question is whether I should retake the GMAT again or try to improve in other areas. The problem is that they don't give you any feedback on your application.

[MBAApply]

Sorry to hear about your ding. Without seeing your application, it's hard to say what happened. However, my hunch is that your GMAT alone wasn't the issue - you're certainly well within the middle 80% for the part-time program. As you know, the adcom looks at a variety of things - your GMAT/GPA, quality of work experience, and your written application (essays, rec letters) in addition to an interview (if you had one). My suggestion is to take some time away from the application - maybe a few months or so. Then re-visit the application you submitted with fresh eyes - you may find aspects that you could've improved upon. Alternatively, you can always sign up to have a ding analysis done by any of the various admissions consultants out there (including myself).

Alex Chu
alex@mbaapply.com
www.mbaapply.com
http://mbaapply.blogspot.com

[What2Do]

Here are my stats
I'm Chinese American
26 yrs old
3-4 yrs on trading desk as a Trading Assistant
Gmat: 660, Quant 44, Verbal 38
BS degree, 3.6 GPA
2 Good Recommendations
No Interview for Part-time...at least I don't think they do

[What2Do]

My mistake. I mean to say 3.4 GPA

[MBA Mission]

Dear What2Do,

Thank you for providing more information on your profile. It helps explain a bit more about the ding from NYU and what you could do to improve. First, you don't mention any community involvement. If you're not involved with any activities outside of work and want to re-apply, this is an excellent opportunity to find something you're passionate about and get involved. Don't just sign up for a bunch of random activities in order to have extracurriculars on your resume though; find something you're interested in that relates somehow to your background and get deeply involved in that. You should also focus on re-taking the GMAT, trying to raise your score at least to a 680. Finally, make sure to visit NYU in person so that you can speak convincingly about why it attracts you in both your essays and your interview. There really is no substitute for an on-campus visit, so that should be a priority of yours.

Best wishes,

Sincerely,
Jessica Shklar
MBA Mission

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

[What2Do]

Thank you for your feedback.
I will re-take the GMAT and try to raise my score.
I have visited the school for an on-campus tour.
And as for community involvement, I currently volunteer at a martial arts school. I also just signed up for a mentoring program. Again, thanks for your help.