Should I retake GMAT?

[ck186008]

Hello - I would appreciate some feedback on my profile.
Took the GMAT recently and got a 710 (Q: 45; V:41). Had been doing much better on practice tests so believe I could have done better. I am worried mostly about the imbalance in score percentiles (Q: 71% and V:92%).

I graduated 4 years ago from Princeton with a 3.55 GPA, and worked in investment banking at Goldman for 2 years, and now work in corporate development doing M&A and strategy at a well known media company. I have a lot of finance & quant background and experience in my job, so I am wondering if my job experience w/ finance could help balance my quant score on the GMAT.

I am looking at applying to the top schools - Harvard, Wharton, Stanford, Columbia next fall.
Would you advise I retake the GMAT or focus on extra-curriculars & boosting my application at this point?
Thank you very much!

[rachel]

Hi! Your overall GMAT score is competitive, but some of the top schools like to see candidates get in the 80th percentile for quant. That doesn't mean you won't get in with your score, but you are right on the edge. That being said, you seem to have strong professional experiences, which the AdComs will look at closely. Given your background, I would point to your quantitative experiences to bolster your applicant. In addition, in order to have your application stand out, look for ways to highlight your professional accomplishments, not responsibilities, and showcase your leadership potential - you don't need to be managing anyone but you need to show the AdCom that you are someone who takes risks or initiative, or makes decisions. Two other things that will round out your application - strong extra-curriculars where you are more than just a participant but actually take a leadership role, and letters of recommendation that play up your strengths and accomplishments.

Best of luck,

Rachel Beck

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[ck186008]

Hi Rachel - So is your recommendation that I retake the GMAT to improve my quant score or focus on improving my leadership / extra curricular activities before applying next fall?

Thanks!

[rachel]

As I said previously, your overall score is good but your quant score is a little below what the top schools are looking for. Candidates do get in with quant scores at your level, but if you have the time, I would consider taking the GMAT again. Also, it's also important to have strong leadership stories drawn from your professional and outside experiences. That is a key component of the business school application.

Hope this helps.

Rachel